27
06.2026.
– 05.07.2026.
Date: 9 July 2026, 9:00 PM
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, Bale welcomes the latest comedy by Moruzgva Theatre, a witty and entertaining performance that explores our relationship with artificial intelligence, creativity, and everyday life.
What do you do when you need the perfect idea, but nothing comes to mind?
A local municipality launches a competition for the best tourism promotional film. The job seems simple, the prize is generous, and fame is guaranteed. There is just one problem. Two young creatives cannot come up with a single good idea. Desperate for inspiration, they turn to artificial intelligence to do the work for them, only to discover that working with AI is far more complicated than they expected.
What follows is a series of hilarious misunderstandings, schemes, deception, and an amusing battle between humans and machines, until they finally return to the one thing no technology can truly replace. Human emotion, honesty, and wonderfully absurd creativity.
Fast-paced, contemporary and full of humour, this comedy by playwright Vid Lež, directed by Dražen Krešić, presents relatable situations that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered where technology ends and human imagination begins.
Admission is free.
Playwright: Vid Lež
Director and Adaptation: Dražen Krešić
Cast:
Domagoj Ivanković
Lovre Kondža
Producer: Ecija Ojdanić
Set Design: Iva Liik
Costume Design: Ana Mikulić
Lighting Design: Ivan Liik
Original Music: Zvonimir Dusper Dus
Executive Producer: Nives Bolić
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest
Date: 9 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Venue: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free
Discover the full programme of the 6th Bembo Fest via the link below and spend your summer evenings enjoying outstanding theatre performances in the unique atmosphere of Bale's historic old town.
An evening of Italian vocal music in the unique setting of Fort Forno, featuring a selection of celebrated arias and Italian songs performed by distinguished musicians.
On Friday, 10 July 2026, at 9:00 pm, the historic setting of Fort Forno will host "Bel Canto Italiano", an evening dedicated to the beauty of the Italian vocal tradition.
The concert will feature tenor Zoran Tomaić, accompanied on piano by Sandro Vešligaj, with special guest Vesna Topić, a mezzo-soprano from Split who lives and works in Trieste.
The programme includes a selection of arias and Italian songs by renowned composers including Alessandro Scarlatti, Claudio Monteverdi, Georg Friedrich Händel, Francesco Paolo Tosti, Stanislao Gastaldon, Gaetano Lama, E. A. Mario, Rodolfo Falvo, and Eduardo Di Capua.
The concert is part of Bembo Fest, a summer festival that brings music, theatre and cultural events to unique venues across Bale throughout July and August. Admission to all Bembo Fest events is free of charge.
The festival is organised by Fort Forno Theatre in Bale, with the support of the Municipality of Bale–Valle, the Bale–Valle Tourist Board, Mon Perina d.d., Istria County, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, the Austrian Cultural Forum, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Zagreb.
We invite all lovers of classical music to spend a memorable summer evening in the remarkable setting of Fort Forno and enjoy some of the finest works of the Italian vocal repertoire.
L'estate, il profumo del mare e le melodie senza tempo dedicate all'amore torneranno a riempire la suggestiva atmosfera ai piedi delle mura del Palazzo Soardo-Bembo. Domenica 12 luglio 2026, con inizio alle ore 21:00, in Piazza La Musa a Valle si terrà il concerto "Tribute to Oliver Dragojević", una serata musicale dedicata a una delle voci più grandi e amate della musica croata.
Il pubblico potrà trascorrere una serata accompagnata dalle canzoni che hanno segnato intere generazioni: brani che raccontano l'amore, il mare e la vita e che ancora oggi uniscono persone di ogni età. I più grandi successi di Oliver saranno interpretati dal cantante di Abbazia David Danijel, la cui intensa interpretazione e il timbro vocale inconfondibile restituiscono tutta la bellezza di queste canzoni, accompagnato al pianoforte dal rinomato pianista e professore Vladimir Babin.
Invitiamo tutti gli amanti della buona musica a trascorrere una piacevole serata estiva sotto il cielo stellato di Valle e a rendere omaggio a un artista le cui canzoni continuano a vivere nel cuore del pubblico.
David Danijel, cantante e musicista di Abbazia, è noto per il suo timbro caldo e per le interpretazioni ricche di emozione che conquistano il pubblico. Nel corso della sua carriera ha partecipato con successo a numerosi festival musicali, ricevendo riconoscimenti sia dalla critica sia dal pubblico, e ha collaborato con alcuni dei più importanti artisti della scena musicale croata.
Si è esibito insieme a Tereza Kesovija, Radojka Šverko, Zdenka Kovačiček, Jasna Zlokić e molti altri artisti di rilievo. È inoltre ospite frequente di programmi televisivi che gli hanno dato grande visibilità. Il suo repertorio, eseguito in croato e in diverse lingue straniere, è incentrato soprattutto sulle ballate d'amore, nelle quali emergono pienamente la sua sensibilità interpretativa e la sua musicalità.
Un posto speciale nella sua attività è occupato dai concerti multimediali organizzati presso la Sala Gervais di Abbazia e dedicati ai grandi protagonisti della musica leggera croata. I concerti dedicati a Ivo Robić, Betty Jurković, Ljubo Kuntarić e ai Festival di Abbazia lo hanno confermato non solo come eccellente interprete vocale, ma anche come autore, presentatore, regista e profondo conoscitore della storia della musica leggera croata. Attraverso registrazioni d'archivio, filmati e conversazioni con collaboratori, amici e familiari degli artisti, offre al pubblico una prospettiva unica sul ricco patrimonio musicale della Croazia.
Secondo la critica musicale, il pianista Vladimir Babin è uno dei più autorevoli rappresentanti della sua generazione di pianisti croati. Si è diplomato in pianoforte nel 1985 presso la sezione di Osijek dell'Accademia di Musica di Zagabria sotto la guida del professor Sekošan, per poi completare gli studi postuniversitari conseguendo il master nel 1989 a Belgrado nella classe del professor Trbojević.
Ha ricevuto numerosi premi in concorsi pianistici, tra cui il Premio del Rettorato dell'Università di Zagabria come miglior laureato. Nel corso della sua intensa carriera concertistica si è esibito come solista, con orchestre e come membro di ensemble da camera in Croazia e all'estero. Ha inciso registrazioni per emittenti televisive e radiofoniche e ha pubblicato numerosi supporti discografici.
Dal 1997 insegna presso l'Accademia di Musica dell'Università di Zagabria. Ha percorso tutti i gradi della carriera accademica fino a diventare professore ordinario e dal 2007 al 2017 è stato direttore e responsabile artistico della sede distaccata di Fiume. Dall'anno accademico 2017/2018 svolge la propria attività presso la sede centrale dell'Accademia di Musica di Zagabria. Ad oggi ha pubblicato cinque CD solistici dedicati alla musica classica.
Doctor Dolittle and his animal friends are ready to take young audiences on an unforgettable adventure.
Doctor Dolittle is a well-known country doctor whose love for animals eventually drives away all of his regular patients. But with the help of his loyal parrot Polynesia, who teaches him how to speak the language of animals, his practice soon fills up again, this time with some very unusual patients.
As news of his extraordinary gift spreads across the world, Doctor Dolittle and his animal friends set off on an exciting journey to save the animal kingdom. Along the way, they face challenges that put their courage, wisdom and friendship to the test.
The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, performed by Teatro Naranča, will take place on Tuesday, 15 July, at 9:00 PM in Tomaso Bembo Square in Bale, as part of the Little Bembo programme within the 6th Bembo Fest.
Free admission.
Text: Mathilde Vukosavljević
Director: Majkl Mikolić
Costume Design: Valentina Ferlin-Živić
Set Design: Vlatka Rubil and Valentina Ferlin-Živić
Music: Irena and Mauro Giorgi
Poster Design: Alessia Vodopia
Cast: Vlatka Rubil, Majkl Mikolić and members of Teatro Naranča Drama Studio
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest, Little Bembo programme
Date: 15 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free
More children's performances await throughout the summer. Discover the Bembo Fest.
Can love find its way even when it seems life has already made its final decision?
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, Bale welcomes "Chronicle of a Village Love", a comedy by Teatar Rugantino, written by Ivan Vidić and directed by Dario Harjaček. Through humour and familiar everyday situations, the play explores loneliness, the need for human connection, and the possibility of new beginnings.
The story follows Milivoj, a man in his sixties who, after many disappointments, has found peace in the countryside. As he says: "The city is hell, dangerous and dirty, and I never belonged there because I am a child of the countryside." Together with his neighbour Ljubica, he runs a small egg business, although their working relationship is anything but harmonious.
Milivoj is a stubborn idealist who struggles with everyday life, while Ljubica is a strong woman with a wealth of life experience and a former beauty pageant runner-up. Through witty exchanges, humour and a gradual change in their relationship, the play tells the story of two people discovering that trust and love can still find them, regardless of age.
Playwright: Ivan Vidić
Director: Dario Harjaček
Cast:
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest
Running time: 90 minutes
Recommended age: 12+
Well-known songs, acoustic sound and a summer evening in the heart of Bale.
The summer series of music evenings in Bale continues with a performance by Acoustic Whisper, an acoustic trio from Bale and Pula featuring two guitars and vocals, bringing familiar melodies to life through relaxed arrangements.
Their repertoire includes Croatian and international pop and rock favourites, as well as well-known songs from the former Yugoslav music scene. The acoustic performances give these familiar songs a distinctive atmosphere, highlighting the vocals, guitars and the simplicity of the musical expression.
The music will fill Tomaso Bembo Square in the evening hours, in the setting of Bale’s historic centre, where various cultural and musical programmes take place throughout the summer.
Well-known hits, acoustic arrangements and the atmosphere of a summer evening on Tomaso Bembo Square make this concert a pleasant musical gathering in the heart of Bale.
Programme: Music Evenings
Performer: Acoustic Whisper
Date: 18 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free
The timeless tale of The Three Little Pigs comes to Bale's youngest audience.
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, the Little Bembo programme presents the beloved children's play The Three Little Pigs, performed by Lectirum Theatre Company. On Tuesday, 28 July 2026, Tomaso Bembo Square will once again become an open-air stage where children and their families can enjoy this entertaining theatrical adventure.
Based on the well-known folk tale, the play is written and directed by Mladen Čutura, who also performs alongside Ksenija Pajić, Natalija Đorđević and Arijan Gračić. Through a lively, humorous and interactive performance, young audiences will follow the adventures of the three little pigs and their encounter with the Big Bad Wolf, discovering the importance of teamwork, perseverance and resourcefulness along the way.
Little Bembo is the family programme of Bembo Fest, dedicated to introducing children to the world of theatre through high-quality open-air performances.
We invite children, parents and grandparents to join us for an evening filled with laughter, imagination and one of the world's most beloved children's stories.
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Performed by: Lectirum Theatre Company
Performance: The Three Little Pigs
Admission: Free
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, the romantic comedy "Rivals" will be performed on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in Tomaso Bembo Square. Written by Marijana Nola, directed by Saša Broz and produced by the Lectirum Theatre Company, the performance begins at 9:00 PM and promises an evening of sharp humour, witty dialogue and unforgettable comic moments.
Starring Ksenija Pajić, Natalija Đorđević and Mladen Čutura, the play follows two celebrated actresses whose long-standing rivalry has outlasted the success that once brought them together. Fifteen years later, a theatre director decides to revive the production that made them famous, without telling either actress that they will once again share the stage. As each rehearses her role believing she will perform with someone else, stage manager Martin struggles to keep everything under control, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and unexpected twists.
Once again, Bembo Fest brings outstanding open-air theatre performances to the historic centre of Bale, combining quality productions with the unique atmosphere of its charming town square.
Join us for an entertaining summer evening and enjoy theatre under the stars.
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Performance: Rivals
Performed by: Lectirum Theatre Company
Admission: Free
A musical theatre story inspired by the spirit of Bale.
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, on Friday, 24 July 2026, the remarkable setting of Fort Forno will host the musical theatre production One Beautiful Night in Bale, written by Marijana Nola and directed by Robert Raponja. The performance begins at 9:00 PM and will be presented in English.
Blending music, theatre and storytelling, the performance takes the audience on a journey inspired by Bale, its atmosphere and the people who shape its unique character. The cast features Anastasia Groshko, Juraj Devin, Lara Živolić Agaj, Davor Tarbuk, Jure Černeha, Lorenzo Radović, Ivor Lakić and Domagoj Dobrila, creating a memorable theatrical experience in the extraordinary setting of Fort Forno.
Once again, Bembo Fest brings together theatre, music and cultural heritage through performances in distinctive locations. Staged at Fort Forno, this production offers audiences the opportunity to experience live theatre in one of Bale's most remarkable historic landmarks.
Join us for an evening where theatre, music and the unique atmosphere of Fort Forno come together for an unforgettable experience.
Date: Friday, 24 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Forno, Bale
Performance: One Beautiful Night in Bale
Performance language: English
Admission: Free
Spend a summer evening by the sea with refreshing cocktails, music and a relaxed atmosphere at Meneghetti Beach Club.
On Saturday, 25 July, from 6:00 PM, Rossi Winery will present its new ready-to-drink cocktails and Signature Spritz Series, available throughout the evening at promotional prices.
A live DJ set will provide the soundtrack while the seaside terrace offers the perfect setting to enjoy the sunset and a summer evening by the Adriatic.
Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026
Time: From 6:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Beach Club
Advance reservations are recommended via the following link: https://w.eventlin.com/Meneghetti-Beach-Club?merchant=019f454d-cb61-7404-a8bb-a38b4c76ec95&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=event&utm_content=beach_club
This year's Castrum Vallis presents contemporary artistic interpretations of the theme "Traces".
Ulika Gallery in Bale will open the 62nd edition of Castrum Vallis on Saturday, 25 July at 8:00 PM. For more than six decades, this traditional art exhibition has held an important place on Istria's cultural scene. Over the years, it has left a lasting mark not only on the artistic life of Bale, but also in the memories of the many artists and visitors who have shaped and followed it.
This year's edition brings together selected artists working in painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing and photography, united by the theme "Traces." The theme invites reflection on what remains behind people, time and places. A trace may be physical, emotional, symbolic or social. It may be visible or only subtly perceived, preserved in landscapes, architecture, memories or the artistic process itself. This openness encourages diverse interpretations and contemporary artistic approaches. Through their works, the artists explore what remains after us and the many ways in which the past intertwines with the present.
For 62 years, Castrum Vallis has fostered a dialogue between artists, place and audience, transforming Bale into a meeting point of contemporary visual art and rich cultural heritage each summer. Every new edition brings fresh artistic perspectives and reaffirms Bale's important place on Istria's cultural map.
We invite all art lovers to join us at the exhibition opening and discover how this year's artists have responded to the theme "Traces" through their own artistic expression.
Saturday, 25 July 2026, 8:00 PM
"Ulika" Gallery, Bale-Valle
The exhibition remains open until 15 August 2026.
Sometimes, the biggest lessons are hidden inside the smallest stories.
The Fables Speak Clearly (Basne su jasne) is an interactive theatre performance for children aged 4 and above that introduces young audiences to the timeless world of fables through play, humour and participation. The performance will take place as part of the 6th Bembo Fest on Wednesday, 29 July at 9 pm in Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale.
Through familiar animal characters and their adventures, the play explores friendship, honesty, resourcefulness and responsibility in a fun and engaging way. Children are encouraged to take an active role throughout the performance, becoming part of the story rather than simply watching it unfold.
The play is written by Kordelija Paladin, whose text combines the tradition of fables with a contemporary theatrical approach. Directed by Robert Raponja, the production features Lara Živolić Agaj / Daniela Taslidžić Herman and Dominik Dolenc, who create a warm and lively atmosphere through movement, storytelling and direct interaction with the audience.
Live accordion music performed by Diego Vitasović adds another dimension to the performance, while the imaginative set and costume design by Sofija Lučić creates a colourful stage world that inspires children's curiosity and imagination.
The Fables Speak Clearly (Basne su jasne) invites children to discover that even the shortest stories can carry meaningful messages.
The production is presented by Teatar Fort Forno from Bale in collaboration with the Cultural Development Centre Bilje and Ad Astra Theatre from Beli Manastir.
Admission is free.
Playwright: Kordelija Paladin
Director: Robert Raponja
Production: Teatar Fort Forno (Bale), in collaboration with the Cultural Development Centre Bilje and Ad Astra Theatre (Beli Manastir)
Cast: Lara Živolić Agaj / Daniela Taslidžić Herman, Dominik Dolenc
Live music: Diego Vitasović
Set and costume design: Sofija Lučić
Genre: Interactive children's theatre performance (4+)
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest - Little Bembo
Date: 29 July 2026
Time: 9:00 pm
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free
This summer, Bembo Fest continues to bring theatre performances for audiences of all ages to the historic centre of Bale. Explore the full festival programme and discover the other events taking place throughout the festival.
A preview performance that raises questions about love, marriage and relationships.
The preview performance of "Survey on the Erotic Life of Croatian Women", a new play by Tatjana Šuput Raponja, will take place as part of the 6th Bembo Fest on Thursday, 30 July, at 9:00 PM in Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale.
What begins as a seemingly simple sociological survey gradually develops into a conversation about marriage, love, women's experiences, expectations and relationships. When Anica, a sociology graduate student, visits the home of Ivana Domjanić to conduct research for a magazine, her prepared questionnaire slowly gives way to honest confessions, humour and conversations about topics that often remain unspoken.
Through witty and incisive dialogue, Tatjana Šuput Raponja's play explores how honest we are with ourselves, how many roles we perform in everyday life, and whether one uncomfortable question can open the way to the truth.
The play is directed by Robert Raponja and produced by Gala Teatar, starring Matija Prskalo, Petra Kraljev and Slavko Juraga.
Playwright: Tatjana Šuput Raponja
Director: Robert Raponja
Production: Gala Theatre
Cast: Matija Prskalo, Petra Kraljev, Slavko Juraga
Genre: comedy-drama / chamber psychological drama
Running time: 60 minutes
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest
Date: 30 July 2026
Time: 9:00 pm
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free
This summer, Bembo Fest presents a diverse programme of theatre performances for children and adults. Explore the full programme of the 6th Bembo Fest and discover the other events taking place throughout the festival.
The story of our fellow resident who turned her personal experience into support for others.
We invite you to the book presentation of Ja sam Marija (I am Marija) by author Marija Patljak Bilić, taking place on Friday, July 31st at 7:00 PM at Tomaso Bembo Square in Bale.
In her first book, Marija Patljak Bilić speaks openly about facing a breast cancer diagnosis, her treatment, her family, and finding strength when it seemed there was none left. This personal account brings forward a story of courage, love, perseverance, and the importance of the support we find in the people around us.
Marija is a Bale local known to many as a longtime humanitarian and activist. Following her own struggle with illness, she decided to turn her experience into help for others, working for years to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and offering support to women going through similar life challenges.
The book presentation offers an opportunity to meet the author and talk about the creation of the book, as well as how strength, hope, and the reason to keep going can be found even in the hardest times.
Admission is free.
Event Details
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free
Join us for the presentation of our fellow resident's book and an evening of conversation about life, courage, community, and the strength we find in one another.
Some words never lose their meaning, especially when they speak about love.
Love Speaks (Govori ljubav) is an evening of love poetry and chanson that brings together timeless verses by Croatian and international poets with music and spoken word. The programme will be presented as part of the 6th Bembo Fest on Friday, 31 July at 9 pm at the Old Cistern by the Church, Bale.
Created by Vedran Mlikota and Siniša Ružić, the performance offers a carefully selected journey through some of the most memorable works of love poetry. The audience will hear verses by celebrated Croatian poets including A. G. Matoš, Tin Ujević, Dobriša Cesarić, Arsen Dedić, Zvonimir Golob, Drago Ivanišević, Luko Paljetak, A. B. Šimić, Željko Sabol, Enes Kišević, Dragutin Tadijanović and Renato Baretić, alongside works by internationally renowned authors such as Sergei Yesenin, Konstantin Simonov, Charles Baudelaire, Jiří Šotola, Edgar Allan Poe, Jacques Prévert, Pablo Neruda, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens and Bulat Okudzhava.
The programme is performed by Vedran Mlikota and Siniša Ružić, accompanied by guitarist Matej Šušić, whose live music complements the poetry and chansons throughout the evening.
Set beside the historic stone cistern in the heart of Bale, this intimate performance combines literature, music and spoken word in one of the town's most atmospheric open-air settings.
Admission is free.
Authors: Vedran Mlikota, Siniša Ružić
Performers: Vedran Mlikota, Siniša Ružić
Guitar: Matej Šušić
Genre: Poetry recital and chanson performance
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest
Date: 31 July 2026
Time: 9:00 pm
Location: Old Cistern by the Church, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free
This summer, Bembo Fest continues to bring theatre, music and literary performances to the historic centre of Bale. Explore the full festival programme and discover the other events taking place throughout the festival.
A musical theatre story inspired by the spirit of Bale.
As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, on Friday, 31July 2026, the remarkable setting of Fort Forno will host the musical theatre production One Beautiful Night in Bale, written by Marijana Nola and directed by Robert Raponja. The performance begins at 9:00 PM and will be presented in English.
Blending music, theatre and storytelling, the performance takes the audience on a journey inspired by Bale, its atmosphere and the people who shape its unique character. The cast features Anastasia Groshko, Juraj Devin, Lara Živolić Agaj, Davor Tarbuk, Jure Černeha, Lorenzo Radović, Ivor Lakić and Domagoj Dobrila, creating a memorable theatrical experience in the extraordinary setting of Fort Forno.
Once again, Bembo Fest brings together theatre, music and cultural heritage through performances in distinctive locations. Staged at Fort Forno, this production offers audiences the opportunity to experience live theatre in one of Bale's most remarkable historic landmarks.
Join us for an evening where theatre, music and the unique atmosphere of Fort Forno come together for an unforgettable experience.
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Forno, Bale
Performance: One Beautiful Night in Bale
Performance language: English
Admission: Free
