Last minute open jazz festival 2026

Trg Tomaso Bembo - Saturday, 01.08. - Tuesday, 04.08.2026.

This year again, from 1 to 4 August 2026, in Bale we have the opportunity to experience four open-air concert evenings of contemporary jazz.

The programme brings together performers from Croatia, Slovenia, Brazil and Poland, with an emphasis on an original approach, a clear concert format and a diversity of ensembles. The festival is part of the town’s summer cultural programme, and detailed information is available on the bale-valle.com portal.

Programme by evening

Saturday, 01.08.2026.
DžeZZva w/ Marko Vuksanović (Slovenia, Croatia)

The opening of the festival brings a collaboration between the ensemble DžeZZva and vocalist Marko Vuksanović. The programme is based on a contemporary jazz expression with clearly shaped arrangements and an emphasised role of the voice, with original material that naturally connects to the regional jazz scene.

Sunday, 02.08.2026.
Viviani Godoy Trio (Brazil)

The second evening presents the Viviani Godoy Trio, with a repertoire that combines the jazz idiom and elements of Brazilian musical tradition. The focus is on rhythm, melody and communication within the trio, with room for improvisation and a clearly defined concert structure.

Monday, 03.08.2026.
Unleashed Cooperation (Poland)

Unleashed Cooperation brings contemporary instrumental jazz with an emphasised collective interaction. The musical approach is based on a more open form, the development of themes through improvisation and a strong rhythmic and harmonic framework.

Tuesday, 04.08.2026.
Shuffle Truffle

The final evening of the festival is reserved for the ensemble Shuffle Truffle, with a programme that moves between jazz, fusion and groove elements. The focus is on instrumental performance, recognisable themes and the energy of the concert format.

Festival organisers

The Last Minute Open Jazz Festival is organised by Tomislav Pavleka, the festival’s founder and artistic director, in cooperation with the jazz tavern Kamene priče, the Municipality of Bale and the bale-valle.com portal.

The festival has developed gradually, without abrupt changes in concept, with a clear focus on the quality of performers and a concert format suited to an open-air setting. This approach has made the Last Minute Open Jazz Festival a stable part of Bale’s summer events calendar.

The programme is delivered under the patronage of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia and in cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Forum.

Kamene priče

Alongside the festival programme, an important role in the overall cultural context is played by the jazz tavern Kamene priče. This venue has for years been connected with jazz programmes, smaller concerts and meetings of musicians and audiences, and represents one of the permanent points of the town’s musical and gastronomic life.

How to get to Bale, where to book accommodation and where to eat

Bale is located in the south-western part of Istria and is easily accessible by car via the Istarski ipsilon and local roads. Practical information on arrival, parking and getting around the town is available on the bale-valle.com portal.

Accommodation

• Accommodation in Bale and Istria
• Holiday homes in Istria and Bale
• Apartments in Bale and the surrounding area
• Guesthouse rooms and smaller accommodation facilities
• Hotel La Grisa
• Hotel Meneghetti

Where to eat

• Kamene priče
• Restaurant La Grisa, Bale
• Restaurant Lav
• Bistro Toni
• Ristorantino Dado
• Wine Hotel & Restaurant Meneghetti

Information

The Last Minute Open Jazz Festival 2026 takes place from Saturday 1 to Tuesday 4 August. Visitors are advised to plan their arrival and stay in advance, especially during the summer season. All news and any programme changes will be published on bale-valle.com.

Parking: free of charge

Entrance: free