
International Folklore Festival
European majorettes and folk-dance ensembles parade Herceg Novi's waterfront – free, across two July runs.
This event has ended
It returns every year – dates for the next edition haven't been announced yet.
Herceg Novi's waterfront is built for exactly this. The town's long seaside promenade links squares, jetties and café terraces at the foot of the old town, and in July it is already the busiest public space on this stretch of coast. The festival simply moves in: parades along the seafront, performances on the promenade squares, and an audience that assembles itself out of whoever happens to be strolling past.

The format is simple and spectacular: visiting ensembles parade along the seafront and perform on the promenade squares – majorette troupes with their choreographed routines alongside folk-dance groups from across the continent, each bringing their own costumes, music and steps. Over a festival day the programme rolls through several ensembles, so no two performances look alike.
Because the stages are the town's own public spaces, the festival belongs to anyone on the waterfront: you walk into performances rather than buy a ticket for them. Families with children, evening strollers and beachgoers heading home all end up in the audience – summer street culture in the most literal sense.

And with two back-to-back runs, the parades and performances keep Herceg Novi's promenade animated for nearly two weeks at the height of summer – a first wave of ensembles from 11 to 16 July, and a second from 17 to 22 July.
The festival runs 11–16 July 2026, with a second run on 17–22 July, on the Herceg Novi waterfront. All performances are free; the promenade squares are the places to be as the parades come through.
What to expect
Ensembles from across Europe
Majorette troupes and folk-dance groups travel from all over the continent.
Two runs in July
The festival plays 11–16 July, with a second run on 17–22 July.
The promenade as stage
Parades and performances take over the waterfront squares of Herceg Novi.
Free to watch
Every parade and performance is open to passers-by at no charge.
Perfect for families
Costumed parades and open-air routines on the promenade make it one of the easiest festivals to enjoy with children.
Nearly two weeks of it
Back-to-back runs keep the waterfront animated from 11 to 22 July.
What happens when
July 11 – 16, 2026
- Sat11JulSaturday, July 11First run opensThe first wave of ensembles takes over the waterfront, through 16 July.
- Fri17JulFriday, July 17Second run beginsA second wave of ensembles continues the festival.
- Wed22JulWednesday, July 22Final dayThe second run – and the festival – closes.
Where it takes place
Where to Eat in Herceg Novi
Plan your stay
Herceg Novi – where to stay and how to get around
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
More events
What else is on in Montenegro around the same time.

Autumn Folklore Festival
Regional folk ensembles, vocal groups and majorettes fill Herceg Novi over five free autumn days.

Meetings under the Old Olive Tree
Children's poetry and art celebrated beneath Bar's 2,000-year-old olive tree each November.

DEUS – December Arts Scene
A month-long December season of theatre, music, literature and film across Podgorica.
