The Cheese Festival in Drniš is held every June and serves as a central event for promoting the cheese-making heritage of the Drniš area. Since its first edition in 2009, the festival has attracted cheesemakers from different parts of Croatia and the wider region, creating a space for presenting authentic products, sharing knowledge, and connecting producers with the public. In addition to a rich selection of cheeses, the festival features exhibitors offering other local products such as prosciutto, honey, wine, and olive oil, making the event a complete gastronomic experience. The programme is complemented by cultural and entertainment performances, attracting a wide range of visitors — from food enthusiasts to families looking to spend a pleasant day outdoors.
Visitors can taste a variety of local cheeses, meet producers from Croatia and neighbouring countries, and enjoy a lively programme that blends gastronomy and entertainment.
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Cheese-making Tradition and Local Producers
The festival brings together local and regional cheesemakers who present a wide selection of traditional and authentic cheeses.
The Drniš Cheese Festival offers an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse and deeply rooted cheese-making tradition of this area. Both small family producers and larger dairies take part in the event, each bringing their own unique style, recipes, and production methods. Visitors can taste a variety of cheeses — from fresh and young types to mature, aromatic, and richly flavoured varieties. Through conversations with producers, visitors learn how the local climate, the quality of the milk, and traditional techniques shape the character of each cheese. In this way, the festival becomes a place where experience, authenticity, and passion for creating high-quality local cheeses come together.
The Festival Experience
The festival offers a relaxed atmosphere with tastings, socialising, and a range of cultural and entertainment activities.
The Cheese Festival in Drniš is designed as a warm and friendly outdoor event where visitors can unwind and enjoy a simple yet rich atmosphere. Cheese tastings and sampling of other local products unfold at an easy pace, while walking among the exhibitors gives visitors the chance to talk, discover new flavours, and get to know local producers. The programme often includes music, performances by cultural groups, and various themed activities, adding vibrancy and a special charm to the event. The combination of tastes, aromas, music, and conversation creates a pleasant experience that brings visitors back year after year.