BANJALUKA TO HOST FESTIVAL OF FUN, GAMES AND LAUGHTER FOR THE FIRST TIME

From September 19 to 21, the city of Banjaluka will for the first time host the FESTIVAL OF FUN, GAMES AND LAUGHTER – ZIS 2025, bringing together travel writers, stand-up comedians, engaging speakers from various fields, and a wide range of creative activities that will brighten the last weekend of summer in the largest city of Republika Srpska.

Over the course of three days, festivalgoers can expect a rich program tailored for a wide audience. Some activities will be dedicated to adults, while others are family-friendly, making the event a perfect opportunity for shared fun and connection.

Most events will take place at the Youth Center (Dom omladine) and its rooftop, although some activities will be scattered throughout the city.

DAY ONE: TRAVEL STORIES AND A PARTY ON THE ROOFTOP

The festival kicks off on September 19 at 7:00 PM at the Youth Center with captivating travel talks by adventurers Igor Damjanović and Dositej Petković, who will share their unique experiences – from hitchhiking across Africa to exploring jungles and deserts, all while traveling on a budget and with plenty of improvisation.

Later that evening, at 9:15 PM, festivalgoers will head to the rooftop party – ZIS ŽURKA, featuring energetic beats by DJIMNASTY MUSIC, officially launching the first ZIS Festival with dancing under the stars.

DAY TWO: GAMES WITHOUT BORDERS AND STAND-UP COMEDY

The second day includes several workshops and lectures at the Youth Center. The highlight of the day will be the ZIS GAMES WITHOUT BORDERS, held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, bringing together teams of friends, coworkers, and companies to compete in fun challenges promoting teamwork and good humor. The games will be held in Mladen Stojanović Park or an indoor venue in case of bad weather.

The evening is reserved for comedy and global music. Starting at 7:30 PM, legendary comedians Dušan Jokić and Mirko Komljenović Mirkan – pioneers of the local stand-up scene and former members of the cult trio "AKT Alija Sirotanović" – will take the stage.

Following the laughs, the “AROUND THE WORLD” rooftop party begins at 9:30 PM, where attendees will dance to an international mix of hits in Italian, German, French, Russian, Greek, Spanish, and English. The second part of the night will bring well-loved domestic hits and an upbeat atmosphere.

DAY THREE: TREASURE HUNTS, TRAPPISTS, AND CIKLONOMAD

The final festival day begins with the ZIS TREASURE HUNT at 10:00 AM, where teams of 3–5 players will solve riddles and tasks throughout the city – a perfect Saturday morning adventure for both friend groups and families.

Another Sunday highlight is the “MEET THE TRAPPISTS” TOUR, offering a visit to the historic Trappist Monastery “Marija Zvijezda”, followed by a short trip to the city's oldest hydroelectric plant and a tour of the Banja Luka Brewery, showcasing its production process and legacy.

Throughout the day, the Youth Center will host educational and creative activities, including:

First Aid Crash Course by Red Cross Banja Luka,

Basic Self-Defense Workshop for Women,

Jewelry Making Workshop by Lutajuća Kreacija,

And thought-provoking lectures on various topics.

One particularly notable lecture, titled “FROM PLAY TO PROTECTION – WHAT HAPPENS TO FUN AS WE GROW UP”, will be led by renowned psychotherapists Danka Stojanović Mitrović and Gordana Ružić Milunić, creators of the “Therapist’s Corner.” This insightful session begins at 5:00 PM.

GRAND FINALE: MEET SNEŽANA RADOJIČIĆ – CIKLONOMAD

The closing event of the festival will be the first-ever Banjaluka appearance of world traveler Snežana Radojičić – Ciklonomad, known for her solo cycling adventures across countries and continents. Starting at 7:00 PM, Snežana will share incredible travel stories, experiences, and practical advice for aspiring adventurers.

A full schedule and details for all events and activities can be found on the official website www.zisfestival.ba

, as well as on the Instagram and Facebook pages of Putomanija.