Pre & After Programme - Arts Festivals Summit 2026
For those with a little more time, we are developing an additional programme with the option to attend performances and activities within and outside the city of Budva before and after the Arts Festivals Summit.
Pre-Summit programme: 13-17 May: First Showcase of Montenegrin Theatre
Are you interested in exploring Montenegro and its artists before the Arts Festivals Summit? Do you want to attend additional local Montenegrin performances?
The programme of Showcase of Montenegrin Theatre will give you the opportunity to arrive to Montenegro three days prior to the Summit and discover what the region has to offer on the artistic level.
The programme includes 11 performances of classic and contemporary dramas, dance, and children theatre with artists coming from 5 different cities of Montenegro (Podgorica, Cetinje, Kolašin, Budva and Tivat).
The first three days (13 – 15 May) of the Showcase will take place in Podgorica.
In addition, EFA participants will be able to attend a show in Cetinje on 14 May and visit Skadar Lake with a short boat trip.
The final programme will be shared in March.
Practical information for the pre-programme
EFA participants will be offered three nights of accommodation (13, 14, 15 May) in Podgorica.
A transfer is organised and covered on 16 May from Podgorica to Budva.
Free tickets for all performances will be provided for all EFA participants.
This programme is organised and above expenses covered by the Ministry of Culture and Media for Montenegro.
City Orchestra Budva – 120 Years Anniversary
For those arriving in Budva before the start of the Summit, the two-day ceremonial programme of the City Orchestra Budva offers another opportunity to experience local culture. The City Orchestra Budva celebrates its 120 years of tradition, music, and community spirit with concerts and a ceremonial parade.
The programme looks as follow:
- May 15, 8:00 PM – Evening concerts with City Orchestras from Budva (Montenegro), Makarska (Croatia), Kastel (Croatia), and Kamnit (Slovenia).
- May 16, 5:00 PM – Ceremonial parade with the City Orchestras and other music groups from Montenegro, followed by a joint performance of Through the Split Streets (Kroz Splitske kale), conducted by Milutin Barbul.
After-Summit programme: 19 May in Kotor
Discover Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a lovely medieval old town, set between steep mountains and the Bay of Kotor, and shaped by centuries of cultural and architectural influences.
The programme is offered by the KotorArt International Festival.
Thursday 21 May - National Independence Day
21 May is Montenegro's National Independence Day. Discover the country and take part in activities celebrating this important milestones happening throughout the entire country.