September Highlights: A Week Along the Makarska Riviera

As the summer high season gently winds down, September brings the absolute best time to experience the Makarska Riviera. The sun is warm, the Adriatic Sea remains perfectly heated from months of sunshine, and the coastal towns come alive with an incredible lineup of local culture, live music, and unforgettable events.

Here is your complete guide to what is happening across the Riviera this week, followed by the top experiences you simply cannot miss while visiting this paradise in early autumn.

This Week’s Event Lineup

September 3

1. 20:00 | Local Products Fair — Gradac
2. Discover authentic Croatian flavors, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies right on the waterfront.
3. 20:00 | Promenade Nights (Live Music) — Podgora
4. Stroll along the coast to the gentle rhythms of live acoustic and traditional music.
5. 20:30 | Tribute to Oliver — Baška Voda
6. A heartwarming concert honoring Oliver Dragojević, one of Dalmatia’s most beloved musical legends.
7. 21:00 | Band 058 in Concert — Brela
8. Enjoy a dynamic live musical performance under the Mediterranean stars.

08:30 | Healthy Spine & Core Balance — Brela Start your morning right with a free guided outdoor workout right by the sea.

Vinil & Gušti Festival — Makarska

(Details below!)

1. 20:00 | Night of Eternal Melodies — Tučepi
2. A breathtaking evening concert featuring classic Dalmatian and timeless international songs.

Note: This is a curated selection of highlights. For full event schedules and last-minute updates, check the official social media channels of the local tourism boards.

Dates: September 5, 2026 – September 6, 2026

Times:

1. September 5: 12:00 – 00:00
2. September 6: 12:00 – 20:00

If there is one event you absolutely cannot miss this week, it is Vinil & Gušti in the heart of Makarska. Celebrating the sweet, small pleasures of life, this unique festival revolves around the timeless charm of vinyl records.

The main focal point is an extensive fair featuring rare products, unique vintage items, and collectible vinyl records from classic rock and jazz to rare soul releases. Throughout both days, live DJs spin strictly on turntables, keeping the atmosphere relaxed, nostalgic, and energetic. As night falls, live concerts take the stage, transforming the town square into an open-air celebration of music, culture, and coastal vibes.

Toochepin 15 – Rock 'n' Roll Haven in Tučepi

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Time: 20:30

Location: Tučepi, Lučica

Admission: Free

Saturday night brings the 15th anniversary of Toochepin, the iconic "small festival of good hope" and the absolute anchor of rock 'n' roll on the Riviera. Taking place right by the harbor in Tučepi, this milestone edition features an exceptional lineup of Croatian rock legends:

1. BEG (Mak) opening the stage
2. Darko Rundek i Ekipa (Zgb) bringing their iconic poetry and alternative rock sounds
3. Savršeni Marginalci (ex Hladno Pivo / Zgb) delivering a high-energy punk-rock set

With DJ Zoran Spajić on the decks, visual direction by Valentino Juras, and local food and drinks provided by DVD Tučepi, this is guaranteed to be one of the energetic highlights of the season.

Beyond the evening events and festivals, September offers ideal weather for exploring. Here are the top activities you should add to your itinerary:

1. Conquer the Peaks of Mount Biokovo & Skywalk

Rising dramatically directly behind the coastline, Mount Biokovo offers some of the most striking views in the entire Mediterranean. Drive or hike up to the famous Biokovo Skywalk, a glass-bottomed horseshoe platform protruding over the cliff edge. On a clear September day, you can see across the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula all the way to Italy.

2. Swim and Relax at Punta Rata Beach

Regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Punta Rata in Brela is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, shade-providing pine trees, and the iconic Brela Stone rising out of the sea. Late summer offers warm water temperatures with far fewer crowds than July or August.

For a scenic coastal walk, head to Forest Park Osejava, which connects Makarska to Tučepi. The shaded pine forest trails wind along dramatic seaside cliffs, leading down to hidden rocky bays like Nugal Beach, perfect for a peaceful afternoon swim.

No trip to the Riviera is complete without savoring local gastronomy. Visit a traditional Dalmatian konoba (tavern) to try fresh grilled Adriatic fish, peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell), locally harvested olive oil, and premium wines like Plavac Mali or Pošip.