Šumadijski festival rakije 2026 – Rakija Festival in Kragujevac

Welcome to the Šumadijski festival rakije 2026 in Kragujevac

The 7th Šumadijski festival rakije takes place on 24 October 2026 from 13:00 to 20:00 at Hotel Kragujevac. The event brings together producers, experts and enthusiasts of Serbian fruit brandies and is one of the main rakija gatherings in central Serbia. It is organised by the Association of Rakija Producers “Šumadijska rakija”, the City Tourism Organisation of Kragujevac and the Regional Development Agency of Šumadija and Pomoravlje, with support from the City of Kragujevac.

Highlights & Attractions at Šumadijski festival rakije in Kragujevac

• More than 35 distilleries from Serbia and the wider region present fruit rakijas, including plum (šljivovica), quince, apricot and other styles.
• Guided tastings led by specialists, focusing on aroma, maturity and quality markers.
• Masterclass “What makes a good distillate?” with Prof. Dr Branko Popović on sensory analysis and common faults.
• Talks on barrel ageing and the “smart distillery” (digitalisation and AI in production).
• Special guest Billy Gould (Faith No More, Yebiga brand) sharing his path from rock to rakija.
• Presentation of awards from the 8th Šumadija quality assessment of strong alcoholic drinks (early October 2026 in Kragujevac).
• Supporting exhibitors from the barrel, packaging and gastronomy sectors; emphasis on origin, production methods and tasting culture.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026

The festival runs continuously from 13:00 to 20:00. Visitors can taste at distillery stands, speak directly with producers and join the educational sessions. The programme links traditional craft with current topics such as quality control, wood ageing and digital production management. Tastings are structured so that newcomers can follow differences between fruit types and production styles.

Ahead of the festival, the 8th quality assessment was held on 1 October 2026: 26 distilleries submitted 73 samples, resulting in three grand gold medals plus numerous gold, silver and bronze awards. Medals are presented at the festival. Official updates on the programme and participants are published via the organisers and sumadijskarakija.org.

Tickets & Admission for Šumadijski festival rakije Kragujevac

Admission is 1,000 Serbian dinars — about 9 euro at October 2026 exchange rates. This covers the full day from 13:00 to 20:00. Free entry is not supported by the latest local reports; treat older or conflicting claims with caution and confirm with the organisers. Tickets and practical details are available through the association, sumadijskarakija.org and partner contacts in Kragujevac.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Kragujevac

• Getting there: Kragujevac is in central Serbia and reachable by bus and train; Hotel Kragujevac sits in the pedestrian centre on Kralja Petra I. By car, use the E75 (Batocina exit) and follow signs into the city centre.
• Weather and clothing: Late October temperatures are typically cool; bring a light jacket. Arrive with a clear palate and pace your tastings.
• Where to stay: The host hotel and other central properties work well; book ahead if you arrive the day before, as the festival and autumn tourism raise demand.
• Tasting etiquette: Prefer guided sessions, spit when needed and drink water between samples. Pair rakija with the cheeses and cured meats offered by food exhibitors.
• Going further: Ask organisers or the Kragujevac tourism office about the Šumadija rakija route and certified origin products such as Šumadijska šljivovica.