Regenerator’s HGF Demo Festival Enters a New Season with a New Concept – HGF Refresh
After nearly three decades of continuous activity, Croatia’s largest launchpad for young bands, the HGF Demo Festival, is entering a new era. With the launch of its new official website, applications are now open for participation in this year’s edition of the festival, which will run until October 10, 2025.
Last year, the festival marked the opening of the brand-new Center for Urban Culture in Zabok. The first to take the stage in the renovated Regenerator Club on December 27 were Let 3 and Lika Kolorado, officially kicking off the 28th season of HGF Zabok, the national platform for Croatia’s demo rock scene. This year, the call for entries was announced during CUK Regenerator’s Open Day, during the performances by Baby Lasagna and One Dread.
Launched in 1996 at Gjalski Castle in Zabok, HGF has over the years produced numerous bands that later went on to fill concert halls and release albums with major record labels. From its beginnings as a competition festival for demo performers, HGF has grown into a recognizable music event on the European scene, with a rich tradition of qualifying nights across Croatia and the introduction of the HGF Awards in 2009.
Today, after 30 years, HGF is transforming into HGF Refresh, a national platform and festival dedicated to new rock and related music creativity in Croatia. Instead of a traditional competition format, every Saturday from October 18 to December 6, 2025, CUK Regenerator will host performances by three new bands, culminating in a grand finale, the HGF Refresh showcase festival, with the date to be announced soon.
Photo by Matej Celar
The final weekend will feature a rich program of panels, workshops, and live performances, bringing together musicians, producers, critics, publishers, and concert organizers. The goal is to create a space for experience exchange, networking, and the promotion of young bands within a professional music environment.
The admission to all festival events, as well as participation, is free of charge.