Sea Star Festival 2026 lights up the Stella Maris Lagoon in Umag once again, inviting festival-goers to step into a sun-kissed, sea-cooled celebration that marks the unofficial start of summer in Croatia. With its idyllic beachfront setting, glowing turquoise waters and warm late-May weather, Sea Star has become one of the Adriatic’s most exciting festival openings, blending world-class music, coastal relaxation and electrifying night-time energy.

Launched in 2017 as part of the EXIT Festival family, Sea Star was created to bring EXIT’s award-winning spirit to Croatia’s coast. From its debut edition — which drew tens of thousands of visitors from across Europe — the festival has earned a reputation for mixing premium electronic talent with pop, trap, rock and regional stars. Past lineups have featured artists such as The Prodigy, Wu-Tang Clan, Amelie Lens, Nina Kraviz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Indira Paganotto and I Hate Models, solidifying its status as a heavyweight event with a truly international feel.

For 2026, the first wave of artists has already set the tone for an outstanding edition. The king of high-tech minimal Boris Brejcha returns to unleash one of the festival’s most anticipated sets, promising thundering basslines, intricate melodies and that unmistakable mask-adorned charisma. Joining him is the effortlessly cool New York selector Layla Benitez, known for her deep, melodic, sun-drenched style that feels tailor-made for Croatian sunsets. Rising star Lanna adds fresh energy to the programme, bringing her powerful, progressive-leaning sound to the shores of Umag. These early confirmations suggest a lineup that will once again bridge the worlds of techno, house, pop and hybrid electronic sounds — with many more names still to come.

The festival unfolds across multiple stages nestled between pine forests, sandy beaches and lively waterfront walkways, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and energetic. Days are spent swimming, exploring Umag’s charming coastline and recharging under the Adriatic sun, while nights transform the lagoon into a glowing playground of lasers, immersive visuals and booming sound systems. It’s this contrast — the tranquillity of the seaside and the explosiveness of late-night performances — that gives Sea Star its unmistakable magic.

Food and drink options reflect Croatia’s diverse and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, with fresh seafood, grilled specialities, vegan bowls and sweet treats scattered around the site. Bars serve ice-cold cocktails, local wines and refreshing beer, perfect for warm evenings by the sea. Accommodation ranges from local hotels and apartments in Umag to nearby resorts and camping options, all within easy reach of the festival grounds.

Travelling to Sea Star is simple, with Umag connected to major airports such as Pula, Trieste and Ljubljana. Shuttle services and local buses operate throughout the festival, making it easy for visitors to move between accommodation and the venue. Dates for 2026 fall at the end of May, offering a perfect early-summer escape before the main European festival season kicks in.

Expect a welcoming crowd, a coastal paradise and a soundtrack that effortlessly blends underground power with mainstream favourites. Sea Star Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable chapter on the shores of Croatia — the perfect gateway into the summer festival season.