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Cover photo by @dsargent.photo
The 9th edition of Defected Croatia wrapped up in spectacular style at the magical setting of The Garden Resort in Tisno. Once again, the festival reinforced its status as one of Europe’s most influential house music events – last year, it was crowned Best Global Festival at the DJ Awards in Ibiza, nominated for Best Dance Festival at the BBC Radio 1 Dance Awards, and placed in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals.
Next summer will mark the final edition of Defected Croatia. The 10th anniversary will close a chapter that brought nearly half a million dancers from around the world to Tisno over the past nine years.
“The entire Defected team and I are genuinely energised by the love and support we’ve received from all of you – not to mention the DJs, performers, dancers, wellness instructors, and everyone involved in the festival. I hope you’ll agree that everyone brought their A-game this year – from the music and genre diversity, to the upgraded production by The Garden Productions, the pop-ups, and new additions like Bagsy’s dance workshops. It was really something special to witness,” said Wez Saunders, CEO of Defected.
He added: “It’s always a huge pleasure – and I’m incredibly grateful – to meet so many of you, especially those who travelled from every corner of the world. Big thanks to the crews from Nairobi, Tibet, Venezuela, Iceland, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and the US. No matter where you come from, we never take it for granted that you choose to travel and celebrate with us. Thank you!”
Over 5,000 festivalgoers came together this summer for six days and nights of electronic music, dancing, and community. The sold-out edition featured over 90 DJs and live acts, from legendary names to exciting new talent shaping the next generation.
The 10th and final edition of Defected Croatia will take place from Wednesday, July 29 to the early hours of Monday, August 3, 2026 – closing a decade-long legacy at The Garden Resort.
“We want to mark the occasion with every one of you who helped shape this festival into what it is today – and of course, welcome all the new faces currently feeling the FOMO to come and experience the Adriatic magic one more time! After that, it’s time for a new chapter. Let’s give Defected Croatia the send-off it (and all of you) truly deserve,” Wez Saunders revealed.
The festival once again spanned multiple locations at the stunning Garden Resort: from the Main Stage and Beach Stage, to Olive Grove, daily and nightly boat parties, and the legendary after-hours at Barbarella’s. In addition to the music, guests could take part in wellness activities like yoga and mindfulness sessions, adding depth to the overall festival experience.
It’s no wonder many consider Defected Croatia the “happiest and most beautiful festival on the Adriatic.” This year’s edition once again featured standout performances from Defected’s signature dancers and performers, bringing a slice of the brand’s Ibiza residency energy to Croatia.
“I’m immensely proud of the Defected team – you may have noticed we were out in full force this year – and of how we’ve raised the bar year after year. And of how we always strive to manage even the toughest challenges with you in mind. Since our first edition in 2016, our aim has been simple: to deliver quality programming for music lovers and improve the overall experience by genuinely listening to our community. I believe we’ve stayed true to that – and that’s just one more reason why next year will be something worth celebrating,” concluded Wez Saunders.
Defected Croatia is organised by global music brand Defected Records and The Garden Productions. The Garden Resort will dance to Defected’s beat one final time next summer.
