Guitar Art Festival Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia · Classical guitar competition
- Location
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Type
- Competition
- Event dates
- 11 March 2026 – 15 March 2026
- Application deadline
- Varies
- Frequency
- Annual
- Eligibility / age
- Professional/Youth (multiple styles)
- Prizes
- €800 + guitar (€5,500 value)
Repertoire requirements
Check website
-
Competition Round · 15-20 min
- Free choice program
Official website
Enter the pieces you play and Guitar Events instantly shows how your repertoire matches this competition's rounds, and which other events you qualify for.
Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Belgrade
Photo: ZlatanJovanovic, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Where the Sava meets the Danube, Belgrade hosts the annual Guitar Art Festival, a significant gathering for classical guitarists in Southeast Europe. Held in Serbia's capital, a city rich in history and culture, the festival offers a platform for both established artists and emerging talent. Attend the competition to witness the future of the instrument, and discover a vibrant city at the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.
Getting there
Most international visitors arrive via Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), located 18 km west of the city centre. Air Serbia offers numerous flights, particularly from other Balkan cities, while traditional flag carriers also serve Belgrade. Wizz Air is currently the sole budget airline. From the airport, several convenient public transport options reach the city: Bus 72 runs every 30 minutes to Zeleni Venac near Republic Square, while Bus 600 serves the Central Train Station; both are free of charge. Alternatively, Minibus A1 provides a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to Slavija Square, stopping at the main bus station, with a fare of RSD400 or €4 paid to the driver. This journey takes about 30 minutes and runs almost around the clock. For taxis, use mobile apps like Yandex Go or CAR:GO, or obtain a fixed-price slip from a vending machine inside the terminal, to ensure a safe and transparent fare. Overland, buses are the most practical option from Western Europe, with Flixbus operating routes from cities such as Budapest, Sarajevo, Sofia, and Thessaloniki.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Belgrade on Omio →
Serbia runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.
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Where to stay
Belgrade is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, offering varied experiences. For proximity to the festival venues and the city's main attractions, consider staying in the central areas near Kalemegdan and Republic Square. This allows easy walking access to historical sites, cultural institutions, and the bustling pedestrian street of Kneza Mihaila. The modern Novi Beograd district, west of the Sava, also offers contemporary hotels and is well-connected by public transport. Booking accommodations in advance is advisable, especially around the festival dates in March, to secure your preferred location and style of stay in this dynamic capital.
What you'll hear
The Guitar Art Festival Belgrade features an international competition, drawing talented guitarists who compete for a first prize of €800 and a guitar valued at €5,500. While specific repertoire details are best confirmed on the official website, the competition provides a rich showcase of classical guitar artistry. Beyond the competitive rounds, the festival typically includes a programme of concerts, masterclasses, and lectures, offering a comprehensive immersion in the world of the classical guitar.
Belgrade itself boasts a vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its long and complex history. As a city that has been destroyed over 40 times and rebuilt, its resilience is echoed in its diverse architectural styles and the eclectic sounds found throughout its streets. While there is no specific composer pilgrimage site for guitarists, the city's rich past, from ancient Celtic settlements to Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, has shaped a unique musical landscape where traditional Serbian melodies blend with contemporary international expressions.
If you play as well as listen, explore Paco de Lucía, who has played the festival in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.
The local table
Belgrade's culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Serbian dishes and international cuisine, all at relatively inexpensive prices. While specific local dishes are not detailed in the provided sources, the city provides ample opportunities to explore local fare. You will find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bakeries throughout the city, particularly in the central districts, offering hearty meals and a chance to experience Serbian hospitality. Many establishments cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a satisfying dining experience during your stay.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Belgrade →
While you're there
Between concerts and competition rounds, Belgrade offers a wealth of sights and experiences. Begin with Kalemegdan, the city's ancient fortress, which sits on a bluff overlooking the dramatic confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This historic citadel, once a Celtic settlement and Roman stronghold, is now a sprawling park with museums, churches, and stunning panoramic views. Explore the pedestrian street of Kneza Mihaila, a lively artery lined with shops and cafes, leading to Republic Square. For a sense of Belgrade's spiritual heritage, visit the monumental Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The city's history is profound; it has been battled over in 115 wars and razed 44 times, leaving an indelible mark on its character. Consider a boat trip on the rivers for a different perspective of the city, or simply wander through the various neighbourhoods, each revealing another layer of Belgrade's fascinating past.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Belgrade →
Compare hotels and apartments near Belgrade for your dates.
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This map centers on Belgrade in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
More guitar events in Serbia: Vojvodina Guitar Fest "Jovan Jovičić"
Also in March: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Concorso Emilio Pujol · Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Concours International Roland Dyens · Internationales Gitarrenfestival Rust · Northwest Guitar Festival
Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.