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XIV INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & FOLK – DANCE FESTIVAL “ISTRA MUSIC FEST” 2027

Destination
Pula, Croatia
Dates
26–30 Jun 2027
Length
5 days · 4 nights
Apply by
15 Dec 2026 · 52 days left

Overview

The festival

The XIV International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “ISTRA MUSIC FEST” brings international ensembles together in Pula, Rovinj and Rijeka, Croatia.

Share your country’s cultural traditions through music and dance, build international friendships and discover the Istrian region. The festival offers opportunities for workshops, excursions and cultural exchange.

Performance videos

Watch performances on the official YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316recTsk42mNoyRQyfmgnkh

Program

Day by day

Saturday 26 June

Arrival and welcome meeting

  1. Arrival, hotel check-in and beach leisure time.

  2. Dinner.

  3. Meeting with festival representatives.

Stay & prices

Participation & prices

Booking & Payment Terms

Groups must pay a 10% guarantee fee in advance, which will be deducted from the final payment.

The deposit must be paid within 10 days of acceptance and receipt of the deposit instructions.

Plan your arrival

Travel & Logistics

Transport to Pula can be arranged for groups arriving by plane in Trieste. Fishpicnic Cres Island and Panorama by Boat depart from Rabac port. The Fishpicnic description gives a 45-minute drive from Duga Uvala; the Panorama description also lists a 45-minute drive. Labin is listed as a 30-minute drive and Rakalj as a 15-minute drive; departure points are not specified. Brijuni Croatian National Park trips depart from Fažana, with a 45-minute drive followed by a boat journey; the driving departure point is not specified.

Before you go

Rules, excursions & practical details

Participation

Applications are welcome from folk ensembles, choral groups, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups and majorette teams from around the world. Children’s, youth and adult groups may participate.

  • Each group may have no more than 60 people, including musicians, dancers, leaders and family members.
  • Participation is limited to up to 3 groups per country.
  • Groups must bring their national flag.
  • Submit a brief group CV and group photos by email.

Application process

  1. Complete the online application form with your group details.
  2. You will immediately receive an email acknowledging your application.
  3. Within 2 days, you will receive your Application Number and a list of required materials.
  4. WOFA will review your application and check availability.
  5. If accepted, you will receive deposit instructions.
  6. Send your deposit confirmation to secure official confirmation of participation.
  7. A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final participant list, travel details and performance information.

Visa & invitations

Accepted groups will receive an Invitation Letter.

Health insurance

Groups are responsible for personal responsibility and health insurance. First aid and medical hospital services are available.

Program and venue information

The official festival program will be provided 1 month before arrival.

Festival location map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1e4f43CXsWFTzPVG7

Optional additional days in Istria include breakfast, leisure time, dinner and free evenings.

Staff review

The source uses a conflicting edition number, XXIII; the supplied festival title identifies this as the XIV edition and has been followed.

The participation section contains an outdated festival year, and the accommodation text contains conflicting July dates. The official edition dates, 26 to 30 June 2027, take precedence.

Performance & Stage

  • Prepare a performance lasting 12–15 minutes.
  • Music may be supplied on USB or performed by a live orchestra.
  • Due to the exceptional location at Trf Forum, a stage is not permitted.

Excursions

Boat excursions

Fishpicnic Cres Island: A full-day excursion from 10:00 to 17:00 on a large boat with a maximum capacity of 160 passengers, two decks, a bar and a toilet. Includes a grilled fish lunch, with meat or vegetarian alternatives, salad, bread and 0.5 L of wine, beer or juice. Enjoy beach time at Dragozetići on Cres, sightseeing in Cres town, and music and entertainment on the return journey.

Panorama by Boat: A two-hour scenic trip along the Istrian Riviera and Kvarner Bay, with views of Cres and Lošinj islands and hidden bays.

Sightseeing tours

  • Labin by Night: A guided visit to the medieval town of Labin, with olive oil, wine and grappa tasting. Minimum 15 participants.
  • Pula: A guided tour featuring the Arena amphitheatre, Roman and Austro-Hungarian monuments, and street festivals when available. Minimum 15 participants.
  • Rakalj Village: Explore a small Istrian village, a hill viewpoint and local heritage and culture, with optional traditional food tasting. Minimum 15 participants.
  • Gems of Istria: A tailored guided tour of Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun and Svetvinčenat, featuring villages, museums and churches. Minimum 15 participants.

National park and special tours

Brijuni Croatian National Park: Discover nature, archaeological sites and an open-air zoo. Discounts are available for children and elderly visitors.

  • Venice Boat Trip: Full-day excursion.
  • Plitvice Lakes Trip: Full-day excursion.
26–30 Jun 202752 days left
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