Sarajevo Entertainment

Sarajevos nightlife has a reputation for being vibrant and exciting. The cosmopolitan, multicultural background of the city ensures that there is a wide variety of entertainment venues catering for all tastes. It has been claimed that the city has more cafs per capita than any other city in Europe, and the relaxed caf culture is ubiquitous. There are also several cinemas and clubs as well as venues hosting opera and drama performances.

Nightlife

There are hundreds of caf-bars in Sarajevo, many featuring live music, others with DJs, rock music and Bosnian turbofolk. There are some excellent venues in the middle of the Turkish quarter, but the best way of experiencing the nightlife scene is to stroll around and explore the different venues. The Club is probably the most in-vogue nightclub in Sarejevo. They have a good drinks menu and the music is generally techno, hip-hop or pop. Kinema is another popular club in the city centre; the walls are decorated with old movie posters and the club is mainly frequented by the younger generation.

There are many city centre streets where people enjoy the evening by strolling around and partaking of some local refreshments including excellent coffees and ice creams. The city looks incredible at night, and there are thousands of people milling around and socialising.

Theatre and music

Sarajevos diverse culture is celebrated in many ways, and theatre is an important part of Sarajevo culture. The first great Sarajevo theatre was built in 1919, and was the national theatre of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The building still survives to this day and it is worth visiting. In the early days of theatre in the city, plays were often held in parks or at the large houses of wealthy families. In 2003, the first Bosnian opera since the Bosnian War was held in Sarajevo and the city now also has a Youth Theatre.

Festivals

Festivals are held throughout the year in Sarajevo. The principal events are:

• International Festival of Sarajevo is held annually between February and March. The event started in the same year as the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games, and the festival has come to represent a traditional gathering of artists and citizens from around the world. This two-month manifestation includes music, dance, theatre, art exhibitions and book promotions.
• International Theatre Festival is held annually in May and aims to promote alternative projects and encourage research in the field of theatre and media.
• Sarajevo Rock Forever Festival is held in June, and strives to introduce the public to the world of renowned rock musicians as well as to promote and celebrate the national rock scene.
• Kids Festival is the largest individual childrens festival in southwestern Europe and it combines entertainment and education. Every year, over 35,000 children from Bosnia and Herzegovina attend the festival.
• International Music Zetra Festival is an extraordinary music festival held in July, which celebrates the most famous pop and classical music artists of the region.
• Nights of Bascarsija festival is held in July in the old part of Sarajevo city. Many different cultural events take place outdoors, and celebrate the traditions of the region.
• Sarajevo Film Festival is one of the leading film festivals in this part of Europe. This is a unique opportunity to view the best films from southeastern Europe.
• International Jazz-Fest has received great acclaim in a short period of time, and is held annually in November.