For what is a relatively small town, there is quite a lot going on. In particular, Sarajevo has a great number of festivals. Visiting Sarajevo during one of these festivals can add a bit of energy and focus to your trip. The most famous of these is the Sarajevo Film Festival which attracts thousands of visitors and electrifies the city and its population late into the night for two weeks.
The city also hosts a jazz festival, a documentary film festival, and a theatre festival, among others. Then, of course, there's everything else that goes on in a small city on a daily or weekly basis (think cinema, etc.).
In the section below, we also look at a couple of other noteworthy festivals that take place elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina (but still close enough to Sarajevo).
The Sebilj fountain in Baščaršija square in Sarajevo
You didn't visit during a festival, but that's OK.
Sarajevo still has lots going on, from live music to cinema and more.
Click on the link below to go to the Destination Sarajevo Events by Date page for a full and up-to-date list of upcoming events in the city. I would say this is the best page to find events; you might also have some luck on Facebook events.
Gael Garcia Bernal responding to questions after a screening of a film he directed
The Sarajevo Film Festival is bigger than any other film festival in Southeast Europe and is one of the largest in Europe more broadly.
It started in 1995 during the siege of Sarajevo and has continued ever since. The program is jampacked with films and documentaries of all types from all over and the red carpet hosts some big names during this festival.
People visit from all over and the city feels like its population doubles in size and quadruples in energy. This is when the city is most alive and the best time to visit.
Sarajevo JazzFest in an international music festival that takes place during the firest week of November each year.
The festival started in 1997 and has been regular ever since. It attracts well-known musicians from around the globe as well as inviting new and exciting artists. If jazz is your thing, this is your fesitval.
OK Fest is a relatively new music festival that takes place in a truly stunning landscape in the Bosnian wilderness.
In addition to top regional artists and a smattering of global ones (Franz Ferdinand recently played there), visitors can go rafting on the Tara river, hike through one of Europe's oldest forests, and visit one of Yugoslavia's finest spomenik's. The camp site location also has a huge outdoor swimming pool.
Last but not least on the list here, is Ramadan in Bosnia and its related Iftar. If you happen to be in Bosnia and Herzegovina during Ramadan, you should definitely partake in Iftar (preferably after fasting for the day). Many restaurants offer a traditional Iftar menu (which you should book in advance).
MESS International Theatre Festival takes place every year in Sarajevo and is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans. The festival was founded in 1960. Prior to its fall, MESS was the largest living theatre festival in Yugoslavia. The festival has several programs with focuses on pieces from the region, from the world, and experimental and subversive productions. Read more from those who know best on the MESS official website.
Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival
Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival is an international documentary film festival. It takes place on an annual basis in Sarajevo. It promotes those addressing social phenomena with a focus on shared human values like courage. Read more from those who know best at the AJB DOC official website.
What it says on the tin: a rock festival in Sarajevo. This is a small scale festival that generally takes place in the Underground Club during the Sarajevo Film Festival. See the Sarajevo Rock Fest Facebook page here.
Sarajevo Beer Fest
As above. What it says on the tin: an annual beer (and music) festival in Sarajevo. This is festival generally takes place in June over three days. This festival is quite large and takes palce in the former speed skating ring of the Zetra Olympic Center. See the Sarajevo Beer Fest Facebook page here and the Sarajevo Beer Fest website here.
Wine...
If you are more into wine than beer (or maybe you like both), there are a couple of annual wine events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is the Blaž Festival, a small festival that celebrates the local Blatina and Žilavka grape varieties, and the Sarajevo Wine Weekend, usually held in October.
