Summer in the Karst region is wonderful! What else could it be? The air smells of dry grass, stone, and lavender, heat shimmers over the fields, and bees buzz among rows of purple bushes. And it is at this time that the Lavender Harvest festival comes alive again in Divača. An event that is not just a fair or a series of workshops, but a true summer experience for all generations. A trip you simply must treat yourself to this year.
Those who visited us in previous years know that this is one of those events where everyone finds something for themselves, where it's lovely to sit in the shade of old walnut trees and enjoy the moment. People come for "just an hour," but then stay almost all day. Children run through the lavender or play in the children's corner, adults sit on hay bales with lavender gin and tonic, someone is making a wreath, another is listening to a lecture on lavender, and a third is observing how essential oil is produced from a pot during distillation.
The event is small. Boutique. But the program is diverse. The people are friendly and calm. And I think that's why people keep coming back.
What happens at the Lavender Harvest?
The entire day is interwoven with various activities that introduce visitors to lavender in an interesting way. Not just as an Instagrammable plant for photos, but as part of nature, creation, and everyday life.
At the event, visitors can see:
- a real lavender harvest,
- a demonstration of steam distillation of lavender and the production of hydrosol and essential oil,
- a lavender wreath-making workshop,
- stalls of local artisans,
- a children's corner and a themed trail for families (this year's novelty!),
- massage among the lavender,
- lectures and practical demonstrations,
- creative workshops,
- and of course, food, desserts, and drinks with a hint of lavender.
The special charm of the event lies in the fact that not everything is "rushed." People stop, take photos, ask questions, observe, smell. Many visitors see lavender distillation live for the first time or learn for the first time how much work and how many kilograms of flowers are needed for a small bottle of essential oil.
An event for families, craft lovers, and nature enthusiasts
Past years have shown that the event attracts a very diverse range of visitors. Some come for photography among the lavender, others for creative workshops, and still others for local products and food. There are many families with children, walkers, creators, nature lovers, and everyone looking for a slightly more relaxed outdoor summer event.
Children who spent previous years playing in the children's corner or participating in workshops with their parents will this year be able to collect stamps on a themed walking trail. A short family walk (really short, only about a kilometer in both directions) will lead little explorers through the lavender fields where they will learn a lot about this plant, about the sights of the Karst, and about the lavender farm. Adults, meanwhile, like to take time at the event to chat with artisans or sit by the edge of the field.
Even if you come just for the smell of lavender and the feeling of summer, that's enough. 💜 But that's not all the event offers. What else is in the program for 2026?
Lavender Harvest 2026
This year, the Lavender Harvest will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Divača (Ulica Gregorja Žiberne 8). Due to the heat and sun that has been shining since April, this year's harvest will be earlier than in previous years.
Even more workshops, local vendors, and lavender experiences are being prepared. Among them:
- hand embroidery workshops,
- incense making,
- soap making,
- a demonstration of lip balm making,
- an interesting lecture on lavender,
- and a competition in hand-harvesting lavender.
The event is designed so that everyone can find something for themselves. You can come for an hour or spend the whole day among the lavender.
Those who wish to learn how cosmetics are made can sign up with Goran, who will show and teach you how to make lip balm or solid soap. More about the workshops can be found here. Registration is mandatory.
Those who enjoy handicrafts and want to sit under the walnut trees, and would like to take home something they made themselves: you are invited to the hand embroidery workshops. All information can be found here. Registration is also mandatory here.
Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to weave wreaths, guided and directed by artist Jožica Zafred. All day there will be an opportunity to pick lavender bouquets. Twice in the morning and once in the afternoon, for a symbolic three euros, you can come and make incense. It repels bad energy from rooms. We make it from rosemary, lavender, and sage.
On the themed Lavender trail, you can accompany children through five stations. At each, they will get a stamp, read an information board (interesting facts for both adults and children), and at the end, each child will receive a small prize.
Masseuse Debora Bržan will also be at the event, setting up a massage chair somewhere near the field, and you can treat yourself to a ten-minute shoulder, neck, and back massage.
The stalls will offer a diverse range of creators: linen products, crocheted and sewn items, cosmetics, cleaning products, jewelry, brooches, and more...
For those who stay longer at the event, there will also be food and drink available: ćevapčići, hot dogs, lavender juice, lavender liqueur, Hugo, lavender gin & tonic, other refreshing summer drinks, and also single-serving lavender desserts. And of course, ice cream.
The entire detailed event program and all related news will be regularly published on social media, so mark that you're coming as soon as possible and let's get together on July 4th from 9 AM at Ulica Gregorja žiberne 8, Divača.
Link to the Facebook event where all updates will be posted.
You are warmly invited!
