Four Days of Sports and Entertainment – The Grand Finale of FIT4NOVI Is Coming
FIT4NOVI is entering its grand finale, transforming Novi Vinodolski into a vibrant hub of sports, recreation and great entertainment during the final weekend of May. From 28 to 31 May, the town will come alive with competitions, outdoor activities, gourmet experiences and music events designed for all generations.
Following Nordic walking along Novi Vinodolski’s most beautiful promenades and educational workshops, the grand finale of FIT4NOVI brings four days packed with sports tournaments, trail races, cycling tours, sports presentations and live music performances.
The program begins on Thursday, 28 May, with activities dedicated to children and water sports. In the morning, the “Be Wonderfully Fit for the Sports Beat” workshop will take place at the Fijolica Kindergarten sports ground, while the afternoon brings a sailing presentation departing from Novi Vinodolski harbour. Members of JK Burin will introduce visitors to the basics and excitement of sailing.
The sporting rhythm continues on Friday, 29 May, with a mini handball tournament organised by RK Vinodol. The tournament starts at 4:00 PM at the Small Sports Playground, while special attention will certainly be drawn to the exhibition match of veteran female players taking place after the tournament. On the same day, Ivan Mažuranić Square will transform into an outdoor fitness zone – starting at 6:30 PM, Sports Recreation Synergy FIT will present Yoga Vinyasa, Pilates Fusion Flow and Zumba fitness sessions.
Saturday, 30 May, brings one of the most anticipated events of the festival – the Novi Trail. This attractive race leads through the picturesque hinterland of Novi Vinodolski, combining sporting challenges with stunning natural scenery. Participants can choose between 5 km and 11.5 km races, while children’s races over 100 and 200 metres will take place along the Croatian Defenders Promenade. The trail race starts at 10:00 AM, and registrations are open via Run Croatia – Novi Trail 2026.
Alongside the Novi Trail, Saturday also features a children’s futsal tournament organised by NK Vinodol at the Small Sports Playground, as well as a chess tournament organised by ŠK Zrinski Frankopan at the Cultural Centre in the afternoon.
After the sporting excitement, visitors can enjoy an evening filled with music and great atmosphere as the centre of Novi Vinodolski comes alive with a concert by popular singer Zsa Zsa, whose hits will further energise the Saturday night atmosphere.
This year, FIT4NOVI also introduces a special gourmet story under the slogan “The Power of a Bite”. Selected restaurants in Novi Vinodolski will prepare special menus for athletes and recreation enthusiasts on Saturday, 30 May – ranging from vitamin-rich salads and soups to fish specialties and desserts. Participating restaurants include Admiral, Đir, Mirakul, pizzeria Nava and konoba Hata.
The gourmet program continues on Sunday at Ivan Mažuranić Square, where renowned nutritionist Martina Linarić will prepare healthy smoothies from 10:00 AM and share advice on balanced and healthy nutrition with visitors.
Sunday’s program also continues in a recreational spirit. Starting at 9:30 AM, the youngest visitors can enjoy a sports playroom for preschool children led by Donna-Louise Ugrinović, who will also host the “Stay Active and Healthy in the Third Age” program for senior citizens beginning at 11:00 AM at Ivan Mažuranić Square.
Fans of active holidays can also enjoy the ever-popular cycling tour through the hinterland of Novi Vinodolski organised by BK Vinodol. The cycling tour starts at 10:00 AM from the town centre and follows a 45-kilometre route with 800 metres of elevation gain, intended for road, gravel and MTB cyclists. The route passes through Bater to Pleteno, the Sviba viewpoint and back along the same road to the “Ivana” tavern for a refreshment break. The ride then continues through Bribir and the Novi field back to the centre of Novi Vinodolski. The route difficulty is rated 3.5/5.
The festival finale will be marked by the futsal tournament “Novi Vinodolski Trophy – City Districts”, starting at 4:00 PM at the Small Sports Playground.
Adding a humanitarian note to the event once again this year is Udruga Novi korak through the sale of official FIT4NOVI T-shirts, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the association’s work and helping children with developmental difficulties.
The FIT4NOVI event is organised by the Tourist Board of the Town of Novi Vinodolski in cooperation with the Town of Novi Vinodolski, the Novi Vinodolski Cultural Centre, the Novi korak Association, local sports clubs and associations, Run Croatia and hospitality venues from the Novi Vinodolski area.
