The second edition of Bihać Summer Fest, organized by the Tourist Association of the City of Bihać, begins on July 1 and will last until July 23. Over more than three weeks, the City of Bihać will host numerous guests at Gradska Otoka to satisfy all tastes—from local audiences to tourists from across the region.
They have prepared performances by renowned Bosnian artists, with a focus on local talents. However, it is important to highlight that they also pay attention to the overall calendar of summer events, which points to all activities happening in Bihać during the summer season.
Special Experience
– Gradska Otoka will, after Bihać Summer Fest, also host the Una Regatta, specifically the regatta reception in Bihać, organized by the Una National Park, and following that, the electronic music festival – Imperium, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, organized by the Association “Čuvari Zvuka” (Guardians of Sound). During the 23 days of the summer festival, the sensation of Summer Fest will undoubtedly be the amusement park, designed and organized to resemble larger and more central places, as we are genuinely excited about the joy, colors, smiles, relaxed moments, and every addition to the program.
Additionally, festival visitors will have the opportunity to see Bihać from entirely new perspective. “That will truly be a special experience,” said Mehmed Mahmutović, representative of the Bihać Tourist Association, for the Visit BiH Magazine.
Last year, Bihać Summer Fest was very well attended; the audience recognized its value. Expectations are now higher, and the tourism team proudly accepts that responsibility.
– We are aware that Bihać holds the title of one of the most attractive tourist cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and because of that, we feel a strong responsibility to raise the bar each year. The success of last year’s Summer Fest gave us additional motivation and encouragement. This is now the second edition. The festival is young, and so are we. Certainly, this year’s approach means greater enthusiasm, motivation, careful selection, investment in production and logistics, and collaboration with partners from both public and private sectors. Challenges are daily, but when we see satisfied visitors and citizens, we know our efforts are worthwhile. Summer Fest is not just a festival – it is an absolute motivation to strengthen Bihać’s tourist identity. We must work more each day than the day before. It’s the same with planning, organizing, and executing – emphasized Mahmutović.
The unique ambiance of the location Gradska Otoka, as a hub of nature and liveliness, poetry and gatherings, remains the heart of the festival again this year. But what about rain?
– We are capable of managing it and creating additional energy, new layers of reality, entertainment, learning, and gratitude within it. We are aware of weather challenges, but we haven’t decided to secure an alternative indoor location. Our goal is to go all-in, to use public spaces, and to change the culture of their utilization. In June, after every rain, the sun comes out, as well as in other months. Certainly, many questions and new ideas arise. After the second edition, the third will follow. If setbacks occur this year, we will consider alternative locations and explore new approaches. We are optimistic – Mahmutović states.
National Borders
Will Bihać Summer Fest become an international event?
Mahmutović said that the intention for the festival to become international is absolutely present, along with the need to expand the program to include other cultural and/or sports activities that would attract an increasing number of visitors and provide performers with a higher-quality platform. This is one of the long-term goals. They aim to establish cooperation and work on promoting the festival on international platforms.
– Bihać deserves events and festivals that transcend local and national borders. Mainly because of its location, natural beauty, and hospitality. We truly believe that a festival like Summer Fest has all the prerequisites to become a recognizable international event. It’s not that we organized it overnight for the first time. Many dedicated institutions, initiatives, and individuals have long been working on events and festivals that are already of international character. We learn from each other and work together. Many events are already international, but perhaps we don’t see them that way. Sometimes, in intense work processes, we don’t have time to reflect on what we have done and achieved. Our efforts are to invest locally and act more focused and precise, with a full understanding of needs, while making investments and efforts visible globally – concluded Mahmutović.
