KašArt is a summer festival of art in Žirovnica—or “Kašarija” as the locals call the region beneath Mount Stol. KašArt brings together stories, poetry, popular music, and the joy of spending time outdoors, inviting you to connect with friends while discovering the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The festival features both acclaimed Slovenian artists and international guests, with a strong focus on independent folk and alternative acts. At the heart of the festival lies storytelling, as Žirovnica is known as the land of great stories—home to key figures in Slovenian culture, art, and language: the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren, linguist Matija Čop, beekeeper Anton Janša, writer Janez Jalen, and the renowned Slovenian author Fran Saleški Finžgar.

KašArt events take place at four unique venues:

• Fairy Tale Evenings in front of Finžgar’s Birth House in Doslovče
• Prešeren Night with Aleksander Mežek & friends in Vrba
• Concert in Završnica
• Little Stage at Čop’s Birth House in Žirovnica

Concert in Završnica

Discover the green valley of Završnica and let yourself be enchanted by music at a magical venue beside a lake, surrounded by forests and the Karawanks. Join us for two unforgettable music nights in the picturesque Green Valley of Završnica, where nature and music meet in harmony. Three exceptional acts await you in this breathtaking location.
Concert in Završnica with Nina Pušlar – Slovenian singer who first captivated audiences by winning the 2005 “Battle of Talents” and has since continued her successful career with hits like “Ni ona” and “To mi je všeč.” Her unforgettable concerts and recognizable voice never fail to move listeners.

Concert in Završnica with Flirrt and Jet Black Diamonds

• Flirrt – This legendary Slovenian band has been winning hearts since 1997 with timeless songs like “Romeo and Juliet,” “V mojem telesu,” and “Ona.” With over 1000 concerts and seven albums, their performance is always full of energy and never disappoints.
• Jet Black Diamonds – A youthful rock band from the Vipava Valley whose debut “Večvredne romance” captivated audiences. Their track “Retro anorak” became the most played song on Val 202, and their album “Sladki problemi” premiered at the sold-out Kino Šiška.

Fairy Tale Evenings at Finžgar’s Birth House

Slovenian culture is a treasure trove of folk tales, entertaining anecdotes, and mysterious stories—much like the legacy of Fran Saleški Finžgar. Enjoy his stories and musical guests in the cozy ambiance of his birth house. Admission is free!
This year’s Fairy Tale Evenings feature:

• Etno zbor Ljelje, reviving the richness of Slovenian folk tradition through song.
• Špela Frlic & All Strings Detached, who will offer a special evening of musical storytelling and emotion.
• Film screening: Lucija (based on a script by Fran Saleški Finžgar), a nostalgic open-air cinema experience under the stars.
• Korona Vocal Ensemble, delivering exquisite harmony for lovers of traditional music.
• Marko & Mirko Vuksanović from the band Avtomobili, adding a nostalgic acoustic touch to the summer night.
• Slon in Sadež, whose witty and humorous music will bring laughter and joy.
• All evenings will be opened by storyteller Irena Leskovšek.

Prešeren Night with Aleksander Mežek, Gal Gjurin & Band in Vrba, featuring Severa Gjurin

Join us for the beloved Prešeren Night with Aleksander Mežek & Friends, a unique and traditional event held on the meadow in front of France Prešeren’s homestead. Surrounded by scenic views of his birth house, St. Mark’s Church, and the majestic peaks of the Karawanks, you’ll experience a night of unforgettable music.
This year’s special guests include Gal Gjurin and his band, presenting the project Ljubke ljudske – Stories of Slovenian Women. This innovative blend of folk songs and original music is a tribute to strong women from Slovenia’s cultural past. The album is nominated for Global Roots Album of the Year 2025 at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA). Guest appearance by Severa Gjurin, in poetic sibling duets.

Admission is free. Due to limited parking in Vrba, we recommend arriving by foot or public transport.

Little Stage at Čop’s Birth House

In the idyllic village setting in front of Čop’s Birth House in the heart of Žirovnica, this year’s program brings engaging events. Admission is free.
This year’s Little Stage presents:

• The Language of Color, the Speech of Images – Opening of an exhibition of prints and selected works by Andrej Jemec in Čop’s Birth House. What happens when the language of images enters the house of words? The exhibition by academic painter Andrej Jemec opens a subtle dialogue between Čop’s linguistic world and Jemec’s visual expression.
• The Countess Tells a Tale – “Polka Dot Ball” Fairy Tale & Children’s Workshop. Beloved storyteller Irena Leskovšek brings the magical tale of “Žogica Marogica” to life, followed by a creative workshop for children to express their imagination.

How to reach us?

Žirovnica is well connected by public transport. Choose the travel option that suits you best!

Thanks to our sponsors

Organizer

Zavod za turizem in kulturo Žirovnica, in collaboration with Municipality of Žirovnica and the Ministry of Culture. The event will be filmed and photographed for promotional purposes. Photos and videos will be published on the website and social media profiles of the organizer. The organizer reserves the right to modify the program. Outside drinks are not allowed at KašArt events. Sharp objects (e.g. knives) and other potentially dangerous items are also not permitted and must be left at the entrance—note that no safekeeping is provided.