Ivanić Grad Pumpkin Festival 2026
Photo: Pixabay / licence-free
Fun-filled pumpkin event for the whole family
Ivanić Grad - Zagreb County, October 2-4, 2026 | 9:00 - 21:00
Come, see, and taste one of the most visited pumpkin festivals in Inland Croatia – the Ivanić Grad Pumpkin Festival, located only 38 km from the Capital City of Zagreb. The festival, locally called Bučijada, is being held for the 22nd time.
Get ready for this fun-filled event featuring a variety of entertaining activities for the whole family.
The main attraction is the pumpkin fair featuring local exhibitors with their great homemade pumpkin products. We especially highlight the GASTRO-ENO OFFER at V. Nazor Square: the Škrlet corner 'ŠkrCo,' featuring wine tastings and presentations of the indigenous Škrlet white wines, craft pumpkin beer (very popular!), pumpkin cream cake, pumpkin pie, pumpkin oil, etc.
Other highlights are the installations and sculptures made of pumpkins. There is a contest for the largest, smallest and the most original pumpkin. Cooking shows with top chefs and interactive workshops based on the pumpkin are something you shouldn't miss.
For visitors of all ages, fun organised activities pop up everywhere, inviting everyone to jump in and enjoy the moment: a horse-drawn carriage ride, a special pumpkin carriage and tram, playgrounds and workshops for youngsters, theatre shows, exhibitions, concerts, promotions, ethnic program and rich gastronomic offers of groceries in restaurants and gastro tents.
Another highlight near Ivanić-Grad: in the village of Dubrovčak Lijevi (8.5 km, 15-minute drive), you will find an exciting corn maze — a top attraction for kids and adults. It's open from July to November, all day, seven days a week. And there's no entrance fee. The average time of the labyrinth tour is about 45 minutes. The 18,000 m2 large corn maze has one kilometre of paths to explore. The organisers reinvent the labyrinth each year, drawing fresh inspiration from the intricate patterns of traditional local costumes. At the end of the season, the farmer harvests the corn and returns it to nature.
What is the best way to come to the Pumpkin Festival in Ivanić Grad from Zagreb Capital City?
- by car (38 km | 40 min drive)
- by organised excursion train Bučko Express from Zagreb (the Main railwaystation - Glavni Kolodvor) | From Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, 2026 | Children under 6 years old - free | Surcharge for bicycle | 40-50 min drive.
Facts about Ivanić Grad
Ivanić Grad is a small town (14.500 inhabitants) in Zagreb County, located along the Lonja River in the Moslavina wine region, only 38 km away from the Capital City of Zagreb. It was first mentioned in a document as early as the 13th century. The town is widely recognised for its renowned Naftalan thermal and climate health resort.
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- The festival has been held every year since 2004.
- The most visited pumpkin fair in Inland Croatia.
- Featuring over 200 exhibitors.
- More than 20,000 visitors each year.
- Rich gastronomic offer based on the pumpkin: craft pumpkin beer, pumpkin cream cake, and pumpkin pie.
- Workshop and tasting of pumpkin seed oil.
- Škrlet corner 'ŠkrCo' – wine tasting of indigenous Škrlet white wine.
- The Toy Festival for children in Zelenjak sports park.
- Award for the best-decorated stand and pumpkin pie.
- Pumpkin pie eating contest.
- Special train „Bučko Express“ from Zagreb to Ivanić Grad.
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