Prešeren summer in Kranj

“This year’s Prešeren Summer will focus on sustainability.”

More than 30 organizers have joined forces to prepare a program featuring around 250 events, creating a summer of festivals, music, and experiences. The Mayor of Kranj, Matjaž Rakovec, emphasized that summer in Kranj offers not only events but also excellent opportunities for active leisure.

“One of Kranj’s great advantages is that both residents and visitors can attend a concert in the city center on the same day, after going cycling, hiking, or cooling off by the water,” said Rakovec. He also invited visitors to travel sustainably to events.
This year, public city bus transport will again be free on Fridays from 4:00 PM until mid-September.

This is not just a benefit, but part of our vision for the city’s development. Kranj is a sustainable destination, as confirmed by the Slovenia Green Platinum label, the highest recognition in Slovenian sustainable tourism. Hosting the global Green Destinations conference this autumn is also a major recognition of our work in sustainability and tourism,” the mayor added.

Klemen Malovrh, Director of the Institute for Tourism and Culture Kranj, explained that sustainability efforts are also reflected in the organization and visitor experience of the Prešeren Summer events. Visitors are encouraged to arrive sustainably. Waste-reduction measures are implemented at venues, including reusable cups and consistent waste separation, contributing to a cleaner city center.

To ensure accessibility, people with disabilities have free entry to events at the Khislstein Summer Theatre organized by the Institute. To reduce noise pollution, most events in the old town will conclude between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

“A summer of festivals, music and experiences”

The Institute for Tourism and Culture Kranj co-organizes, coordinates, and promotes the summer program. It also hosts events at Khislstein Castle, the two-day Kranfest festival, and culinary events at the Main Square.

At the Khislstein Summer Theatre (May 21 – September 4), 21 events will take place, 14 organized by us. Under the Castle Lime Tree (July 1 – August 26), we will host eight musical evenings featuring Slovenian artists. Together with Kranj cultural institutions, we are creating ‘Tuesday Cultural Evenings.’ A new addition this year is films at Vovk Garden, brightening Thursday evenings in July and August. In September, we will again host the ‘Kranj Long Table’ (September 3). Kranfest (July 24–25) will offer four major concerts alongside other entertainment. The summer will conclude with a concert by the Kranj Symphony Orchestra on September 10,” Malovrh explained.

Tickets for any Prešeren Summer event provide a 20% discount on experiences organized by the Institute.

A new collaboration called the “cultural euro” with the Gorenjska Museum will also be introduced. Visitors will be able to visit the museum at Khislstein Castle (open until 9:00 PM) before certain concerts and explore exhibitions.

The Gorenjska Museum also contributes significantly to the cultural program. Director Jana Babšek highlighted several key events. In early June, an exhibition about the 1991 Slovenian War for Independence will open.

The Summer Museum Night (June 20) will include free entry to all museum locations from 6:00 PM to midnight, with children’s workshops, performances, and a midnight guided tour of the ossuary.

Other highlights include:

• Exhibition Between Sea and Stone (June 19)
• Exhibition Want to Grab a Coffee? (June 20), hosted by Pižama with live music
• Montenegrin cultural summer program
• Exhibition Art and Architectural Heritage of Kranj: Then and Now (September)

The concert program covers all genres—from opera and pop to rock, folk, symphonic music, and Dalmatian klapa singing. Gregore Grašič presented Jazz Kamp Kranj, a 23-year tradition and one of the region’s most recognizable jazz festivals.

The festival combines concerts, exhibitions, and additional content such as wine programs. Masterclasses are also returning, connecting performance and education,” Grašič noted.

Jazz Kamp Kranj (August 13–22) will feature 11 events, opening with Tonč Feining Trio and closing with Prismojeni Profesorji Bluesa.
He also introduced the Summer Fridays at Pungert series (May 29 – August 7), with 12 free concerts featuring jazz, acoustic, and contemporary music.

Other festivals not presented at the conference include:

• Subart Open Air (June 26 – July 28)
• Youth Week (July 3–11)
• Fragmenti Festival Vol. 3 (August 15–30)
• Kranj Foto Fest (August 27 – September 27)
• Summer program in Layer House

“Kranj as a venue for top sporting events”

Sports play a major role in Prešeren Summer, positioning Kranj on the European map. Key events include:

• Start of Stage 4 of the Tour of Slovenia (June)
• Grand Prix Kranj cycling race (August)
• European Central Beach Volleyball Championship (September)
• L’Etape Slovenia (September 5–6), a recreational version of the Tour de France

Andi Bajc highlighted: "Kranj is undoubtedly Slovenia’s cycling city this year. We received the ‘Cycle City of the Tour de France’ title—unique outside official Tour stages. Our cycling program continues to grow, and L’Etape Slovenia, now in its fifth year, attracts both local and international participants.”

In conclusion, all participants thanked the media for supporting and promoting Kranj’s events.

>>> Guided tours and discounts

>>> More information about the program

Photo: ZTKK