Skip to content
World FestivalAssociation
FestivalsCroatia
7 momentsWrite a review
Official WOFA festivalMixed / All PerformanceApplications open

XXIV NTERNATIONAL MUSIC & FOLK – DANCE FESTIVAL “ISTRA FEST” 2027

Destination
Pula, Croatia
Dates
2–6 Sep 2027
Length
5 days · 4 nights
Apply by
15 Dec 2026
Start group application
OverviewGalleryProgramStay & pricesDetailsReviews

Overview

The festival

The XXIV International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “Istra Fest” takes place from 2 to 6 September 2027 in Pula, Croatia.

The festival presents the cultural traditions of different countries and creates opportunities for friendship through music and dance.

Organized by S.S. in cooperation with WOFA – World Festival Association.

Program

Day by day

Thursday 2 September

Arrival

  1. Arrival and free time.

  2. Dinner at the hotel.

  3. Free time.

Stay & prices

Accommodation packages

Price includes

  • One complimentary place for every 25 participants.
  • Certificate of attendance.
  • Souvenir and gift for each group.
  • Drinks during performances.
  • Free hotel parking.
  • Access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
  • Access to the resort’s own beach.
  • Festival advertising and promotion.

Not included

  • Tourist tax and insurance: €1.60 per person per day.
  • Arrival and departure transportation, which groups must arrange themselves.
  • Airport transfers: organizers can assist groups arriving by plane, including transfers from Trieste to Pula. Costs are paid separately and depend on group size and arrival point.
  • All medical expenses, which must be covered by the group.
  • Bus transfer to Rabac for the Fish Picnic excursion.
  • Entrance tickets and bus transport for Pula Sightseeing.
  • Bus transfer to Fažana for the Brijuni National Park excursion.

Accommodation is provided at the 3-star Tourist Resort Duga Uvala in standard triple and quadruple rooms.

All accommodation packages are on a Half Board (HB) basis, with two meals per day, according to the selected package.

Before you go

Rules, excursions & practical details

Participation

Who Can Participate

Open to folklore ensembles, vocal groups, choirs, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, modern dance groups, art schools and music bands. Children, youth and adults are welcome.

The number of groups is limited.

Application Requirements

  • Submit a short group CV and group photos.
  • Send participant details 20 days before the festival: name, surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
  • Each group should bring its national flag.

Health Insurance & Responsibility

Each participating group is responsible for personal responsibility and health insurance. Medical services are available.

Performance & Stage

  • Prepare a performance lasting 12–15 minutes.
  • USB playback or a live orchestra may be used.
  • Due to the exceptional location at Trg Forum, a stage is not allowed.

Excursions

Optional Excursions

  • Fish Picnic – Cres Island: Full-day boat excursion from Rabac, approximately 10:00–17:00. Includes a boat ride, grilled fish lunch with meat or vegetarian alternatives, drinks, beach time, music and sightseeing in Cres.
  • Panorama Boat Trip: Approximately two-hour scenic boat ride along the Istrian Riviera and Kvarner Bay, with views of Cres, Lošinj and hidden bays.
  • Labin by Night: Guided visit to medieval Labin exploring local history and architecture, with optional olive oil, wine and grappa tasting. Minimum 15 participants.
  • Pula Sightseeing: Guided city tour including the Roman Arena and other Roman and Austro-Hungarian landmarks.
  • Rakalj Village: Visit a traditional Istrian village with panoramic views, a cultural presentation and optional traditional food tasting.
  • Gems of Istria: Tailor-made tour to places such as Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun and Svetvinčenat.
  • Brijuni National Park: Visit the national park with nature, archaeological sites and an open-air zoo. Boat transfer from Fažana is included.
  • Venice Boat Trip.
  • Plitvice Lakes.

Reviews

What groups say about this festival

No reviews yet. Has your group performed here? Be the first to share your experience.

2–6 Sep 2027Applications open
Register group