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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 · 53 days left
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OverviewGalleryProgramTravelDetails

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.

Plan your arrival

Travel & Logistics

Pula

Full destination guide

Closest airports

  • Pula Airport (PUY) — ~7 km (about 15 min)

    Budget airlines serving this airport: Ryanair, Eurowings

  • Trieste Airport (TRS), Italy — ~120 km

    Budget airlines serving this airport: Ryanair, Volotea

Train & coach arrival

• Pula railway and coach stations — regional connections

Ferry & port connections

• Seasonal catamarans to Venice and nearby islands

Organised by WOFA

• Airport & port transfers: available on request — share your flight or ferry details and our team will send a quote and coordinate private group transport to your hotel. • Local group coaches: private transport can be booked on request for concerts, performance venues and day trips. • Excursions & guided tours: tailored sightseeing and activities can be arranged for your group with upfront pricing. • All additional services are optional and priced on request, based on your group size and schedule.
Contact WOFA

Getting around

Pulapromet operates city and suburban buses.

Practical notes

Approach through the Istrian road network. Confirm seasonal airport shuttles and allow extra time for coastal traffic.

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.
2–6 Sep 202753 days left
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