Outdoor & Gastro Weekend: Guide to Black Sheep Festival on Krk

Adventure for All Senses 

Come to Baška, enjoy your holiday on Krk Island from the 16th to 18th of May and get ready to groove to the beats of Croatian artists at the Black Sheep festival! With lively concerts and performances, the festival promises an electrifying atmosphere which gathers lovers of uniqueness. It is a festival of lamb, individualism, creativity, island heritage, popular culture and sports. The event itself seems to stand out from the others because it does not fit into a classic event with food, drinks and music, but celebrates those who are “black sheep” – as well as the event itself.

Charming town of Baška

Culinary Adventure

Apart from musical delights, indulge in a culinary adventure as you savour homemade lamb meat prepared in various mouth-watering ways at the Baška restaurants and food stands throughout the festival weekend. Lamb is a staple of the island’s cuisine. Grazing freely on the island’s rugged terrain, these lambs absorb the essence of the Adriatic Sea’s salty breeze, imbuing their meat uniquely. The combination of wind, sea salt, and the island’s lush vegetation creates a distinctive mix of factors, yielding tender lamb with a hint of maritime essence, cherished by both locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the chance to taste a traditional dessert made with fresh sheep cheese, Presnac, a specialty of the island of Krk, adding a sweet finale to your gastronomic journey.

Traditional lamb under the bell

Absorb the Island Culture and Have Fun

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Krk with various activities. Black Sheep offers an array of cultural activities that will enrich your holiday on Krk island, both for adults and children. Local associations will host a variety of workshops, from traditional mrgari making and wool felting to dry-stone building.  On the other hand, performers from the Croatian rock music scene will not disappoint the fans on the Palada stage!

Rock concert at the Black Sheep festival

Dry-stone Building  and Restoration of mrgari

High above the Baška Valley lie the most beautiful examples of dry-stone sheepfolds shaped like stone flowers – mrgari. Traditionally used by shepherds to gather sheep on rocky pastures, they are now part of a unique heritage. As part of the Black Sheep festival, two free workshops will be held on 17 and 18 May, focusing on dry-stone building and mrgari restoration. Led by experts from the “4 grada Dragodid” association, participants will learn traditional techniques. The workshops are free, with tools, gloves and a warm meal provided for all volunteers.

Baška Tablet at St Lucia Complex

Join us on Saturday at 11 am for a 30-minute guided tour of the St. Lucia complex, a museum and heritage centre dedicated to the Baška tablet and the former monastery. A professional guide will walk you through the restored monastery, the church and a short documentary, offering insight into this important cultural treasure.

Workshops for Kids

Wool Felting Workshop

Children will get hands-on with real sheep’s wool and learn the almost-lost art of felting, creating their very own fluffy little sheep to take home. Workshops take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10 am at Mrgarić on Palada.

Creating little fluffy sheep in the workshop

Sailor’s Knot Workshop

Set sail into the world of sailors! On Saturday at 6:30 pm, kids can join the “Little Sheep Learns Sailing Skills” workshop. Through games and fun challenges, they’ll master essential knots, learn about the winds, and try their hand at a mini sailing competition. A safe and exciting way to pick up new skills and make friends!

Glagolitic Alphabet Workshop

Held on Saturday at 11:45 am in the newly restored St Lucia monastery, the very place where the Baška tablet was created. Kids will dive into the basics of Glagolitic script and discover its cultural legacy in a magical 45–60 minute adventure. The workshop is limited to 40 children.

KRASna Reading and Workshop

How do we teach children about caring for animals? With Flegi the dog, of course! This warm and engaging session for kids between 5 and 10 includes a reading of the new picture book, where Flegi and Dora discover abandoned puppies and learn about neutering and animal shelters. After the story, kids will create colourful bookmarks inspired by the tale – and take home a free book!  

Sports and Activities for All

MTB cyclists near Baška on Krk Island

The island of Krk, with its stunning natural landscape, is a paradise for outdoor activities, especially during the spring months. Black Sheep festival is also renowned for its diverse sports events, both at sea and on land. Participants can take part in various sports events, but also just cheer for their favourite teams. Some of the popular sports and activities are the Corinthia Cup sailing regatta that attracts many enthusiasts from the region, cycling events and walking tours. Also, yoga classes are very popular among the participants.

Hiking Tour

This year’s hike takes place on Saturday, starting at 9:30 am. The guided walk follows the western ridge of Baška Valley, offering stunning views of Baška, Velebit and nearby islands. The route climbs to the Ljubimer Plateau, where participants can explore restored mrgari, the traditional dry-stone sheepfolds. After a short break, the trail continues to Bratinac, descends to Batomalj, and returns to Baška. The hike is moderate, around 10 km, and perfect for nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts. Just bring good gear, a bit of spirit,  and you’re set for a rugged but beautiful adventure.

The Corinthia Cup Sailing Regatta

The Corinthia Cup “Jure Vukasović Memorial” brings together young sailors in the Optimist and Laser classes. The first race starts on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at 11 am at Vela Riva. The second race follows on Sunday at 10 am.

Local Tradition of boćanje (bowling)

Boćanje is an essential part of Baška’s Mediterranean vibe. Veteran players pass their skills and love of the game on to the younger generation, for fun across all ages.

Cycling Tour

On Sunday, 18 May at 11 am, the traditional Black Sheep cycling tour sets off from the Baška Bike Centre. This easy-going 17 km route leads to Jurandvor and through Draga Bašćanska, with scenic breaks along the way. A relaxed spring ride for families and casual cyclists. It’s not a race, just good vibes and great views.

Black Sheep cycling tour

Morning Yoga

Start your Sunday with breath, movement and calm at the Black Sheep yoga session. Held on 18 May at 11 am, the class is open to all, no experience needed. Just bring a mat, comfy clothes and a good mood.

A Weekend to Remember

Sunny Baška Hotel on the Island of Krk

When looking into accommodation on Krk island, Valamar offers accommodation on Krk island. So mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of fun, excitement, and discovery! P.S.  Don’t forget the programme is completely free.