Jazz is Back Festival — Grožnjan

Every July, the tiny hilltop village of Grožnjan fills with jazz. The “Jazz is Back BP” festival has been running since 1999, and in 2008 it was named Europe’s best boutique jazz festival. The best part? Every concert is free.

2026 Dates

Dates usually announced in spring. Based on previous years, expect mid to late July — typically a two-week run with concerts every evening.

2025 ran July 17-30, so 2026 will likely follow a similar pattern.

What to Expect

Picture this: a medieval stone square, maybe 50 meters across, surrounded by old buildings covered in ivy. A small stage at one end. A few hundred people on chairs, some standing with drinks from the nearby bar. The sun sets behind the Mirna valley, and the music starts.

That’s Jazz is Back.

The lineup mixes Croatian jazz musicians with international guests. Styles range from traditional to contemporary, fusion to experimental. Even if you’re not a jazz expert, the atmosphere makes it special.

My Tips

Come for sunset. Concerts typically start around 9 PM. Arrive by 7 PM to explore the village, grab dinner, and find a good spot.

It’s free but small. No tickets needed, but space is limited. Popular nights get crowded. Weekends and finale nights fill up fastest.

Combine with Motovun. The two towns are 15 minutes apart. Have a truffle lunch in Motovun, then drive to Grožnjan for the evening jazz.

The drive is beautiful. The route through inland Istria — rolling hills, vineyards, hilltop villages — is one of the best drives in the region. Take your time.

Wander the village. Grožnjan is tiny but packed with galleries and artist studios. Browse before the music starts.

Getting There

About 50 minutes from the house. The route takes you through classic Istrian countryside — this is the drive people imagine when they think of Istria.

Parking is at the village entrance. On busy festival nights, you might need to park a bit further and walk. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.

Where to Eat

In Grožnjan: A few small restaurants and konobas. Simple, local food. Book ahead during festival evenings.

In Motovun (before): Mondo for truffles, Pod Voltom for traditional Istrian. The perfect setup for a Grožnjan jazz night.

Picnic option: Bring wine and cheese from the house, find a spot with a view.

Make a Day of It

My recommended inland Istria day:

• 10 AM: Leave the house, scenic drive through the interior
• 11 AM: Explore Motovun, walk the walls, take in the views
• 1 PM: Truffle lunch in Motovun
• 3 PM: Drive to Grožnjan (15 min), coffee with a view
• 4-6 PM: Browse galleries, wander the streets
• 7 PM: Aperitivo at the terrace bar
• 9 PM: Jazz concert
• 11 PM: Drive home through the quiet night

See Also

• Grožnjan — village guide
• Motovun — truffle capital, perfect lunch stop
• Istrian Truffle Season — autumn alternative