Music Festivals in Split in 2022

The second-largest city in Croatia, Split is justifiably famous for its mountains, national parks, gorgeous coastline, and ancient monuments. But what many visitors don't immediately realize is that it's also home to some of the biggest festivals in Croatia. Whether you're looking for the latest in techno talent, drum and bass music, hip-hop, or classical, the many Croatian music festivals held in Split can cater to your tastes.

Proving there's more to summer in Split than boat parties and sunbathing, the best music festivals in Split bring together the best of both local and international talent to put the city firmly on the map when it comes to music festivals in Croatia. Music lovers will be spoiled for choice if they visit Split during festival season.

To make things easier on yourself, drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Split. Traveling light will make it easy to get around using Split's public transportation system, so you can enjoy the best festivals on the Dalmatian coast.

The Best Music Festivals in Split in 2022

Hideout Festival

A big festival held on Pag Island's Zrće beach, Hideout begins this year on July 3 and runs for five days. Recognized as one of the top music festivals in Europe, Hideout Festival combines pool parties, boat parties, and beach parties, all staples of the Croatian summer, with some of the best touring acts in the electronic dance music scene.

This year's edition features acts like Mike Skinner, Shy FX, Adelphi Music Factory, and Horse Meat Disco. Tickets start at £149 plus a booking fee, and they sell out every single year. Events take place in the same beach clubs as Sonus Festival, so you're guaranteed spectacular scenery and fun beach vibes while you enjoy the music of the festival. For an extra charge, you can also take part in a more intimate boat party which will take you on a three-hour cruise across the Adriatic Sea. Each boat is stocked with a full bar and a dance floor so you can enjoy the pumping sound system and incredible setting while you party to some of the best in electronic dance music from around the world.

Ultra Europe

One of the world's most famous electronic music festivals, Ultra Europe is held every July in Split. The festival attracts top international DJs and tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Probably the main festival on the Split festival calendar, Ultra Europe is a huge dance music event and easily one of the biggest festivals in Croatia.

Along with the festival itself, the organizers host tons of other parties in what they call Destination Ultra. There's Ultra Beach on the beautiful nearby island of Hvar and a regatta beach party in Brac, just for a start. This multi-venue event has hosted famous names in EDM like Swedish House Mafia, Kyle Cox, David Guetta, and other legends of the dance music scene in the past, so you can feel confident that you'll see some famous names at this year's event.

For 2022, Ultra Europe headliners include Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Marshmello, and Nicky Romero, among others. And that's just the main festival stage. Hvar Beach features the likes of Dubvision and Julian Jordan, while the regatta party on July 11 is headlined by Nervo.

Single three-day tickets to the main festival start at €159, but if you want to maximize your time at this weeklong event, you can purchase a seven-day ticket to the entire Destination Ultra event for €339. There are also accommodation package options that give you a place to stay so all you need to worry about is enjoying the music.

Split Summer Festival

One of the oldest festivals in Croatia, Split Summer Festival is a classical music event that's been running since 1954. The festival is held in the city's historic Diocletian Palace and features some of the world's most famous orchestras, conductors, and soloists.

Over the years, the festival has hosted some of the biggest names in classical music, including Andrés Segovia, Zubin Mehta, Plácido Domingo, and Leonard Bernstein. In more recent years, artists like Lang Lang, Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming, and Daniil Trifonov have graced the stage.

This year's edition, held from mid-July to mid-August, features full-scale operas like Oedipus Rex and Nabucco along with new plays, concertos, and art exhibitions. In short, this long-running festival is one of the best Croatian music festivals to visit for fans of high culture and the perfect introduction to the performing arts for those who want to learn more.

Outlook Origins Festival

Origins Festival is a brand new festival on the Croatian music scene, and it's one that's definitely worth keeping an eye on. The festival will take place in Tisno from July 28 - to August 2, and it promises to be a celebration of electronic music in all its forms.

The lineup for the inaugural edition includes some of the biggest names in house and techno, including Ghetts, Scream, Breakage, Changsie, Batu, and Sam Wise, among others. With such a stellar lineup already announced, Outlook Origins is sure to be one of the best Croatian music festivals of 2022.

Tickets start at €211 plus booking fees, and there are also a limited number of VIP tickets available. It's also possible to buy a combo ticket for Outlook Origins and Outlook UK if you really want to maximize your summer of bass music.

Sonus Festival

Held in several clubs on Zrce Beach, Sonus Festival is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning Adriatic coastline of the city while experiencing some phenomenal music. Although it's held a little outside the city on the beautiful Pag Island, this festival attracts partygoers from both Split and Zadar, making it one of the biggest Croatian music festivals of the year.

The techno and house music festival has been running since 2013 and takes place every August. In that time, it has hosted some of the biggest names in the business, including Richie Hawtin, Seth Troxler, Nina Kraviz, and Maceo Plex. The 2020 edition was headlined by Loco Dice, Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, and Solomun.

This year's edition will take place from August 21 to 25. The lineup here is absolutely huge, with more than 56 acts already announced for 2022. With names like Vintage Culture, The Martinez Brothers, and Margaret Dygas scheduled to play, the clubs of Zrce Beach are guaranteed to be bouncing to the sounds of one of the biggest Croatian music festivals out there.

But as well as the music, it's the setting of this festival that makes it so special. The different beach clubs that host the acts each have their own vibe, adding up to an unforgettable experience. Papaya offers panoramic views, while Aquarius sits right on the sand so you can cool off in the sea before heading back to dance some more. And Noa Beach Club offers the unusual opportunity to dance on the sea itself, with its floating stage and dance floor making it truly unique.

A five-day ticket to all four clubs and all performances costs €229, and you can also spring for an accommodation package to make your planning easier. However you choose to experience this festival, you'll come away with some unforgettable memories of Croatia.

Dimensions Festival

Held just to the north of Split in the small coastal town of Tisno, Dimensions Festival covers just about every form of electronic music from house to techno to drum and bass. This makes it one of the more eclectic festivals on the Croatian calendar, and a must-visit for music fans with broader tastes.

This year, Dimensions takes place from September 1 to 5 and is held as usual at The Garden Resort. Other festival events are held in nearby Barbarellas Discotheque. These relatively intimate settings make a ticket to Dimensions one of the most sought-after summer items in Croatia, and this alternative Croatian retreat allows festivalgoers to mix and mingle with artists and label bigwigs at one big party that feels almost like a family gathering.

Higher Dobrovnik

This next festival may be a little outside Split itself, but the coastal city of Dubrovnik is worth visiting at any time. And when mighty Manchester duo Solardo stage the Higher festival in the city, music fans willingly take on the three-hour drive to the city for what's guaranteed to be another unforgettable sell-out show. Showcasing the Manchester duo's musical depth, Solardo Presents Higher Dubrovnik is a jewel in the Croatian festival crown, famous among international tastemakers as a highlight of the summer festival season.

Taking place this year from September 23 to 27, the festival is headlined unsurprisingly by Solardo. The Manchester duo will be joined by Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu, Maya Jane Coles, and other artists held in high regard by the legendary production team.

Planning to stay some more days in Split?

Of course, you don't need a music festival to give you a reason to visit Split. This incredible city with its beach clubs and stunning scenery is worth a visit at any time of year. Summer brings the party season firmly to the Dalmatian coast, but if you want to do more than party, Split has plenty to offer to keep you busy.

If you're pressed for time, check out our guide to three days in Split for a packed itinerary that will give you a glimpse into many different aspects of the city. Split was once a capital city of the Roman Empire, and you can see the stunning remains of this era at Diocletian's Palace, the former home of a retired Emperor that is one of the largest remaining Roman structures in the world. For more history, take a wander through Split's Old Town and climb the iconic bell tower of the Cathedral for a stunning view over the city.

If you prefer a more natural theme to your holiday, this Croatian city can certainly oblige. Beyond the rolling hills and lush woodland that surround the city itself, the Croatian mountains contain stunning natural parks such as Krka National Park and the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.

And if you just want to lie on a beach, Split and its nearby islands offer endless miles of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. With reliably sunny weather throughout the summer and crystal clear water, the beaches of Split are the place to be seen through the summer.

Plus, you don't need a music festival to enjoy some of the most unmissable things to do at night in Split. The bars and clubs of the city keep the music pumping till the early hours, and you'll find a legendary party scene whether you visit during a festival or not. The local scene is enhanced by the huge numbers of tourists that come here every year to make something truly special for those in search of a great night out.

Add to that the rich culinary legacy of the Balkans, including some of the best street food in Split, and you have all the makings of an unforgettable holiday. You don't need to visit Split during one of its many music festivals to have a good time. But if you do, you're bound to have an even more memorable vacation in this beautiful city.