New Town: During the summer a multitude of events for relaxation and entertainment

This summer, the city of Novo mesto is set to become a hub of cultural and recreational activities, offering residents and visitors alike a wide range of events designed to provide relaxation and entertainment. The city's summer program includes concerts, film screenings, water-based excursions, and other leisure opportunities aimed at engaging both locals and tourists during the warmer months.

The highlight of the summer season will be the "Novo mesto Summer Festival," which commenced on June 19. This festival will feature seven evenings of music, socializing, and summer vibes. Concerts will take place at three venues—Muzejski vrtovi, Park Rastoče knjige, and Glavni trg—where genres such as ethnic, rock, folk, alternative pop, acoustic performances, and modern interpretations of traditional music will be showcased throughout July and August. These events aim to create a vibrant atmosphere where music lovers can gather and enjoy live performances under the open sky.

In addition to musical events, the city will host the "Summer Film Evenings" at the square in front of the Cultural Center Janeza Trdine. From July to August, these film screenings will occur every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 PM, except between August 17 and 23 when the "Jazzinty" festival will take place. A total of fifteen films will be shown this year, starting with one titled "Fantasy." All screenings will be free of charge, and in case of bad weather, they will be moved to the courtyard of the cultural center. Organizers hope to create a space for summer gatherings centered around cinematic arts while offering high-quality films from around the world. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or clothing to make their experience more comfortable.

The popularity of these film nights has been growing steadily over the years. Last year, 16 film screenings attracted more than 1,600 visitors, compared to 928 attendees for 15 films the previous year. This increase indicates a rising interest in cultural events within the community.

To further enhance the visitor experience, the Tourism Information Center (TIC) Novo mesto, operating under the umbrella of the Novo mesto Foundation, will offer various active experiences during the summer tourist season. These include boat tours of the city, electric bike rentals, and visits to the Kapitelj Observation Square. Electric bikes can be rented either at the TIC or at the entrance point of Trška Gora. Water-based excursions such as canoeing, kayaking, and wooden boat rides will also be available at the beach near the Sport Park Portoval. Guided tours of the old town area will be conducted by local guides, providing insight into the historical significance of the region.

According to data from the Novo mesto Foundation, the city has seen an increasing number of tourists since the end of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2025, the city recorded 37,715 arrivals and 71,919 overnight stays, representing a 16.7 percent increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year. Over 84 percent of all overnight stays were made by international guests, and the average length of stay has increased from 1.64 to 1.91 nights. This growth suggests that Novo mesto continues to attract a diverse audience interested in exploring its cultural offerings and natural attractions.

As the summer progresses, the city expects continued interest in its events and activities. With a variety of options available, both residents and visitors have ample opportunities to engage in cultural and recreational pursuits. The combination of music festivals, film screenings, and outdoor adventures positions Novo mesto as a dynamic destination for summer enjoyment.