The 44th Festival of Idrija Lace will be held from 19 to 21 June 2026. This year marks an exceptional anniversary: 150 years of the Idrija Lace School. The festival’s opening ceremony will be a special artistic tribute to this significant milestone.
The anniversary symbolises the uninterrupted transfer of knowledge, skills, and passion for lacemaking from generation to generation. It represents a unique heritage that in Idrija we not only preserve, but also live, develop, and pass on to future generations
The festival will celebrate heritage, creativity, and community, while honouring the great treasure represented by Idrija lace – an intangible cultural heritage of global significance. The story of lace is one of patience, precision, and the connection between people who, for more than a century and a half, have ensured that this knowledge does not fade away, but continues to flourish.
During the festival, visitors will be able to explore ten innovative exhibitions. A rich professional programme, lacemaking workshops, and live lacemaking demonstrations by both children and adult lacemakers will take place throughout the town. One of the festival’s highlights will certainly be the National Lacemaking Knowledge Competition for the Ivanka Ferjančič Award.
Visitors will also enjoy a fair of traditional and artistic crafts and lacemaking supplies, the “Huda kuhna” culinary experience, the Sweet Corner, children’s entertainment, a children’s theatre performance, dance performances, guided city tours, and many other festival activities.
On Saturday, the main stage at Mestni trg will host performances by Šank Rock, Elvis Jackson, and AnzaRa Mai & Greg Even. They will be joined on stage by the brass section featuring Branko Mrak (trombone), Žiga Fabbro (saxophone), and Domen Gracej (trumpet), as well as Rok Šinkovec on keyboards and vocals – founding members of the original nine-member AnzaRa Mai lineup. On Sunday, Hišni ansambel Avsenik will perform on the small stage at Trg sv. Ahacija Square.
The Idrija Lace Festival demonstrates that tradition, creativity, and cooperation create unforgettable experiences.
Join us and experience the 44th Festival of Idrija Lace together with us!
