Dubrovnik Welcomes 2026 with a Powerful Music Program and All-Day Events Transforming the City into a New Year’s Celebration Hub.

As part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, the City of Dubrovnik has prepared a richly designed program culminating in a large open-air concert on the craziest night of the year. The centerpiece musical event of the celebration will undoubtedly feature one of the region’s greatest and most influential musicians, Dino Merlin. Known by fans as the “Sarajevo Wizard,” his return to Stradun—where he held an unforgettable concert for New Year’s Eve 2018—promises an evening full of emotions and timeless hits that have defined generations.

Alongside Dino Merlin, the main stage will host Jakov Jozinović, recognized for his strong energy, modern pop sound, and hits that stand out on the local music scene, as well as Hiljson Mandela, one of the most popular representatives of the new generation, whose performances consistently get the audience on their feet. The organization of the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubrovnik began at the start of the year, with the goal of carefully preparing an event that offers multiple benefits—from the enjoyment of citizens and visitors to a positive impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“This year, we continue the tradition of bringing top performers who fill halls and arenas across the region, and Stradun once again becomes the place for the most beautiful communal celebration. I am certain we are in for a night that we will all remember for a long time,” said Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković.

The detailed New Year’s Eve and January 1, 2026 program begins with activities for the youngest. At 11:00 AM, a children’s New Year’s celebration will take place on Stradun with Jacques Houdek. The festive atmosphere will extend to all Advent locations, notably Gundulićeva Poljana, Pile-Brsalje, Festanica at Trg Oružja, and Advent Park in Gruž. On New Year’s Eve, the traditional Dubrovnik Bartenders’ New Year’s Cocktail begins precisely at noon.

In the evening, starting at 9:00 PM, Stradun becomes the main New Year’s stage with performances by Jakov Jozinović, Dino Merlin, and Hiljson Mandela, leading the audience into 2026 with outstanding music and a unique atmosphere.

The first day of the New Year begins just as festively. At 11:00 AM on Stradun, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra will perform a New Year’s concert, while Advent Park Dubrovnik hosts a children’s replay of the New Year’s Eve celebration at the same time. The evening of January 1, 2026, will feature a concert by Petar Grašo, rounding off the rich program and providing a fantastic continuation of the New Year festivities.

In recent years, Dubrovnik has hosted numerous renowned performers, including Zucchero, Nina Badrić, Parni Valjak, Toni Cetinski, Silente, and Petar Grašo, establishing the Winter Festival as one of the most significant winter events in Croatia. The strong interest already indicates that this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration will attract thousands of visitors and once again fill accommodation across the city.

The City of Dubrovnik invites all citizens and visitors to join together in the unique city setting to bid farewell to the old year and welcome 2026 with music, celebration, and unforgettable communal spirit.

To facilitate access to Advent programs for as many residents and visitors as possible, free transportation is available on Libertas buses on city and suburban routes throughout Dubrovnik every day from 5:00 PM until the last departure.

The Dubrovnik Winter Festival is held with the support of Ruđer Bošković Airport, Lokrum Nature Reserve, Coca-Cola, Jadranski Luxury Hotels, RAO d.o.o., Best in Parking, Dubrovnik Port, ATIS Dubrovnik, Texo Molior, Vile Dubrovnik, wpd Adria d.o.o., OTP Bank, Hotel Lero, Građevinara Quelin, Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik, Tehnogradnja, Catering Flaminga, Elektro Team d.o.o., Kompas Travel, and PROTO-ARCH.