Pula Film Festival 2026 (July 9–16)

Every July, the ancient Arena transforms into the world’s most spectacular open-air cinema. The Pula Film Festival has been running since 1954, making it one of Europe’s oldest film festivals — and you’re staying just 15 minutes away.

2026 Dates

July 9–16, 2026 — the 73rd edition.

Screenings happen every evening, with the main Arena shows starting around 9:15 PM, once it’s properly dark. The festival runs for 8 days, so even a short stay will overlap with something.

Why It’s Special

Imagine watching a film in a Roman amphitheatre as old as the Colosseum, under a sky full of stars. That’s the Arena experience. The acoustics are surprisingly good, and seeing 5,000 people react to a film together is something else entirely.

The program mixes Croatian premieres with international films. Even if you don’t speak Croatian, many international screenings have English subtitles, and the atmosphere alone is worth it.

My Tips for Festival-Goers

Book Arena tickets early. The main evening screenings sell out, especially opening and closing nights. Check the official website a few weeks before.

Arrive early for good seats. The Arena is open seating. Come 30-45 minutes before showtime to grab a spot with a good view.

Bring a light jacket. Even in July, Arena evenings can get cool. The stone seats don’t help.

Explore the side venues. Not everything happens in the Arena. The Kino Valli and smaller venues show films during the day and have a more intimate feel.

Check out the Giardini hub. The festival info point in Giardini park has free events, exhibitions, and is the social heart of the festival.

Getting There from the House

Drive to Pula (15 minutes from the house), park outside the old town, and walk in. During festival week the city centre is buzzing and parking gets tricky — come early, and check the festival site, as the city usually lays on extra transport that week.

After a late screening, you’re back home in 15 minutes while everyone else is still looking for taxis.

Where to Eat During the Festival

The old town restaurants get packed. My suggestions:

Before the film: Grab something quick at Jupiter (pizza near the Arena) or pick up supplies from the market earlier in the day.

After the film: The kitchens shut early, but the waterfront bars carry on. Or drive home — a couple of bars in the village stay open late, and that last drink tastes better without a crowd.

For a proper dinner, book Batelina in Banjole for the afternoon before heading to the screening.

Combine With

The festival is a perfect excuse to explore Pula properly:

• Morning at the beach (Kamenjak or Medulin)
• Afternoon exploring the old town
• Evening at the Arena

See Also

• Pula — city guide with restaurants and sights
• Cape Kamenjak — best beaches for daytime
• Brijuni National Park — day trip between screenings