Things to do
The Vrnjačka Banja Carnival
The Vrnjačka Banja Carnival (Vrnjački karneval) is the spa's biggest event and one of the largest tourist events in Serbia. It is held every July, lasts about a week and turns the whole centre into a stage — from morning matinées in the park to concerts after midnight. According to the Vrnjačka Banja Tourist Organisation, it draws more than 200,000 visitors.
What carnival week looks like
The programme starts in the morning and runs late into the night. Based on the programmes of previous years, a typical carnival day looks like this:
| Time of day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Matinées in the park: choirs, piano, acoustic duos in the music pavilion; eco and craft workshops for children |
| Early evening | Folk ensembles, dance studios, open-air children's theatre |
| Evening | Concerts by well-known performers and tribute bands on the main stages |
| After midnight | DJ sets for a younger crowd |
All week, clowns, street entertainers and artists move along the promenade, and there are exhibitions of photography, flowers and traditional crafts.
The parades
The highlights of the carnival are the parades. The children's carnival parade takes place mid-week: nurseries, schools and associations march along the promenade in masks the children made themselves. The big international carnival parade is on Saturday evening, with carnival groups from Serbia and abroad, traditionally followed by fireworks. For a good spot along the promenade, arrive at least an hour early.
Accommodation in carnival week
This is the busiest week of the year. Apartments near the promenade are booked months ahead, prices are at their seasonal peak, and many hosts ask for a minimum stay of several nights.
- Book as soon as the Tourist Organisation announces the dates — ideally in spring.
- For families: an apartment with a kitchen saves a lot in a week when restaurants are full; see our guide to apartments in Vrnjačka Banja.
- For a quiet night: stay upstream towards the Snežnik spring or on the slopes, ten to twenty minutes' walk from the stages.
- Coming by car? Ask for a confirmed parking space — in carnival week there is practically none in the centre.
The carnival is also a favourite time for fake listings priced below everyone else. Before paying a deposit, read how to check a host in our guide to booking accommodation safely.
The rest of the summer
The carnival is just one of the summer's events. The Film Screenplay Festival, Love Fest and classical concerts keep the spa lively all summer — see our overview of events in Vrnjačka Banja.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Vrnjačka Banja Carnival?
Every July, usually in the middle of the month, for about a week. The Vrnjačka Banja Tourist Organisation announces the exact dates for the current year, usually several months in advance.
When is the big carnival parade?
The big international carnival parade is traditionally on the Saturday near the end of the carnival and passes along the promenade. The children's carnival parade takes place a few days earlier, in the middle of carnival week.
Is the carnival good for families with children?
Yes. Children's shows, fancy-dress parties, face painting and the children's parade are part of the daily programme. Late concerts and DJ sets are for an older crowd, so for quiet nights choose accommodation away from the squares with stages.