Bear Stone Festival 2026: Hard Rock, Weird Acts, and Holiday Vibes in Croatia
The Bear Stone Festival took place from July 2 to 5, 2026, at a scenic bend of the Mrežnica River in Croatia, featuring three stages: Stone Stage, Jam Stage, and Mill Stage. The festival specializes in hard rock, psychedelic, stoner rock, and punk. Highlights included the weirdness of Austin TV from Mexico, the experimental analog techno of Danish band Smag På Dig Selv, and the Serbian duo Skier And Yeti performing in a full-body yeti costume with a snow cannon. Technical issues plagued Daevar from Cologne on Friday, while Planet Of Zeus delivered a generic set. The Jam Stage offered unexpected gems like Ungraven (UK) playing Sunn O)))-inspired doom metal. The festival is known for its relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere, with many musicians staying after their sets to enjoy the event. Political statements were notably absent, emphasizing escapism.
Key facts
- Bear Stone Festival 2026 took place July 2-5 in Croatia.
- Located at a bend of the Mrežnica River, surrounded by mountains and trees.
- Three stages: Stone Stage, Jam Stage, Mill Stage.
- Genres: hard rock, psychedelic, stoner rock, punk.
- Highlights included Austin TV (Mexico), Smag På Dig Selv (Denmark), Skier And Yeti (Serbia).
- Daevar (Cologne) suffered a 30-minute sound failure on Friday.
- Planet Of Zeus (Greece) criticized for macho vibes and insensitive comments.
- Political statements were almost entirely absent from the festival.
- Many performers stayed after their sets to enjoy the festival.
- No cell phone reception on site; fans seen holding phones up for signal.
Entities
Artists
- Stinking Lizaveta
- Scott Hepple And The Sun Band
- Travo
- Daevar
- Pardis Latifi
- Planet Of Zeus
- My Sleeping Karma
- Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats
- Godzilla Was Too Drunk To Destroy Tokyo
- Drone Hunter
- Žen
- Nightstalker
- Elder
- Altin Gün
- Austin TV
- Upupayāma
- Ungraven
- Skier And Yeti
- Smag På Dig Selv
- Altın Gün
- Kadavar
- High On Fire
- Monster Magnet
Institutions
- Bear Stone Festival
Locations
- Croatia
- Mrežnica River
- Köln
- Italy
- Zagreb
- Mexico
- Serbia
- Denmark
- Greece
- Portugal
- UK
Sources
- Kulturnews —
- Kulturnews —