INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL KARLOVAC was established in 1998 in the Karlovac County with headquarters in Karlovac. From it´s creation, it became a member of CIOFF® Croatia national section and also inserted on CIOFF® list of festivals.
In 2013 the Festival received CIOFF® International recognition as CIOFF® recognized Festival.
By organizing this festival, every July, the city of Karlovac becomes the home of traditional culture of various nations of the world.
During years, it became the biggest festival event in the region presenting folklore culture, tradition and program quality. The Festival became an attractive and well-attended event in the celebration of Karlovac's birthday. Every year, more than 17,000 viewers enjoyed concerts, animation programs and social gatherings.
A special manifestation within the Festival program was created in 2018 called “Tastes of the World” – special gastro event of authentic international cuisine of each guest country with an educational and entertaining gastronomic cooking show in special 4-day event. This special gastro event further deepens the cultural exchange, creating a new tourist product, giving visitors a unique experience.
Exept from folklore dances, songs and music and cuisine, Festival program includes presentation of traditional culture of intangible cultural heritage, children's literature through children workshops called “We travel the World” and customs, an exhibition of traditional instruments etc.

We consider that the combination of the above activities, presentations and shows, contribute to the tourist attraction of the city of Karlovac in a new and innovative way and Karlovac really becomes the city of culture meetings.

By organizing this festival, we are promoting Croatian tourism, culture and economic opportunities of our country more than anything else. We believe that the International Folk Festival opens the spaces of our homeland to the world, but also brings the world closer to our people, encouraging the spread of friendship and mutual understanding, celebrating diversity, encouraging cultural interplay and involvement, and contributing to the preservation of world cultural heritage.