Foreigners: Top 10 events in Bratislava

Tips for the top 10 events in the capital between November 9 and November 18, plus regular services in different languages, training, temporary exhibitions and highlights of the year.

(Source: Gabriel Kuchta, Sme)

These tips are prepared in cooperation with Eventland. Download ​the​ app and see what's going on around you wherever you are (Android, iOS).

Top 10
FESTIVAL: St Martin’s festival; Starts: Nov 9-11
WINE: Tasting of St Catherine’s wines; Starts: Nov 9-11
MARKET: Trh-Piac-Markt; Starts: Nov 10, 9:00
FESTIVAL: Sacred Music Festival; Starts: Nov 10-11
CONCERT: Nightwish Decades; Starts: Nov 13
BOOKS: Neighbourhood Book Exchange; Starts: Nov 15, 14:15
CONCERT: Gregory Porter; Starts: Nov 15, 19:00
FESTIVAL: Festival of Coffee, Tea and Chocolate; Starts: Nov 15-16
FESTIVAL: Nipponfest 2018; Starts: Nov 16-18
BODY ART: Body Art Show 2018; Starts: Nov 17, 19:00

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Religious Services for non-Slovak speakers

Galleries in Bratislava: Temporary exhibitions

Training in English

Highlights of the year (selection of events for which it's advisable to obtain tickets early)

Top 10

St Martin’s festival

Rudnayovo námestie, Bratislava, Friday – Sunday, November 9-11

The 3rd year of the St Martin’s festival, commemorating St. Martin, patron of the Archdiocese of Bratislava will take place on November 9 at Rudnay square.

The program:
9 November
15.00 Ľudová hudba Kastárovci
16.00 Opening Ceremony, by Radoslav Števčík - Mayor of Bratislava-Staré Mesto and Stanislav Zvolensky - Archbishop-Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Bratislava
17:00 h - Holy Mass in the Dome of St. Martin
from 15.00 h - baked bull

November 10
14.00 - 17.00 creative workshops Bibiana
11.00, 15.00 Theater Performance by Gašparko
15.30 Children's Holy Mass in Dóm sv. Martin
16.40 Arrival of St. Martin on white horse - beggar and sv. Martin,
17.00 Lampion Tour, Rudnay Square, Panská, Hviezdoslav Square, Sedlárska, Ventúrska Zichy Palace
17.00 Holy Mass in the House of St. Martin
17.45 Creative workshops at the Zichy Palace

November 11
10.30 Holy Mass in the House of St. Martin

Admission: free

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Tasting of St Catherine’s wines

Fresh market, Bratislava, Friday - Sunday, November 9-11

Just as France celebrates the feast of young wines with Beaujolais nouveau, so Slovaks are raising a glass of Svätokatarínske, or St Catherine’s. With the launch of this new brand of wine, Slovak producers and sellers are responding to the existing sales of young foreign wines here in Slovakia. Bratislava locals will be able to taste young Slovak wines at events in Bratislava.

Trh-Piac-Markt

Stará tržnica, Námestie SNP 25, Bratislava-Old Town, Saturday, November 10, 9:00

Come buy everything you need in one place. Various foods from Bratislava and the surrounding area are prepared just for you. Or just come and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the Old market. Admission is free.

Sacred music Festival

Kostol Navštívenia Panny Marie, Námestie SNP 8, Bratislava, Saturday – Sunday, November 10-11

The aim of the project is the joint celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic, with the highest notabilities participating in the presentation of Choirs from the Czech and Slovak Republics. The contribution of the project for the district Old Town Bratislava is the presentation of the invited ensembles from the Czech Republic in the reciprocal confrontation of Choirs from both states. During the event artists from both lands of the former Republic will perform and take part in the celebrations directly in the centre of Old Town Bratislava. Admission is free.

Church of the Visitation of Mary (Merciful Brothers), Nám. SNP 9, Bratislava

Saturday 10th November 2018

3 pm Presentation of the Choirs: Radana, Artano, The Chamber Choir! and Les Sirènes

6 pm Concert Auris Brunensis (Czech Republic) with a programme of Czechoslovak sacred music

Sunday 11th November 2018

9:30 am Solemn Mass with the Choir Les Sirènes and the Haydn Chamber Orchestra, with the Programme:

J. Haydn: Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo in B flat major, composed originally for the Order of the Merciful Brothers in Austria

The proceeds from the voluntary entrance fee will be used for the renovation of the organ and for liturgical music at the Merciful Brothers.

Nightwish Decades

Incheba Expo Arena, Viedenská cesta, Bratislava, Tuesday, November 13

Finnish legend Nightwish celebrate 20 years on stage and with an exceptional program, visit Slovakia. The biggest hits and unprecedented feature-length megashow breaks out on November 13, 2018 at the Incheba Expo Arena in Bratislava. The concert, which will also celebrate the 4th Birthday of Radio Anténa Rock, will also present a special guest whose name still remains a mystery. Admission: €34 - €61.5. More info: listocheck.sk.

Neighbourhood Book Exchange

Kaviareň Biely kocúr, Žatevná 10, Dúbravka, Bratislava, Thursday, November 15, 14:15

As the cozy time is at hand, when you just want to lie under a blanket with a good book in one hand and tea or wine in the other, we invite you to the book market for a dose of hygge. Come and find interesting books you have not read or share the ones you have at home. Admission is free.

Gregory Porter

ISTROPOLIS, Trnavské mýto 1, Thursday, November 15, 19:00

American singer sensation and twice Grammy award winner Gregory Porter is coming to Slovakia as part of the City Sounds festival. He is one of the most deeply felt jazz singers and composers of his generation. He returns to the stage with his last studio album Nat King Cole&Me from 2017 which he recorded with a 70-member bowed orchestra. Admission: €35 - €65. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.

Festival of Coffee, Tea and Chocolate

Stará tržnica, Námestie SNP, Bratislava-Old Town, Thursday - Friday, November 15-16

Hey lovers of coffee, chocolate and tea. The interior of the magical Old Market in the heart of Bratislava will change for two days for the biggest coffee, chocolate and tea event of the year.

Penetrating scents of selected coffees, enchanting aromas of exotic teas and the incomparable taste of true chocolate will be floating all around the Old Market on 15th and 16th of November 2018.

Let yourself be carried away by the taste of the highest quality coffee from domestic and foreign roasters, surrender to the charm of craft confectioneries and please your senses with the pure taste of quality tea. More joy will come from artisan products, handmade jewelry, designer pieces, literature and also art. Our whole-day guided programme will lead you through new trends, traditional processes, alternative methods and rich culture. We are preparing discussions, lectures, competitions, workshops, travel cinemas, music and much more. Come and get to know the greatest baristas, roasters, and chocolate and tea makers. Give these two days to yourself, to explore new tastes, relax, and have fun.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the 15th and 16th of November from 10:00 to 20:00 in the historical building of the Old Market on Square SNP in Bratislava. Admission: €6-€9

Nipponfest & Hangukon 2018

Ľuda Zúbka 9, Dúbravka, Bratislava, Friday - Sunday, November 16-18

Nipponfest and Hangukon will take you to exotic Asia during the cold of November, thanks to a rich program where every visitor will find something interesting, whether a solid fan of Asian culture and pop culture or a random passerby. Films, anime, lectures, workshops, cooking, games (table, traditional but also electronic), martial arts, competitions, cosplay, karaoke, kpop, disco as well as interesting guests and last but not least a lot of fun. Admission: €15. More info: www.nipponfest.sk.

Body Art Show 2018

Stredisko kultúry, Vajnorská 21, Bratislava - Nové Mesto, Saturday, November 17, 19:00

A charitable cultural and social evening dedicated to the beauty of painting on the body. You will see attractive models dressed in many colors, painted specifically for this occasion by the best body painters from Slovakia and abroad. The evening will be accompanied by singing and dancing performances and a fashion show where the models will be famous Slovak celebrities. At the end, a new bodypainting calendar will be presented, with proceeds going to charity. Admission: €33-€38.

Do you want to know more? Download Eventland's app and see what is going on around you wherever you are (Android, iOS).

Training

TRAINING: Pilates in English; Starts: Every Monday evening, 20:30
TRAINING: Yoga in English on Thursdays; Starts: Every Thursday, 18:30
TRAINING: Yoga in English at Indian Embassy; Starts: Monday to Friday, 11:00, 16:00
TRAINING: Pilates in English– The class is in English, suitable for men and women, beginners and advanced, Slovaks and foreigners. The venue is equipped with Pilates requisites, a shower and a kitchen. (you do not need to bring a mat). Andrea’s classes are a mix of Pilates exercises for a strong core and and flexible body, and also Yoga exercises for stretching the stiff muscles caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Her classes end with the all-important relaxation of Body and Mind. She also uses highly qualitative etheric oils (doTerra) during the class. Refreshments, tea, fruits are included in the price. Starts: Every Monday evening, 20:30; Open Mind centrum, Mickiewiczova 2. Admission: €8 (one-time charge). More info: www.internationals.sk.
TRAINING: Yoga in English on Thursdays - You need to make reservation via yoga@internationals.sk. This is a beginners & intermediate class and you do not need any pre-knowledge. We will practice Dynamic Flow yoga. Take a look on one of our sessions: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalsBratislava/videos/1604953649521444/ Tea, water, fruit, showers are available to use for free. In this classes we are going to perform exercises that will make us stronger, more flexible, obtain balance and have fun while doing it. Starts: Thursday 18:30; Open Mind Centrum, Mickiewiczova 2. Admission: €8 (one-time charge) or €59 for a 10 session ticket you can use within 12 weeks. More info: www.internationals.sk.
TRAINING: Yoga in English at Indian Embassy - The Embassy of India in Bratislava is happy to announce the commencement of Yoga classes. The classes will be conducted by Ms. Jaiwanti, Yoga Teacher. The classes will cover Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation and Relaxation techniques. People interested in joining the Yoga Classes are requested to fill in the attached Registration Form. The Registration Form may then be sent to email: eindia.iccr@mail.telekom.sk. For any clarification/further information, you may contact Ms. Jaiwanti at Tel: +421-2-5296 2916/7/8 or email: eindia.iccr@mail.telekom.sk. Admission is free. Starts: Monday to Friday, 11:00, 16:00 Dunajska 4, Bratislava. More info: www.indianembassy.sk

Temporary exhibitions

SLOVAK NATIONAL GALLERY
The eights; Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until Dec 31, 2018
Useful Photography. Photography in Contemporary Slovak Art; Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until Feb 17, 2019
DANUBIANA
50 Years Later...; Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until November 11
All Over Again; Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until November 11
5th International Triennale Of Textile Art; Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 from September 8 until November 11
KROKUS GALLERY
Erik Šille: Black Melon; Open: Wed-Sat 14:00 – 18:00 until December 21

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN SLOVAK NATIONAL GALLERY:
The eights - The exhibition project The Eights is unconventionally conceived for the atrium as a series of small exhibitions for the anniversaries of the eights: February 1948, August 1968 and October 1918. The basis of the exhibition is a long, 3-meter high wall - "gallery noticeboard" - on which the visual collages will be rotated according to the anniversaries. The results will be a draft or materialised Pinterest board, a reminder of socialist "noticeboard culture". The collages will consist of artistic materials of various types (paintings, photographs, documents), primarily from the collections of the SNG. The final layout, the conflict of the artworks next to each other, their juxtaposition will speak about the nature of the historical event. Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until Dec 31, 2018. More info: www.sng.sk
Useful Photography. Photography in Contemporary Slovak Art – This exhibition will not present photography as a useful, fast recording medium, "a document of the period", or as an instrument of digital manipulation, but as a tool that is suitable for a wide range of use in contemporary art. In their response to the era of digital technology, artists use the photo medium much more freely but in a more sophisticated way. Appropriated documented reality is constructed, arranged, staged anew, but with the use of purely photographic methods and classical approaches. The collection will focus on events in the past 10 to 15 years, examples of artistic techniques and strategies within the wide spectrum of possibilities of this medium. It will also take into consideration a relatively new phenomenon - the impact of foreign training and long-term stays on the work of Slovak artists. Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until Feb 17, 2019. More info: www.sng.sk.
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN DANUBIANA
50 Years Later...
- Muž s odhalenou hruďou pred okupačným tankom (The Bare-chested Man in front of the Occupiers’ Tank) – the photograph by Ladislav Bielik from the first day of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops on August 21, 1968, circulated across the globe. It became an iconic image bringing a deep and permanent legacy about the threat of injustice and violence committed by those in power. This photograph and Bielik’s other 186 shots of these events still carry the power of utterance, fifty years later. They are not only a visual reminder of this dramatic period in our history, or a means to stir up emotions. For us they represent a deeper and permanent meaning, the legacy of a lived experience which strengthens and helps to enhance one’s sensitivity and response to any threat to freedom and independence. Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until November 11, Vodné dielo Čunovo. More info: www.danubiana.sk.
All Over Again - Ján Ťapák is one of the most distinctive figures of the generation of sculptors which entered the Slovak art scene in the early 1990s. He attracted attention with his spontaneous creativity and perfect technical preparedness, as well as his unique orientation of the content of his works in which he succeeded in transferring things and matters from the ancient past to the present times, to combine hundred year old traditions and the philosophy of modern man and to include the authenticity of his own country in the timeless context of distant cultures and civilizations. Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until November 11, Vodné dielo Čunovo. More info: www.danubiana.sk.
5th International Triennale Of Textile Art - Textile Art of Today is an international exhibition project which presents contemporary textile design. It differs from other textile exhibitions in the fact that it has been installed five times in important galleries allowing visitors from the V4 European countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary) to see it. Furthermore, the project is being carried out under the auspices of the ministers of culture of the V4 countries. The Textile Art of Today project strives to present textile as a modern and dynamic discipline transcending the limits of the classical perception of textile art. Since the establishment of the event, an international jury awarded it the prestigious Božena Augustínová Grand Prix, the award named after the significant Czechoslovak artist. Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until November 11, Vodné dielo Čunovo. More info: www.danubiana.sk.
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN KROKUS GALLERY
Erik Šille: Black Melon - Erik Šille (1978), painter and graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, has been nominated for the Tatra Banka Art Award 2018 for his solo show “error” at Kunsthalle Bratislava in 2017, and the monograph “Erik Šille – Happiness Is Within Reach’ (published by Krokus and Slovart) is in the final selection of the National Design Prize 2018. Open: Wed-Sat 14:00 – 18:00 until December 21, Námestie 1. Mája 3. More info: www.krokusgaleria.sk.

Religious Services for non-Slovak speakers

SERVICE: Apostolic Church; Starts: Sundays, 9:30, Bratislava City Church, Trnavské mýto 1, English
SERVICE: God’s Service Church (Božie služby); Starts: Sundays 9:30, Mondays 17:00, Malý kostol, Panenská street, English
SERVICE: Brotherhood Church (Cirkev bratská); Starts: Sundays 10:00, Cukrová 4, English
MASS: The Church of Saint Ladislav; Starts: Sundays 11:00, Špitálska, English
MASS: Church of St. John of Matha; Starts: Sundays 9:00 Latin
MASS: St. Martin’s Cathedral; Starts: Sundays 7:45 German, 9:00 Latin
MASS: Church of the Merciful Brothers; Starts: Sundays 11:30 Italian
SERVICE: Small Evangelical Church; Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, 11:30 German, Panenská Street (entrance from Lýcejná Street)
SERVICE: Citylight Church, Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Námestie 1.mája 1
SERVICE: Bratislava International Fellowship, Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Trnavské mýto 1, (Istropolis)
SERVICE: International Baptist Church; Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Súľovská 2
JEWISH SERVICE: Synagogue on Heydukova Street; Starts: Friday evening (before twilight), Saturday morning (usually at 9:00), and during feasts, Hebrew

Highlights of the year

CONCERT: Editors; Starts: November 26, 19:30
BALLET: Swan Lake; Starts: December 2, 19:00
CONCERT: Glenn Miller Orchestra; Starts: January 15, 19:00
CONCERT: Steven Wilson: To the Bone Tour 2019; Starts: February 10, 20:00
CONCERT: Nicki Minaj & Future; Starts: February 22, 2019, 19:30
EVENT: Lord of the Dance; Starts: Mar 1, 20:00
CONCERT: Eros Ramazzotti; Starts: Oct 5, 2019
CONCERT: Editors – British band Editors returns to Slovakia after eight years with new songs and new energy. Starts: November 26, 19:30, Refinery Gallery, Bratislava. Admission: €39. More info: www.ticketportal.sk/Event/EDITORS?idp=168054.
BALLET: Swan Lake – It has become a rule that in December in Bratislava, spectators may see a ballet by the Royal Moscow Ballet. This year they are performing Swan Lake, with traditional choreography that tells the story of princess Odette under a spell and brave prince Siegfried. Starts: December 2, 19:00, Incheba expo arena, Viedenská cesta 3-7. Admission: €20-€55. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.
CONCERT: Glenn Miller Orchestra - The original American Glenn Miller Orchestra was founded in the thirties of the last century. Founder Glenn Miller is considered one of the greatest shining stars of the American jazz scene for more than 35 years. Glenn's career lasted only five years, but this time was long enough for Glenn Miller to become a leading personality of the world's most popular swing orchestra, which remains under the name of "Glenn Miller Orchestra". Dutch conductor and keyboardist Wil Salden has been conducting the orchestra for several decades. You can enjoy his amazing talent and work live on January 15, 2019 in Bratislava. They will play favourites such as Sunrise Serenade, Moonlight Serenade, Moon Love, Over The Rainbow, Blue Orchids, Careless, When You Wish Onon, and Imagination. Starts: January 15, 19:00, Istropolis, Trnavské mýto 1. Admission: €45-€59.
CONCERT: Nicki Minaj & Future – World hip-hop icons Nicki Minaj and Future have their first shared tour, NickiHndrxx. The show is great for those who love hip-hop and mainstream music. The several award-winning musicians are well-known for their hits that reach top places in the music rankings. Together, they will bring an unforgettable show to the stage. Starts: February 22, 2019, 19:30, Ondrej Nepela’s Winter Arena, Odbojárov 9, Bratislava. Admission: €69-€109. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.
CONCERT: Steven Wilson: To the Bone Tour 2019 - Steven Wilson, composer, musician, producer and leading personality of contemporary progressive rock, will perform for the first time in Slovakia. His successful show, To the Bone enriched by Porcupine Tree, will be presented on February 10, 2019 in the Bratislava refinery gallery. Steven Wilson has published more than fifty albums over his thirty-year career. The current, To the Bone, is his most successful record. After being released in August last year, he reached third place in the UK Album Chart, 2nd in Germany, and even in August 2017 his was among the 10 best-selling albums in Europe. To the great pleasure of intelligent progressive rock fans, Steven Wilson continues his successful worldwide tour To the Bone in 2019. Starts: February 10, 20:00, Refinery Gallery, Vlčie hrdlo, Bratislava. Admission: €39.5 - €50.5. More info: https://listocheck.sk/en/detail/steven-wilson.
EVENT: Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games – The Famous Lord of the Dance returns to Slovakia to perform in front of our public. Their last visit in 2017 was rewarded with record audiences. A brand new dancing performance, great visual technology, sound, beautiful costumes, new music by composer Gerard Fahy and 40 talented young artists from around the world are the core of Dangerous Games. Starts: Mar 1, 20:00, Viedenská cesta 3-9, Incheba arena. Admission: €23-€78. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.
CONCERT: Eros Ramazzotti – Italian pop-rock star Eros Ramazzotti has announced his world tour and also a new studio album. Slovaks can also look forward to well-known songs such as Fuoco nel fuoco and Piu bella cosa, L’Aurora, Un‘ altra te, Dove c‘ é musica, Se bastasse una canzone. Starts: Oct 5, 2019, Ondrej Nepela’s Winter Stadium. Admission: €39-€79. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.

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