Have you ever wondered, whilst writing with a mechanical pencil, who invented it? If you find yourself in the Croatian capital, you have an ideal opportunity to learn more about the mechanical pencil – popularly known as penkala in Croatia. Its inventor, Slavoljub Penkala, opened one of the largest writing implement factories in the world in the early 20th century right here in Zagreb.

The wish of famous Egyptian industrial designer, Karim Rashid, came true when his exhibition, “The Ideology of Beauty”, was put on display at Zagreb’s Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum building itself had left a great impression on him, and we are sure his works will leave a great impression on the audience.

The City of Zagreb and the Zagreb Tourist Board has gifted a Christmas tree to the City of Berlin for the upcoming festive season which will adorn the Gendarmenmarkt Platz.

For the 10th year in a row, a selection of the best debut films by filmmakers from all over the world will once again enthral audiences at the Zagreb Film Festival, which will take place between 14 and 21 October at several locations around the city. The festival will feature eight different programs and about 100 films, including some very special treats.

The legendary guitarist and Dire Straits frontman, Mark Knopfler, is coming to Zagreb on 5 May 2013. There is still plenty of time to purchase a ticket; however, beware, they have been on sale since September. So, if you want to be sure to hear the famous virtuoso performing live, rush to pick up your ticket and do not miss what promises to be an unforgettable music event!

Between 5 and 14 October, the 5th Restaurant Week, a very successful and popular gastronomic event, will once again lure citizens and guests of Zagreb with appealing three course menus at very affordable prices offered at selected Zagreb restaurants.

Make sure not to miss The Nutcracker, the famous ballet by I. P. Tchaikovsky, which will be performed on 6 November at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall by the star studded cast of the St. Petersburg Festival Ballet, the members of which are some of the leading ballet artists from St. Petersburg and the ballet troupe of the Ufa State Ballet.

Zagreb’s Ethnographic Museum is offering a special treat to lacemaking devotees until 4 November; the great exhibition Praise the Hand – Lacemaking in Croatia, which is dedicated to the art that has found its place on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage.