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Tourist Events in Public Spaces

Public space in Ljubljana is not simply a way of getting from one building to another. It is a stage, a dance floor, a concert hall and, occasionally, a very large dining room. It has no roof and, more often than not, no admission fee.

A performer balances on a tightrope with a crowd watching in a park setting, surrounded by modern buildings.

© Luka Dakskobler

Free events in streets, squares, on riverbanks and in other public spaces give the city its lively, relaxed rhythm throughout the year. They are created for residents and visitors alike, while presenting Ljubljana as a city where life does not take place solely behind closed doors. Ljubljana Tourism has therefore supported their development since the organisation was founded.

We support events through three funding calls.

Events in Ljubljana’s public spaces

The first supports tourism events in public spaces within the City of Ljubljana. Projects are assessed for originality, quality, accessibility, promotional potential and their responsible approach to the environment and community. Put rather less formally, an event needs to be good, open to everyone and worth getting off the sofa for.

We also encourage events to spread beyond the city centre and across the calendar. A lively city, after all, should have neither a season nor a single postcode.

Events organised by tourism associations

The second call supports events organised by local tourism associations. These preserve local traditions, customs, culinary heritage and natural landmarks, while involving residents in the development of tourism. It also includes the annual For a More Beautiful Ljubljana clean-up campaign. Because caring for a city is not always glamorous. Sometimes it comes with gloves and a rubbish bag.

Events across Central Slovenia

The third call reaches beyond the city boundaries to municipalities across Central Slovenia. It supports free events that express the character of the region, appeal to international visitors, connect local partners and follow responsible event management principles.

These events give visitors more reasons to explore Ljubljana’s green surroundings, stay longer and support local businesses beyond the capital. Good stories, fortunately, do not stop at the Ljubljana city limits.

Throughout the year, public spaces host traditional festivals, one-off events, music, theatre, dance, sport and other ideas that deserve a place in the programme. They all have two things in common: they are free and open to everyone. Culture is not kept behind closed doors, and tourism does not put on a programme solely for tourists.

Residents and visitors share the same space and the same experience. If it is difficult to tell who is a visitor and who is a neighbour, it is probably working.

  • A group of dancers in traditional folk costumes on the riverbanks.

    Slovenian Folk Dances by the Ljubljanica River © Dunja Wedam

  • A vibrant parade on the street, where women and children are dressed in traditional national costumes.

    Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage in Kamnik © Dunja Wedam

  • A lively street market in Ljubljana with people strolling past vendor stalls and children engaged in activities at a table.

    Artish

  • Outdoor library with wooden bookshelves and seating in Park Zvezda, surrounded by lush green trees and people reading.

    Library under the Treetops

  • Rear view of the silhouettes of two women and one man gazing at a light installation.

    Lighting Guerrilla © LT archive

  • Illuminated sign with 'Ana Plamenita' at a night event, surrounded by small glowing lanterns and fabric installations.

    Ana Plamenita, Autumn festival of fiery ambients.

  • Two men on stage during a dance performance.

    Young Lions Festival © Nada Žgank

  • Isadora Tomassi and Moa Holgersson perform a dramatic scene on a dimly lit grassy field, with an audience in the background.

    Spider Festival

  • The rollerblading competition in Ljubljana at the event Everyone on Skates

    Everyone on Rollerblades, Ljubljana’s international inline skating marathon and half marathon.

  • Two kayakers paddling through obstacles along the river.

    Parallel Kayak Slalom and SUP Challenge © Canoe Federation of Slovenia

  • A group of divers in wetsuits preparing to jump into the river, surrounded by onlookers in a city setting.

    Divers at the closing event of the "For a More Beautiful Ljubljana" clean-up campaign.

  • A pile of retrieved debris, including bicycles and metal parts, on a city street surrounded by people observing.

    A pile of waste collected during the "For a More Beautiful Ljubljana" campaign.

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