Event Details
Welcome to the Drina Regatta 2026
From 13 to 19 July 2026, the town of Bajina Bašta at the foot of Tara National Park hosts the largest water festival in Southeast Europe. The Drina Regatta is the oldest and most celebrated tourist and recreational event on the Drina River, with a tradition stretching back to its first edition in July 1994. Held every year in the third week of July, it attracts over 100,000 visitors to western Serbia each summer.
The Event – Tradition and Celebration on the Water
The Drina Regatta honours the ancient tradition of Drina river rafters and brings together heritage and modern festival culture in a unique setting. The five-day programme culminates on Saturday, 18 July 2026, when hundreds of vessels including wooden rafts, rubber dinghies and creatively decorated floats take part in a spectacular descent of the Drina, complete with music, floating bars and barbecues on the water.
Program (13–19 July 2026)
- Wednesday, 13 July: Opening ceremony; folk and pop concerts in the centre of Bajina Bašta.
- Thursday, 16 July: Traditional fish soup competition by the river Vrelo in Perućac; live music and festivities along the riverbank.
- Friday, 17 July: Spectacular bridge diving competition from the Drina bridge; the bravest divers from across the Balkans compete in front of thousands of spectators.
- Saturday, 18 July (Main Day): Grand regatta descent from Perućac to Rogačica; start beneath the hydroelectric plant at 11:00 AM; officially opened by a prominent public figure or state representative.
- Saturday, 18 July (Evening): Most-Fest (Bridge Festival) at the confluence of the Rača river into the Drina; major music event.
- Throughout the week: Honey and brandy fair, local crafts and souvenir market in Bajina Bašta town centre.
The Descent Route
The central descent runs from Perućac downstream to Rogačica, following one of the most scenic river corridors in the Balkans. The Drina flows between the forested slopes of Tara National Park on the Serbian side and the hills of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the opposite bank, forming the international border between the two countries along this stretch.
Awards & Recognition
The Drina Regatta is one of Serbia's most decorated festivals. In 2016 it received two of the country's most prestigious tourism honours: the "Tourist Flower 2016" from the Tourist Organisation of Serbia for best tourist event, and "Best from Serbia 2016" from the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia.
Admission & Tickets
Participation in the regatta descent and most accompanying events is free of charge. Some evening concerts may have separate admission fees. Current information is available at the official website regata.rs.
Visitor Tips
- On the main day (Saturday), set off for Perućac several hours before the 11:00 AM start to secure a good spot.
- Bajina Bašta is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Belgrade.
- Book accommodation in Bajina Bašta and the surrounding area well in advance; capacity fills up quickly during Regatta week.
- Bring waterproof clothing and sunscreen for the descent.
- The Drina bridge connects Bajina Bašta with Skelani in Bosnia and Herzegovina and offers a memorable viewpoint.
- The famous Drina River House (a small house built on a rock in the middle of the river) is well worth a visit nearby.
