In a landmark move for India’s live entertainment industry, Sunburn has announced its entry into Europe with the launch of Sunburn Europe Croatia Sail Week 2026, in partnership with The Playmaker Group. The week-long, multi-destination festival residency will take place this July along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, coinciding with the globally popular The Yacht Week.
Following its recently announced expansion into Abu Dhabi, this European debut marks a significant step in Sunburn’s international growth journey as it evolves from a dominant regional festival into a globally relevant brand. Over nearly two decades, Sunburn has played a defining role in shaping electronic music culture across Asia.
Sunburn’s Croatia edition taps into the fast-growing trend of music-led tourism, where travellers choose destinations based on immersive cultural and entertainment experiences. Croatia, known for its beach clubs, historic venues and island circuits, provides a natural setting for this format, combining travel, community and high-energy programming.
Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn said, “Sunburn was built on the passion of its community and for nearly two decades now, that has been at the heart of everything we’ve created, but the way they experience music today has fundamentally evolved. They’re no longer just showing up for a festival, they’re travelling for it, seeking deeper, more immersive experiences that bring together music, culture and connection. With Sunburn Europe Croatia Sail Week 2026, we’re responding to that shift by creating a format where the journey itself becomes the festival: across destinations, on the water and through shared moments that go far beyond a single stage. As we take our first step into Europe, it’s also an opportunity to take a homegrown brand to the global stage in a way that feels both authentic and future-facing.”
Kristijan Grzetic, Chief Marketing Officer, The Playmaker Group said, “Croatia has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for experiential and music-led tourism. Partnering with Sunburn for its European debut allows us to further strengthen this positioning while introducing a globally recognised music brand from India to our shores. This collaboration represents a meaningful cultural exchange, bringing together diverse audiences through a shared love for music and travel.”
The sailing experience will be delivered in partnership with The Bucketlust, known for curating premium yacht-based travel events across Europe.
The journey begins with yacht boarding in Split and Trogir, followed by an opening sunset show at Kamerlengo Fortress. From beachside sessions at Zlatni Rat in Bol to a signature raft party in open waters near Stari Grad, the festival transforms Croatia’s coastline into a moving dancefloor. Stops at Hvar and Vis will feature curated cultural experiences, including a night performance at Fort George overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
With no single fixed stage, the experience blends house, techno and commercial EDM across historic venues, beaches and open water, making the environment an integral part of the performance.
As Sunburn approaches its 20th anniversary, this international expansion signals a broader shift, where Indian live entertainment platforms are not just participating in global culture but actively shaping it.
