TAM TAM Music Festival Sućuraj – A Small Festival with a Big Character in Eastern Hvar
The TAM TAM Music Festival is one of the most recognizable summer events in Sućuraj and one of the more interesting small festivals of independent music on the Croatian coast. It has been held since 2012, bringing alternative rock bands, singer-songwriters, experimental performers, DJs, and an audience that visits Hvar for more than just the sea and nightclubs during July.
The festival originated quite differently from large commercial music events. It grew out of the local underground scene, improvised concerts, and parties that were organized in Sućuraj as early as the late 1990s. This informal, DIY character has been preserved to this day and has become one of the main features of TAM TAM.
The main concerts are traditionally held at the football field approximately one kilometer from the center of Sućuraj, while part of the program takes place at other locations in the town during the festival days. In addition to concerts, the program in recent years has included workshops, social gatherings, DJ programs, seaside activities, and camping, making TAM TAM more than just a few evening performances but a small summer festival community at the eastern end of Hvar.
How TAM TAM Got Its Name
The story behind the festival's name perhaps best describes its character.
The Sućuraj underground scene has existed long before the festival itself. The first electronic music party was held back in 1997, and in the following years, parties were organized at the heliport, in Perna Bay, and at other locations far enough from residential areas.
Over time, the increasingly active local rock scene joined electronic music. In 2008, a concert was held at the football field where the stage was made from two small TAM trucks. The same improvised concept was used in the following years.
When the first official festival edition took place on August 3, 2012, in front of approximately 400 visitors, the name practically established itself – the two TAMs became the TAM TAM Music Festival.
Alternative and Independent Music Instead of Big Commercial Names
From the beginning, TAM TAM has not attempted to transform into a large mainstream festival.
The program mainly focuses on the independent regional and international scene – alternative rock, post-punk, indie, psychedelia, experimental music, and various forms of electronic music.
Over the years, numerous performers from Croatia and other European countries have passed through Sućuraj, and the festival has become a place where established names from the alternative scene can be heard alongside new bands that the audience is just discovering.
The size of the festival is its advantage. There is no feeling of a large festival complex between performers and the audience, no VIP zones, and no long distances between stages. Everything remains small enough for performers, organizers, visitors, and Sućuraj residents to continuously meet in the same streets, beaches, and cafes over the course of several days.
A Festival That Lasts Much Longer Than Evening Concerts
Over the years, TAM TAM has outgrown the format of a classic weekend festival.
The main concert program remains the heart of the event, but a festival day in Sućuraj can start with swimming or morning activities, continue with workshops and social gatherings, and end with concerts and music late into the night.
The program changes from year to year, but recent editions have included workshops, choir singing, yoga, sea-related activities, free diving, creative workshops for children, fanzine creation, programs dedicated to the history of Sućuraj, and other content.
It is particularly interesting that the festival utilizes the location itself in this way. Visitors do not spend several days confined within festival grounds but get to know Sućuraj, its beaches, old streets, and local community.
Camping is an Important Part of the TAM TAM Experience
For some of the audience, TAM TAM without camping is almost not the same festival.
Camping has become an important part of the event over the years, with a simple festival lifestyle in the shade of pine trees and the sea nearby. The number of spots is intentionally limited, which helps the festival maintain a small scale and relaxed atmosphere.
Those who do not wish to camp can stay in private accommodation in Sućuraj and walk to the festival.
Since Sućuraj is a small town, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance during the festival days, especially if one wishes to stay during the main concert part of the program.
The Football Field as the Main Stage
The main concert space is located at the Sućuraj football field, approximately one kilometer from the town center along the road leading west from Sućuraj.
The location may not sound like a typical festival space at first glance, but this is where TAM TAM originated, and the football field has become part of its identity.
It is possible to walk from the center, so a car is generally not necessary. For the evening return, it is good to have a mobile phone or a small flashlight, especially if staying outside the town center.
For the exact schedule of stages, entrances, camping, and accompanying facilities, it is necessary to check the information for the current festival edition as the organization of the space may change.
Sućuraj During TAM TAM
TAM TAM brings an atmosphere to Sućuraj that the rest of the summer does not have.
The small town at the far eastern end of Hvar becomes a gathering place for the audience of alternative music from Croatia and abroad for a few days. Festival visitors fill the beaches during the day, swim at Česminica and surrounding bays, walk to the lighthouse and the waterfront, and in the evening head towards the football field.
This is quite a different experience of Hvar than what is usually associated with the town of Hvar and large clubs. TAM TAM is smaller, simpler, and more immediate, with an emphasis on music, community, and multi-day stays rather than one big evening out.
Sustainability and DIY Approach
One of the festival's special features is its emphasis on environmental care.
The organizers encourage waste separation and responsible behavior in the camp, organize beach cleaning actions, and strive to connect as much of the festival life as possible with the local community.
In recent years, TAM TAM has also stood out as a completely vegan festival, including food related to the festival camp.
All of this fits well into its original DIY approach: the idea is not to create the largest event but a festival that can maintain its own character and a small community of people who return to it.
When is the TAM TAM Music Festival Held?
TAM TAM takes place during July, but the exact date and duration of the program are determined for each edition separately.
In recent years, the festival has expanded to several days, while the main concert days are only part of the overall program.
Therefore, before planning a trip, it is advisable to check the official announcements from the organizers – especially the dates, performers, ticket information, camping, and whether certain activities are free or require a festival ticket.
How to Get to the Festival
The easiest way to arrive from the mainland is by ferry Drvenik – Sućuraj. The ferry docks practically in the town itself, so after disembarking, one can continue on foot to the center, accommodation, and festival locations.
Those arriving in Hvar via Stari Grad are at the opposite end of the very long island and face a significantly longer drive to Sućuraj.
For this reason, visitors coming solely for TAM TAM often find it more convenient to approach via the Makarska Riviera and Drvenik.
Tickets and Accommodation
The ticket model may vary from year to year. Some accompanying programs may be freely accessible, while tickets are sold for the main concert evenings and the festival camp.
The camp has a limited capacity, and more popular editions may sell out well before the festival begins.
If camping tickets are sold out, the festival can still be attended by staying in a private apartment or other accommodation in Sućuraj and purchasing the appropriate concert ticket.
Useful Information
Location: Sućuraj, Hvar Island
Festival Start: 2012
Time of Year: During July
Main Location: Football field, approximately 1 km from the center of Sućuraj
Music: Alternative rock, indie, post-punk, experimental, and electronic music
Program: Concerts, DJ programs, workshops, and other daytime activities
Camping: Yes, according to the program and rules of the current edition
Organizer: Citizens' Association Pelišnjak
Access from Sućuraj: Possible on foot
Recommendation: Book accommodation and camping in advance and check the current program and tickets before arrival
Special Feature: A small independent festival born from the local Sućuraj underground scene
Follow the News
Current dates, performers, tickets, camping, and program changes are announced on the official Facebook page TAM TAM Music Festival:
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