Zagorje Blues Etno Festival marks its thirteenth edition this year, with the hosts being four Zagorje towns: Jakovlje, Sveti Križ Začretje, Klanjec and Zabok. For thirteen years, the festival has brought together renowned domestic and international musicians, with this year's edition particularly highlighting the fusion of blues, ethnic music, jazz and educational programmes. Entry to all festival events is free for all visitors.
The programme opens on 24 August in Jakovlje, specifically at the Artists' Castle. The evening begins with a concert by Tomislav Pletenec titled "Nick Cave in Kajkavian", scheduled for 20:00. An hour later, at 21:00, a lecture by Alen Novoselac follows, opening a rich schedule of events on the first day of the festival.
The following day, 25 August, the programme moves to Sveti Križ Začretje, where concerts are held in the Square and at the Žitnica Museum. The evening begins at 20:00 with a performance by the group Dvorjana. After them, at 21:00, it is the turn of Edi East and Trance Blues, who will entertain the audience in the town centre.
On 26 August, the festival travels to Klanjec, where the concert evening will take place at the Antun Augustinčić Gallery. The first performance is scheduled for 20:30, when Anne & Haroule and Aires de Gracia from Spain will perform. At 21:10, a concert by Elvis Stanić and Tomislav Goluban featuring the Go Jazzy project follows.
The finale of the town festival part of the event will be held on 27 August in Zabok, at the Polanović Tavern. The programme begins at 20:30 with a performance by Fired Gunns, after which Pisan Jelen performs at 21:15. The evening concludes with an NPK-H concert at 22:00.
In addition to musical events, the festival includes an educational segment. The final edition will be held on 16 September in Zabok. The educational programme "Lip Harmonica – Blues in School", led by Tomislav Goluban, will take place at 17:00 in the Concert Hall of ZUC (Regenerator, building 10). On the same day, at 21:00, a surprise concert will also be held at the Regenerator Caffe bar.
