In early July, Daruvar once again becomes a meeting place for fans of rockabilly, rock'n'roll, dance and retro culture. The eighth edition of the Two Days Rockabilly Plays festival will be held from 2 to 4 July 2026. The introductory festival program begins on 2 July, while the main concert and dance events are reserved for 3 and 4 July, with an authentic retro atmosphere that turns the city into a large open-air stage.
Along with performers from Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Germany, the festival program this year once again brings together interesting names from the European rockabilly scene. Concerts, DJ performances, dance workshops and accompanying events confirm the festival's status as one of the most recognizable summer events in continental Croatia.
Introduction to the festival
The festival program begins on July 2 with the opening of the exhibition "Going Nowhere Fast" by Zvonimir Haramija at the Daruvar Heritage Museum. The exhibition opens at 7:00 PM and, through visual collages inspired by pop culture, advertisements and comics from the 1950s and 1960s, brings the aesthetics and spirit of rockabilly culture to life in an interesting way. After the opening, all visitors will be treated to a rockabilly treat in front of the Heritage Museum.
First evening of the festival
The first festival evening, on Friday, July 3rd at King Tomislav Square, begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by DJ TONI and a dance workshop by the Stage Control dance group. After a dance warm-up, Bar Exam (Croatia), Lovesick Duo (Italy) and Sonny and His Wild Cows (Hungary) will take to the stage.
Bar Exam (Croatia) is a local force that captivates the audience with energetic performances and an authentic retro sound. Lovesick Duo (Italy) brings a vintage blend of rockabilly, country and western swing with irresistible dual vocals. Sonny and His Wild Cows (Hungary) are one of the better-known names of the European rockabilly scene, known for their performances that keep the audience on their feet until the last chord.
Second evening of the festival
Saturday, July 4th, brings a full-day festival program. Events begin at 11 a.m. in Julijev Park in front of the Terasa Restaurant with a performance by the band Tom White & The Mad Circus (Hungary), who will open the second festival day with a blend of rock'n'roll and retro groove.
The evening program continues at 6 pm on King Tomislav Square with DJ TONI and a dance workshop by the Stage Control dance group. After the dance warm-up, The Jumpin' Rockets (Germany), Black Frogs (Hungary) and The Cat Paws (Croatia) arrive on the festival stage.
The Jumpin' Rockets (Germany) will take the audience through an authentic rockabilly sound inspired by the golden era of the 1950s. Black Frogs (Hungary) are known for their performances filled with rhythm and dance energy, while The Cat Paws (Croatia) will close this year's edition of the festival with a homegrown sound and a lively rockabilly performance.
Free workshops and retro styling
The festival brings not only music but also a complete immersion in rockabilly culture. Visitors can expect free retro-style hair and makeup, which will transport them straight to the golden fifties. A retro photo booth will be available on both days of the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to capture their moments in a retro atmosphere and take home a memorable memory. Free dance workshops will allow everyone to master the basic steps of rock'n'roll dance, while experienced dancers will demonstrate more complex figures that marked the era of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. Owners of vintage cars can use a free parking space for their dazzling beauties from past decades, which will further contribute to the authentic atmosphere of the festival.
Free entrance for all generations
As in previous years, admission to all festival events is free. The eighth edition of the Two Days Rockabilly Plays festival continues the tradition of bringing together fans of rockabilly music, dance and retro culture, and at the beginning of July, Daruvar will once again become the center of good music, dance and a recognizable retro atmosphere.
PROGRAM
THURSDAY, 2.7.2026.
Daruvar Heritage Museum
7:00 PM - Opening of the exhibition "Going nowhere fast", Zvonimir Haramija