Events calendar

This year's Castrum Vallis presents contemporary artistic interpretations of the theme "Traces".

62nd Castrum Vallis Opens at "Ulika" Gallery

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.

Exhibition Opening

Saturday, 25 July 2026, 8:00 PM

Location

"Ulika" Gallery, Bale-Valle

The exhibition remains open until 15 August 2026.

The legendary jazz festival returns to Bale.

From 1 to 4 August 2026, Bale once again becomes a meeting place for jazz lovers from around the world. The Last Minute Open Jazz Festival, one of Croatia's longest-running and most respected jazz festivals, has been bringing outstanding Croatian and international musicians to the historic heart of Bale for more than two decades.

Founded through the enthusiasm of the Jazz Konoba Kamene Priče, the festival has grown into one of Bale's signature cultural events. This year's edition once again offers four evenings of exceptional live music under the stars, combining contemporary jazz, outstanding performers and the relaxed atmosphere that has made the festival so distinctive.

The 2026 programme features artists from Croatia, Slovenia, Brazil and Poland, presenting a diverse range of jazz styles, from contemporary jazz and vocal performances to improvisation, fusion and world music influences.

Festival programme

Saturday, 1 August
DžeZZva feat. Marko Vuksanović (Slovenia / Croatia)

Sunday, 2 August
Viviani Godoy Trio (Brazil)

Monday, 3 August
Unleashed Cooperation (Poland)

Tuesday, 4 August
Shuffle Truffle (Austria / Croatia)

The Last Minute Open Jazz Festival is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the local community and partners who share a passion for outstanding live music. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Bale, the Bale Tourist Board, Jazz Konoba Kamene Priče, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Croatia, and the Austrian Cultural Forum, which supports the festival's closing evening on 4 August.

Join us for four unforgettable summer evenings of world-class jazz in the unique atmosphere of Bale.

Dates: 1 – 4 August 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

Music, dancing and summer energy return to the streets of Bale.

One of Bale's most anticipated summer evenings is back. On Tuesday, 4 August 2026, the traditional Bale Night will once again bring great music, lively entertainment and a festive atmosphere under the summer sky. The highlight of the evening will be a concert by Danijela Martinović, while Night Express Band will keep the energy going with performances before and after the headline show.

Danijela Martinović, one of Croatia's best-known singers, has delighted audiences for decades with her timeless hits. Alongside her concert, Night Express Band will complete the musical programme with energetic performances of Croatian and international favourites, keeping the dance floor alive late into the night.

For many years, Bale Night has been one of the highlights of Bale's summer calendar. It is an evening when locals and visitors come together to celebrate summer with music, dancing and good company.

Alongside the live performances, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. Food and drink stands, family-friendly entertainment and activities for children will create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening.

Join us for a memorable summer evening filled with music, dancing and great company in the heart of Bale.

Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Location: School's playground
Performances: Danijela Martinović and Night Express Band
Admission: Free

Love, family and Tinder in one Istrian comedy.

Teatar Naranča returns to Bembo Fest 6 with its hit comedy Istrijan na Tinderu, a witty story that combines family relationships, modern dating and plenty of humorous misunderstandings with a distinctive Istrian flavour.

The story follows Massimo, a young man from the small Istrian village of Cunculići, who simply cannot find a girlfriend. As his family increasingly reminds him about his age, expectations and the "right time" to get married, Massimo decides to do something that shocks everyone in his village – he creates a Tinder profile. What follows is a series of hilarious situations, family entanglements and unexpected twists that guarantee an evening full of laughter.

The play is written by Goran Mihovilović, while Majkl Mikolić signs the adaptation and directs the production. Together with Vlatka Rubil, he brings all the colourful characters of this comedy to life.

The performance will take place on Thursday, 6 August, at 9:00 PM, in Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale, as part of the Bembo Fest 6 programme.

Admission is free.

Written by: Goran Mihovilović
Directed and adapted by: Majkl Mikolić
Performed by: Majkl Mikolić and Vlatka Rubil

Event information

Festival: Bembo Fest 6
Date: 6 August 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

This summer, Bembo Fest once again brings a diverse programme of theatre performances for children and adults. Explore the full programme of Bembo Fest 6.

A musical theatre story inspired by the spirit of Bale.

As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, 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, 7 August 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Forno, Bale
Performance: One Beautiful Night in Bale
Performance language: English
Admission: Free

Spend a summer evening in Bale with great music, dancing and a lively atmosphere.

David Danijel takes the audience on a musical journey through the biggest dance hits from the 1960s to the 2000s. The playlist features disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, twist, jive, Italo disco and funk, bringing together songs that have kept dance floors full for decades.

Whether you are ready to dance or simply enjoy the music and the summer atmosphere of Bale's historic centre, Dance Party promises an evening filled with rhythm, fun and great company.

Free admission.

Join us on Saturday, 8 August at 9:00 PM in Tomaso Bembo Square!

Date: 8 August 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale

One of the Brothers Grimm's best-loved fairy tales comes to Bale in a new stage adaptation by Teatar Naranča.

Cvilidreta | Teatar Naranča

In a kingdom burdened by debt, a young girl appears who is believed to possess the extraordinary gift of spinning straw into gold. As her remarkable ability brings hope to the kingdom and draws her closer to the young prince, Cvilidreta, the king's cunning adviser, quietly pursues plans of his own.

Filled with humour, suspense and memorable characters, the performance explores themes of greed, honesty and courage, reminding young audiences that true wealth is found not in gold but in kindness and the people we trust. The play is suitable for children aged 3 and above and has a running time of 40 minutes.

As part of the Little Bembo programme, Teatar Naranča brings Cvilidreta to Bale on Wednesday, 12 August at 9  PM in Tomaso Bembo Square, as part of the 6th Bembo Fest.

Free admission.

Text: Mathilde Vukosavljević
Director: Majkl Mikolić
Set Design: Valentina Ferlin-Živić and Vlatka Rubil
Costume Design: Valentina Ferlin-Živić
Music: Irena and Mauro Giorgi
Poster Design: Alessia Vodopia

Cast: Majkl Mikolić, Vlatka Rubil and members of the Teatar Naranča Drama Studio

Event information

Festival: 6th Bembo Fest, Little Bembo programme
Date: 12 August 2026
Time: 9 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

Theatre in the unique setting of Fort Forno.

As part of the programme, on Thursday, 13 August, at 9:00 PM, the historic Fort Forno will become the stage for the Italian theatre performance “Son io cosa vostra? - Donne, maschere e musica... Goldoni oggi”.

The performance is presented by Hellequin Theatre Company from Pordenone, bringing together commedia dell’arte, acting, masks and music through the theatrical world of Carlo Goldoni.

The stage brings together female characters from Goldoni’s works, their relationships, desires and questions which, although rooted in the 18th century, still feel remarkably relevant today. In a lively and witty performance, the play explores Goldoni’s female characters and their relationship with the world around them.

The setting adds another dimension to the evening. Fort Forno, an Austro-Hungarian fortification set in the landscape near Bale, will once again become a theatre stage. Its stone surroundings create a distinctive meeting point between historic architecture and Italian theatre.

Script and direction: Ferruccio Merisi
Cast: Lucia Zaghet, Giulia Colussi, Daria Sadovskaia
Music: Alice Gaspardo and Jacopo Pittino

Date & Time: Thursday, 13 August 2026, 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Forno, Bale
Admission: Free

Following the summer break, Wine & Friends returns to Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, celebrating the perfect pairing of fine wines and exceptional cuisine.

The evening's guest is the renowned Zagreb steakhouse Marble, presenting six carefully crafted courses paired with Meneghetti wines.

Places are limited and reservations are required. Enjoy an afternoon of outstanding food, fine wines, and great company.

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Admission: Free, reservation required: https://meneghetti.hr/kalendar-dogadanja/bbq-day-at-oliveto-1508/

The Bale Tourist Board invites you to celebrate Bale Tourist Board Day on Saturday, 15 August 2026, starting at 9:00 PM in Tomaso Bembo Square.

Enjoy an evening filled with music that never goes out of style. The greatest hits of the legendary ABBA will turn the square into an open-air dance floor, with songs that have brought generations together and continue to inspire people to sing, dance and enjoy summer nights.

The evening's live performance will be brought to you by ABBA Tribute Band ABBAzzia, recreating the energy and atmosphere of one of the world's most iconic pop groups.

Join us for a summer evening of music, dancing and celebration in the heart of Bale.

Date & Time: Saturday, 15 August 2026, 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

Visit Meneghetti Beach Club, part of Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, near Bale, on 15 August from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and enjoy an evening where a relaxed seaside atmosphere meets Distillery Aura's signature cocktails and a stunning sunset.

Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink before enjoying a laid-back evening with DJ sets and the sound of the waves. Bartenders from Meneghetti and Distillery Aura will join forces to craft exclusive Aura signature cocktails created especially for the occasion.

Great company, excellent music, and outstanding cocktails – the perfect recipe for a summer evening.

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Beach Club,  https://share.google/o2gHXidf4h1rMWP8y
Admission: Free

Following the summer break, Wine & Friends returns to Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, celebrating the perfect pairing of fine wines and exceptional cuisine.

The evening's guest is the renowned Zagreb steakhouse Marble, presenting six carefully crafted courses paired with Meneghetti wines.

Places are limited and reservations are required. Enjoy an afternoon of outstanding food, fine wines, and great company.

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Admission: Free, reservation required

One tiny heroine, with a whole big world waiting to be discovered. Thumbelina comes to Bale to take young audiences on a journey filled with curious encounters, little fears and big adventures.

On Wednesday, 19 August at 9:00 PM, Tomaso Bembo Square will host the children's theatre performance “Thumbelina”, based on the well-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Presented by the Beli Manastir City Theatre and the artistic organisation KD Ad Astra, the performance brings the world of little Thumbelina to life through acting, movement, original music and simple stage elements.

Thumbelina is a tiny heroine who suddenly finds herself in a big and unfamiliar world. Along her journey, she meets different characters and faces new challenges, gradually discovering her own courage, curiosity and desire to find a place she can call home.

The performance lasts approximately 40 minutes and is recommended for children aged 4 and above.

Text and music: Zoran Herman
Direction: Daniela Taslidžić Herman
Stage movement: Petra Bernarda Blašković
Choreography: Antonija Blažević

Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

What happens when a mother and her son sit down for a coffee? Quite a lot, especially when the mother wants to know everything about her son's life.

As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, on Thursday, 20 August at 9:00 PM, Tomaso Bembo Square will host the theatre performance “Na kavici u podne” (A Coffee at Noon) by Miro Gavran.

This comedy explores the relationship between a mother and her son through everyday conversations, advice, misunderstandings and situations that many people will recognise. She is a mother who likes to know everything that happens in her son's life, while he tries to keep the peace and avoid conflicts, often by following his mother's advice.

The story follows their relationship through different situations and stages of life, from 1988 to 2019, offering a humorous look at family dynamics and the ways in which relationships evolve over time.

Cast: Mladena Gavran and Vedran Komerički
Written and directed by: Miro Gavran

Date & Time: Thursday, 20 August 2026, 9:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale
Admission: Free

A musical theatre story inspired by the spirit of Bale.

As part of the 6th Bembo Fest, 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, 7 August 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Fort Forno, Bale
Performance: One Beautiful Night in Bale
Performance language: English
Admission: Free

22 August 2026 | 10:00 PM | Bale

A summer night, a bicycle, and the stone streets of Bale. That's all you need for an unforgettable ride.

The 11th XM Under the Stars Bale returns with another unique night cycling experience through the historic streets of Bale and the surrounding countryside. The race starts at 10:00 PM, and for one hour riders will make their way through narrow stone alleys, town squares and local trails, cheered on by spectators along the route.

The combination of night riding, an exciting course, pleasant summer temperatures and a truly special atmosphere makes this one of Istria's most distinctive recreational cycling events.

All participants will receive an event T-shirt, a warm meal and a drink, while the top riders will be awarded medals. After the race, the evening continues with live music.

Year after year, the event attracts a growing number of cycling enthusiasts and has become a well-established summer tradition. Join us on 22 August and experience Bale from a different perspective, on two wheels and under the stars.

Following the summer break, Wine & Friends returns to Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, celebrating the perfect pairing of fine wines and exceptional cuisine.

The evening's guest is the renowned Zagreb steakhouse Marble, presenting six carefully crafted courses paired with Meneghetti wines.

Places are limited and reservations are required. Enjoy an afternoon of outstanding food, fine wines, and great company.

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Admission: Free, reservation required: https://meneghetti.hr/kalendar-dogadanja/bbq-day-at-oliveto-1508/

On Saturday, August 22 at 8 PM, the MMC Ulika in Bale will host the opening of the photo exhibition “The Churches of Valle”, dedicated to the religious heritage of Bale and its surrounding area.

The exhibition is presented by photographers Siegfried Schwarz and Luka Jereb. The project grew from their shared interest in documenting Istria’s ecclesiastical heritage. For years, Siegfried Schwarz has been working on a photographic project documenting the churches and chapels of the Istrian peninsula, covering approximately 1,000 sacred buildings. His meeting with Luka Jereb, a resident of Bale and author of previous exhibitions dedicated to local heritage, led to the idea of a project focusing specifically on the churches of Bale.

The project documents approximately 28 churches and chapels in Bale and the surrounding area. The photographs include churches in the town itself, as well as smaller chapels and churches situated in the surrounding landscape.

The particular value of the project lies in documenting the religious heritage of Bale as a whole. Since the exhibition can present only one photograph of each church, a dedicated volume has also been prepared as a detailed catalogue and guide to the documented sites. The texts about the churches were taken from available sources of the City of Bale, while the texts about the saints were prepared by Luka Jereb.

The photo exhibition “The Churches of Valle” opens on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 8 PM at MMC Ulika in Bale.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until September 18, 2026.

Authors: Siegfried Schwarz and Luka Jereb
Opening: Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 8 PM
Venue: MMC Ulika, Bale
Exhibition open: until September 18, 2026

Balota’s words still have a rare sense of closeness. They speak of people, home, fear, love and life without grand gestures.

On Sunday, August 23, Krmed will host the poetic theatre project “Life Is Beautiful Only When We Overcome Fear”, inspired by the dialect poetry and thoughts of Mate Balota.

Mate Balota, whose real name was Mijo Mirković, captured the life of Istrian people through his writing, their language, everyday lives, concerns and dreams. This closeness to people and the place he came from remains one of the defining qualities of his work.

The project is created by Robert Raponja, Massimo Brajković and Robert Pauletta. The performers are Robert Raponja, Lara Živolić Agaj and Massimo Brajković. The performance draws on the Chakavian language and Balota’s thoughts on belonging, love for one’s homeland, life and human courage.

There is no traditional stage or distance between the performers and the audience. The performance takes place among the spectators, face to face, creating a space where Balota’s words come directly to those listening.

The title carries the central thought of the performance. To live more fully means having the courage to take a step despite fear. Balota’s words do not feel like a message from another time. They feel like a conversation that could still take place among people today.

The performance is a co-production of Teatar Fort Forno from Bale and Čakavski sabor Žminj.

The performance begins at 9 PM, next to the school in Krmed.

Admission is free.

Practical information

Date: August 23, 2026
Time: 9 PM
Location: Krmed, next to the school
Admission: Free

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS

Three grandchildren, one grandfather and family situations that many will recognize.

Through play, humour and everyday conversations, Boris Senker tells the story of a family in which everyone has their own place, habits and way of seeing the world. Children learn from adults, adults learn from children, and between them arise those little arguments, agreements and playful disagreements that we all know from our own families.

The granddaughter is the youngest. She loves acting, singing and dancing. The middle grandson is trying to find his place between his older sister and younger brother. The oldest is already a little tired of children’s games and is trying to be more serious.

And where does Grandpa fit into all of this?

Grandpa is a member of their team. He listens to their stories, gives them advice, checks their homework and helps them whenever they get stuck. Sometimes he jokes, sometimes he makes mistakes, but he always remains part of their game.

“What is Grandpa for?” explores the relationships between children and adults, learning from one another, and the different roles we have within a family. Children learn from those closest to them, but through children, adults also get the chance to see the world from a different perspective.

The performance is intended for children and families.

Admission is free.

Text: Boris Senker
Director: Robert Raponja
Music: Massimo Brajković
Costumes: Desanka Janković
Make-up and set design: Krešimir Tomac
Cast: Ana Lanščak, Davor Tarbuk and Dominik Dolenc
Guitarist: Toni Cukon

Basic information:
Festival: 6th Bembo Fest, Mali Bembo programme
Date: 26 August 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free

The clever fox and the stork who will not let her tricks go unanswered arrive in Bale with a performance by Teatro Naranča.

The Fox and the Stork | Teatro Naranča

The fox likes to play tricks on others. The stork will soon find herself the target of one of her pranks. But when things turn around, will the joke still be just as amusing for the fox?

“The Fox and the Stork” is based on Aesop’s fable of the same name. Through play and humour, the youngest audience members are introduced to a story about different characters, friendship and the consequences of our actions. The performance is suitable for children aged 3 and over and lasts 30 minutes.

As part of the Little Bembo programme, Teatro Naranča will perform “The Fox and the Stork” in Bale on Wednesday, 26 August at 8:00 PM at Tomaso Bembo Square.

After the performance, there will be a party for children, marking the closing of this year’s Little Bembo programme.

Admission is free.

Text: Vlatka Rubil
Director: Majkl Mikolić
Costumes: Valentina Ferlin – Živić
Set design: Vlatka Rubil and Valentina Ferlin – Živić
Songs: Vlatka Rubil

Cast: Mathilde Vukosavljević / Vlatka Rubil / Matilda Nikić and Gabriel Perić / Majkl Mikolić

Information

Festival: 6th Bembo Fest, Little Bembo programme
Date: 26 August 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Age: 3+
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: Free

Sandra Bagarić and Darko Domitrović bring the musical and theatrical programme "Beautiful life: The story of my life” to Bale as part of the Bembo Fest.

On Thursday, 27 August at 8 PM, at the cistern next to the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bale’s old town, audiences can look forward to an evening combining music, stage performance, humour and personal stories.

Opera singer and actress Sandra Bagarić and pianist and composer Darko Domitrović present the programme "Beautiful life: The story of my life”, in which a concert performance intertwines with stories and an intimate encounter with the audience. Voice and piano remain at the heart of the performance, while the format moves beyond a traditional recital, opening space for conversation, humour and personal moments.

Sandra Bagarić is known for her opera and operetta roles, as well as numerous theatre and television appearances, while Darko Domitrović has many years of experience as a pianist and composer in the worlds of concert music and theatre. Together, they create a performance in which music and storytelling complement each other, offering a light-hearted perspective on everyday life.

Music by the cistern in the old town

The performance will take place at the cistern next to the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bale, in the heart of Bale’s old town. The stone streets and intimate space around the cistern provide a natural setting for a performance that brings the artists close to the audience.

The evening is part of the Bembo Fest programme and brings two acclaimed Croatian artists to Bale with a performance that turns a concert into a theatrical encounter filled with music, stories and humour.

"Beautiful life: The story of my life”, Sandra Bagarić and Darko Domitrović

Date & time: Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 8 PM
Location: cistern next to the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bale
Programme: "Beautiful life: The story of my life”
Part of: Bembo Fest
Admission: free

In Bale’s historic centre, among the stone streets and beside the old cistern, poetry finds its place through voice and music. On Friday, 28 August at 8:00 PM, Josip Ledina and Diego Vitasović bring their poetry evening “Dreams of Stone” to Bale as part of the Bembo Fest programme.

At the cistern beside the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Elizabeth, the audience will hear a selection of poetry by different authors and from different poetic traditions, ranging from Croatian poetry of the 20th century to French poetry and 20th-century chansons.

The evening is created and performed by Josip Ledina and Diego Vitasović, with poems by A. B. Šimić, Josip Pupačić, Mak Dizdar, Tin Ujević, Petar Gudelj and Vesna Parun, alongside French poetry and 20th-century chansons.

The different poetic voices bring their own themes and rhythms. Šimić’s concise, stripped-down language, Pupačić’s lyrical clarity, Dizdar’s connection with history and stone, Ujević’s restless and musical expression, together with Gudelj’s Mediterranean imagery and Vesna Parun’s intimate tones, create an evening shaped around attentive listening and interpretation.

French poetry and 20th-century chansons broaden the programme further, bringing words, rhythm and music together. “Dreams of Stone” is therefore more than a poetry reading; it is an evening in which different poetic worlds meet through voice, music and performance.

Poetry by the Cistern in Bale’s Historic Centre

The performance will take place at the cistern beside the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Elizabeth, in the heart of Bale’s historic centre. The stone setting and close proximity to the audience suit a programme centred on voice, poetry and listening.

Dreams of Stone
Josip Ledina and Diego Vitasović

Date: Friday, 28 August 2026 at 8:00 PM
Location: Cistern beside the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Elizabeth, Bale
Programme: Croatian and French poetry and 20th-century chansons
Part of: Bembo Fest
Admission: Free

Following the summer break, Wine & Friends returns to Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, celebrating the perfect pairing of fine wines and exceptional cuisine.

The evening's guest is the renowned Zagreb steakhouse Marble, presenting six carefully crafted courses paired with Meneghetti wines.

Places are limited and reservations are required. Enjoy an afternoon of outstanding food, fine wines, and great company.

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Admission: Free, reservation required: https://meneghetti.hr/kalendar-dogadanja/bbq-day-at-oliveto-1508/

Music evenings at Bale continues with a live performance by Angelica Zacchigna and Aleksandar Lukić on Saturday, August 29 at 9 PM in Tomaso Bembo Square.

Angelica Zacchigna brings vocals and electronics to the stage, joined by Aleksandar Lukić on guitar and looping. Together, they create a live duo that combines different sounds and approaches to contemporary music.

The concert takes place in Tomaso Bembo Square, in the heart of Bale, with a programme built around vocals, electronic elements, guitar and looping.

Angelica Zacchigna feat. Aleksandar Lukić
Saturday, August 29
Starts at 9 PM
Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale

Free admission.

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS

Doctor Dolittle and his animal friends are ready to take young audiences on an unforgettable adventure.

The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle | Teatro Naranča

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 Monday, 31 August , at 8:00 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

Event Information

Festival: 6th Bembo Fest, Little Bembo programme
Date: 31 August 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Tomaso Bembo Square, Bale-Valle
Admission: Free

More children's performances await throughout the summer. Discover the Bembo Fest.