World renowned cultural manifestations such as the International Organ Festival- Organum Histriae, Festival of Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre in Svetvincenat, Mediterranean Sculpture Symposium in Labin, international theatre festivals PUF and MKMF in Pula and the Golden Lion in Umag, Festival of Early Music in Dvigrad, Book Fair in Pula are well known even beyond the Istrian borders.

Concerts are regularly organized in the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, various choir encounters also, such as Naš kanat je lip ("Our Song is Nice"), Mundial Photo festival in Rovinj, Encounter of Accordion Players in Pula, Analle in Porec and numerous other cultural events.

Istria is the host to the two most significant film festivals in the country, Motovun Film Festival held on the squares and streets of Motovun; a medieval fortified town on a hill near the River Mirna; and Pula Film Festival which is held at the Roman Arena Amphitheatre, the biggest open air stage.

Arena is also the site of numerous concerts featuring some of the most popular world stars of classical, as well as pop music, such as: Sting, Zucchero, James Brown, Placido Domingo and others.