Event Details
Welcome to the Guča Trumpet Festival 2026
From 7 to 9 August 2026, the small Serbian town of Guča in the heart of the Dragačevo region transforms into the world's trumpet music capital. The 65th Dragačevo Assembly of Trumpeters, officially known as Dragačevski Sabor trubača, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to a town of just 1,400 residents. What awaits them is raw energy, unbridled joy and a musical experience found nowhere else on earth.
What is the Guča Festival?
The Guča Festival is no ordinary music event. It is a brass band competition rooted in Serbian folk music and tradition since 1961. Dozens of orchestras that have qualified through earlier elimination rounds compete for the coveted Golden Trumpet. At the same time, musicians play around the clock in streets, squares and taverns throughout the town. The entire town centre becomes one giant open-air stage.
Highlights
- Opening concert on Friday evening with former winning orchestras and traditional folk dancers
- Street parade on Saturday with dozens of brass bands marching through the town
- Grand competition on Sunday for the Golden Trumpet title
- Spontaneous performances in taverns and squares around the clock
- Traditional Serbian wedding ceremonies and folklore shows
- Food stalls with spit-roasted meats and local Serbian specialities
- Headline performances from legends like Boban Marković and other Balkan brass stars
Program
The three-day festival follows a well-established structure. Friday: the opening concert takes place in the evening on the main stage, featuring previous award-winning orchestras who each play three pieces accompanied by folk dancers in traditional costumes. Saturday: brass bands parade through the streets all day and into the night, with spontaneous kolo circle dances breaking out at every corner. Sunday: the final competition day determines which orchestra takes home the Golden Trumpet. Children's and youth orchestras also compete in a dedicated category throughout the festival.
Tickets & Entry
Entry to the town and street events is free of charge. Tickets are required for the official evening concerts and the main stadium competition. Prices for evening events are approximately $9 to $22 USD per evening. Tickets are sold at official booths near the festival entrance and through authorised local travel agencies. VIP packages with reserved seating are also available.
Getting There
Guča is located approximately 150 km south of Belgrade in the Dragačevo region. Visitors can reach the town by bus from Belgrade, Čačak or other Serbian cities, or by car via well-connected roads. The bus journey from Belgrade takes around three hours. By train, the nearest major station is Čačak, from where local transport continues to Guča.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation several months in advance; the limited supply of hotels and private rooms sells out very early.
- Camping options and private rooms in surrounding villages are a good alternative.
- Bring sufficient cash in Serbian Dinar; card payments are not accepted everywhere.
- Earplugs are a wise idea for moments of rest; the noise levels are legendary.
- August temperatures in Serbia are high; light clothing and sun protection are essential.
- The festival grounds are extensive; comfortable shoes are a must.
