Slovenians have a knack for holding original festivals, but this might be one of the more unusual ones: the Beer and Flowers Festival in the town of Laško. First held in 1964, the festival now draws in thousands of attendees wishing to experience an intriguing blend of Slovenian traditions and modern artistry. You'll witness dozens of amazing musical performances both from local and world-renowned talent, and taste delectable beer made with a nod to horticultural customs.
Music Lineup
Throughout its half-a-century run, the Beer and Flowers Festival has always featured impressive music selections performed by famous and up-and-coming artists. This year, you'll have a chance to witness Masayah, Mi2, Tony Hadley, D Day, Worker, Nina Pušlar, and Bar Rock performing on Oder Zlatorog (Golden Horn Stage). The Burin Stage will come alive with the presence of such artists as Helena Blagne, Dejan Dogaja Band, Marko Vozelj, Zvita Feltna, Nika Zorjan, and more. The lineup features many musicians, offering everyone something to their liking.
Entertainment Program
As a tradition, the festival organizes an old-school traditional parade with all participants wearing old-fashioned clothing. You also have a chance to witness a long-standing custom of a Slovenian wedding with dancing and traditional wedding rituals, such as stealing the flowers from the bride or the groom earning the right to the bride's hand. Besides many music concerts, treat yourself to a rich selection of beer from the local breweries and take a snapshot of blooming flowers. And, of course, you can taste all kinds of local cuisine.
Tickets
The festival offers several ticket options, including one-day and three-day passes. A ticket for one day of the event costs €24 online and €28 on-site, while a full three-day ticket costs €55 online and €60. If you'd like to camp out at the venue, you can also purchase a camping pass for an additional €40 online or €50 on-site. The camping pass doesn't include entry to the festival.
Location
Although Laško is a cozy and quaint town, it turns into a bustling hub of joy, dancing, and singing during the festival. Surrounded by lush forests and situated along the Savinja River, the municipality attracts many Slovenians and tourists to its thermal spa treatments and mesmerizing landscapes. Most of the festivities take place all around town, on the river banks, with stages set up throughout the streets of Lasko. The camping site is located a mile and a half (2 km) north of Laško, slightly south of Jagoče.
Transportation
Due to the high demand and popularity of the festival, you might experience heavy traffic when traveling by car. Luckily, the ticket to the event includes an option to travel by train from Ljubljana, Celje, and Maribor to Laško and back.
