Lent Festival has transformed the city of Maribor into a tourist destination that is well-known for a gigantic stage and a lively combination of artistic expressions, cultures, and languages. From a small celebration on the banks of the Drava River, it has emerged as one of the most famous festivals in Slovenia, attracting over half a million visitors each year.

During 40 days of festivals, visitors can enjoy theatrical performances, ballet, concerts, stand-up comedy, opera, magicians, folklore, and much more in about twenty-three locations across the Maribor city center. There are also many restaurant gardens expanding onto the squares and streets and a variety of stalls that lure visitors with delicious delicacies. The Sladolent Festival, which invites the top Slovenian chefs to the city, is the spotlight of this culinary experience. Besides, Lent Festival also offers a colorful program for children, making it a family-friendly celebration. The festival is traditionally concluded with spectacular fireworks above the Drava River.

When: To be announced

Where: Maribor, Slovenia

Another representative festival in Slovenia is Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival. This unique film festival is held in the last week of July in the town Ljutomer. The fans of different kinds of movie will definitely be excited to take part in this festival. This film festival is dedicated to horror and fantasy films, which are generally overlooked by the mainstream media. The festival was founded in 2005 and is named after Slovenian cinematographer Dr. Karol Grossmann.

Because Ljutomer and the neighboring districts are known for producing high-quality wines, visitors can enjoy drinks while watching their favorite films. Therefore, with a high reputation for local wine, Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival soon became one of the most awaited film events in this part of Europe and one of the famous festivals in Slovenia. In general, if you are fond of wine tastings, workshops, expeditions, music, and a traditional Zombie Walk, this festival is a very good choice.

When: July

Where: Ljutomer, Slovenia

The most prominent Mardi Gras event in Slovenia is Kurentovanje, a spring, and fertility festival. The festival has been held in Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town, every year between Candlemas and Ash Wednesday since 1961. Kurent, Slovenia's most important folklore character, is the highlight of the festival. This character is described as an extravagant god of endless pleasure and hedonism in early Slavic customs.

Today's festival features groups of kurents or kurenti dressed in traditional sheepskin clothing wielding wooden clubs adorned with hedgehog skins known as jeevke, whose noise is said to "drive away winter." Kurenti's appearance thus signals the end of winter and the start of spring. Originally, only unmarried males were allowed to wear the current, but today, married men, children, and women are welcome to cosplay. To attract international tourists, Kurentovanje was expanded to include more than two days of activities, including performances in the square in front of the city hall, the Carnival's burial, and a carnival tent entertainment program.

When: February

Where: Ptuj, Slovenia

The international festival Mladi Levi is one of the more prominent annual festivals in Slovenia. Since 1998, Ljubljana has hosted this international festival of contemporary theater and dance performances, attracting the most famous stage performers from all over the world to Ljubljana every end of the summer. Mladi Levi Festival presents an amazing selection of Slovenian and international performances over the course of ten days.

Besides selecting demanding artistic profiles, this festival contributes to discovering young talents. The distinctive atmosphere of the festival is marked by creativity and vibrant spirit and social nature. The festival intends to broaden the audience for contemporary art performances by making the festival activities free of charge. Mladi Levi promises to broaden the eyes of foreign artists and guests, who are fans of art and dance. It is also a meeting space as well as a cradle for new ideas, friendships, and collaborations.

When: To be announced

Where: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage Festival is the biggest ethnological festival in Slovenia, welcoming over 30,00 tourists each year. The event's origins may be traced back to 1966 when Kamnik residents created the Day of National Costumes. The 16th Days of National Costumes - Folklore, and Crafts later changed into Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage – a name that has remained today. After that, the event has become widely famous via its various content revisions.

Today, festivities include historical clothes and relics, homemade arts and crafts fairs, concerts, and children's programming. Visitors can view nearly 2000 national costumes from Slovenia and abroad as they parade through the center of Kamnik during the festival's Sunday parade of national costumes, which is also the festival's high point. Folk bands, brass ensembles, and vocal groups provide musical entertainment, with folk dancing groups providing some interesting performances.

When: Second weekend of September

Where: Kamnik, Slovenia

The Kino Otok – Isola Cinema Festival is a non-competitive, specialized festival that showcases modern, geographically and aesthetically diverse filmmaking. It began in the small coastal town of Izola in 2004. This festival entertains hard-to-see films which are not available in mainstream or art cinemas. In addition, the films are shown with an exceptional selection of local and international guests, placing Kino Otok – Isola Cinema among the most famous festivals in Slovenia.

During the festival, films have been shown in Art Kino Odeon Izola, the Izola Cultural Centre, and the open-air venue at Manzioli Square since 2004. Excellent selections, well-known international visitors, seminars, and workshops are just some of the reasons why an influx of tourists choose to attend this festival each year. To conclude, this is a festival for film professionals as well as all others who have an interest in the film's process from idea to screen.

When: August

Where: Izola, Slovenia

Radovljica may not be one of Slovenia's most popular tourist destinations, but its Chocolate Festival is the country's largest chocolate event. The event is held in April, and attendees can sample a variety of chocolate-based items and snacks. You can find yourself as Charlie in the Chocolate town because throughout the three days, guests can indulge themselves by trying several types of chocolate and watching one of the many cooking shows and street performances. Moreover, Visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of Slovenia's chocolate professionals, and acquire new skills through cooking demonstrations.

The town promises to bring a unique experience to visitors, so every year, they have added a surprise special event to the Chocolate Festival. Tourists can enjoy a chocolate cocktail show, a chocolate catwalk show, and a chocolate body painting session. Therefore, it is a good idea to search for what they have planned for this year.

When: April

Where: Radovljica, Slovenia

Not many people have tried a traditional way to make salt, so if you’re interested in this process, you should not miss Salt Pans Festival taking place at two scenic yet separate locations. Visitors to the Seovlje Salt Pans National Park can enjoy a unique first-hand experience by witnessing the traditional craft of salt production. You can then stroll through the salt fair, sample local foods, and watch the festivities that take place during the festival in Piran, a small but picturesque town on the Slovenian coast. It is held in Tartini Square, another event of the festival is held in the nearby Natural Park of Sečovlje, which stores salt pans that are still operational.

Salt Pans Festival was developed in an attempt to preserve and promote the art of salt production, which was once the primary source of revenue for many residents. Therefore, you may get a closer look at the secrets and curiosities of the exclusive art of salt-making, which dates back over 700 years.

When: April

Where: Piran, Slovenia

The annual Cherry Festival in the Goriška Brda region features all cultural, ethnological, and sports activities. This is a popular and delicious event that is becoming a well-known Slovenia tourist attraction. Cherry in this region is grown locally and organically, so it is definitely a heaven for cherry lovers. Those who are creative can try one of the many cherry-based culinary delicacies. You can choose from a variety of sweets, main courses, and even prosciutto with cherries, all of which are to your taste.

The most interesting event of the Cherry Festival is wine day. On this day, winemakers open their doors and exhibit to visitors their cellars and greatest wines on this day. The parade of country carts, which depicts rural life and Brda region traditions, is the festival's centerpiece. The event concludes with a traditional wedding, in which newlyweds are married according to the customs of Brda weddings from the 1920s.

When: June

Where: Brda, Slovenia

Jurjevanje is the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia which promotes traditional dances and songs. It is located in Bela Krajina which is known as a European destination of Excellence. This festival is an old pre-Christian tradition that originates from the spring holiday Jurjevo or Saint George’s day. Jurjevanje takes place in seven distinct places and celebrates both natural and cultural heritage, offering visitors experiences about other cultures, traditions, and music from throughout the world during five days of the festival.

More interestingly, visitors can watch or join in on creative and art workshops, as well as leisure sports. You are also encouraged to join in with the folklore groups and dance with them. You can either watch the professionals perform their magic dance or learn how to do it yourself! In addition, visitors are free to try a good glass of wine or a tasty local delicacy.

When: June

Where: Bela Krajina