World famous DJ for the first time in Zagreb: Panic Room Collective brings him to the MSU garage on Saturday

In just two hours, all tickets for Jo Nesbø’s appearance in Zagreb were sold out. The event, held at Tvornica kulture on Sunday, 27 September, saw all 450 available seats filled within a record time. Although entry was free, the venue’s limited capacity required advance ticketing. Interest was overwhelming, with fans eager to attend the author’s discussion and book signing session. This visit forms part of Nesbø’s October trip to Croatia, during which he will also meet readers in Split as part of the Mediterranean Book Festival. Nesbø, one of the most successful contemporary crime writers, has had his novels translated worldwide. His series featuring detective Harry Hole has attracted millions of readers and is considered one of today’s most renowned crime TV series. His works include “Snowman,” “Blood on Snow,” “Shetland,” and “Knife.” On Saturday, 26 September, Nesbø will also appear in Split, again as part of the Mediterranean Book Festival. His Zagreb event will feature a conversation with the audience followed by a book signing. Meanwhile, electronic music returns to the Muzej suvremene umjetnosti (MSU) in Zagreb after four years. The event, hosted by local collective Panic Room, will take place in the museum’s garage space on Saturday, 26 September. The setting will transform into a unique environment with lighting and sound designed to enhance the experience. British DJ Patrick Topping, known for his international career and performances at major festivals such as Tomorrowland and Glastonbury, will make his Zagreb debut. Topping’s performance will last three hours, longer than usual, as he aims to present his best work to the Zagreb audience. Local DJs, including Butterfly Jam, will perform before him. As evening approaches, the atmosphere of the MSU will change, with new stage effects planned. Light installations, similar to those found in Ibiza and London clubs, will create a special visual experience for attendees. The choice of location reflects Panic Room’s ongoing effort to bring electronic music to unconventional venues. This year, the collective has already organized events in the Museum of the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Natural History Museum, as well as parties in Medvedgrad fortress and the Sljema tunnel. They aim to connect with urban spaces that hold additional value for the community. Organizers emphasize that these events require trust from institutions, as past experiences have shown some reluctance due to concerns over cleanliness and restoration. However, they have successfully changed perceptions through careful planning and execution. Some locations, like the Sljema tunnel, have even been returned cleaner than they were initially found. Panic Room seeks to demonstrate that electronic music extends beyond nightclubs and younger audiences. It is already present in festivals, radio, and everyday life. Their events attract a more mature audience, with an average age range of 38 to 42. This demographic is rare in Zagreb, where most events cater primarily to those aged 18 to 30. The format of their events, starting earlier, focusing on location, production, and overall experience, helps draw this diverse crowd. Organizers believe that such events offer a different kind of nightlife experience, blending culture, technology, and entertainment.