Pohoda and Grape are not the only summer music festivals in Slovakia; in fact, many smaller events—and even different types of festivals—take place throughout the country.
This guide highlights what to look forward to this summer season.
Viva Musica! (June 19 – August 8, Bratislava)
The international classical music festival Viva Musica! returns with over 200 performers from 12 countries. Its 21st edition includes 15 concerts held in Bratislava and surrounding areas. A new feature this year is a series of masterclasses focused on Slovak composer Eugen Suchoň, held from 6–12 July in Pezinok near Bratislava.
Hip Hop Žije (June 27–28, Bratislava)
Translating to “Hip Hop Lives,” this festival is dedicated to rap and hip-hop and takes place at Zlaté Piesky. As the largest event of its kind in the Czech and Slovak regions, this year’s line-up includes Viktor Sheen, Calin, DMS, Pil C, Yzomandias, PTK, Luca Brassi10x, Gleb, Stein27, Kali, Tina, Ego, Saul, Porsche Boy, Shimmy and others.
Východná (July 3–6, Východná)
Slovakia’s oldest and largest folklore festival with international participation, the Východná Festival transforms the northern village into a cultural hub each July. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, it will showcase over 1,500 performers, alongside traditional crafts, folk art, dance workshops, and exhibitions.
Vrbovské Vetry (July 5, Vrbové)
Each summer, the small town of Vrbové near Piešťany in western Slovakia transforms into a hub of music, quirky activities, and humour. The 19th edition of Vrbovské Vetry (literally Vrbové Winds) will feature performances by Polemic, Michael Kocáb, Chiki Liki Tu-a, and Czech band Dunaj.
Unusual competitions—like rocking horse races and simulated racing car events—add to the charm of this offbeat festival.
Pohoda (July 10–12, Trenčín)
One of Slovakia’s largest summer festivals, Pohoda will return for its 28th edition with a star-studded line-up. Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk and a music legend, will perform in Slovakia for the first time in 19 years. Audiences can also look forward to Fontaines D.C., rapper JPEGMafia, singer Blondshell, trip-hop icons Massive Attack, and rock heavyweights Queens of the Stone Age.
Other notable acts include Morcheeba, Ashnikko, Magdalena Bay, Luude, The Kills, Kamasi Washington, Folamour, and many more.
Pohoda is making a strong comeback after a severe storm struck the Trenčín airport last year, causing the collapse of two tents and injuring several people. In a show of solidarity, a spontaneous benefit concert was held the very next day. A fundraising campaign, supported by cultural centres, partner festival organisers, and members of the arts community, ultimately raised over €150,000.
“For years, Pohoda has given us hope, love, a sense of belonging, and respect for diversity. After the storm, we decided to support it in this way and give others the chance to join us,” said the campaign’s organisers. A few weeks later, the festival team confirmed that this year’s edition would go ahead.
Cibula Fest (July 17–19, Holíč)
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Cibula (Onion) Fest in Holíč will welcome artists such as Marie Rottrová, Tomáš Klus & Cílová Skupina, Heľenine Oči, rappers Separ & DMS, Queenie, Kabát, and Sima.
Rubicon Festival (July 18–20, Bratislava)
This year's Rubicon Festival brings a fusion of hip-hop, trap and Balkan beats. Offset, of the legendary Migos, will perform solo, fresh off the release of Set It Off and collaborations with Cardi B, Future and 21 Savage.
Sheck Wes, globally known for Mo Bamba, brings his trademark energy, while Serbian sensation Voyage offers a mix of Balkan pop and hip-hop.
Other artists include Kontrafakt, Nerieš, Zayo, Astralkid22, Dollar Prync, Raphael, Patrik Rivier, Momo, Erik Tresor, Diana, Laris Diam, GZUZ, and UFO361.
Jánošíkove dni (July 30 – August 3, Terchová)
Named after the Slovak folk hero Jánošík, this international folklore festival in his birthplace marks its 63rd year—34 of which have welcomed international acts from more than 30 countries.
This year’s theme is weddings, promising five days of celebration. The programme includes live music, singing, recitals, a fire show, a bandit-themed bonfire, and an auction of a replica of Jánošík’s military cloak. Visitors can also enjoy craft demonstrations, dance lessons, film screenings, and multimedia installations.
Víno pod hviezdami (August 1-2, Pezinok)
Held in the Pod Starou Horou vineyards near Bratislava, the Wine Under the Stars festival blends wine tasting from the Little Carpathian region with a live music programme. The ninth edition includes performances by Čechomor, N.O.H.A., Moja Reč + Komplot, Bijouterrier, Alan Murin, Martin Cisár + Saymi, Malalata, Fast Food Orchestra, Para, Sad, and Tma on Friday.
Saturday’s line-up features Richard Müller, Marpo, Kali & Peter Pann, Chiki Liki Tu-a, Strapo + Bitman, Lash & Grey, Tolstoys, Porsche Boy, Dennyiah, Julie Nox, Headmovers, and Nuansy.
Atmosféra (August 1–3, Hontianske Nemce)
For its 13th year, Atmosféra (Atmosphere) Festival presents both established and emerging artists. “Many of them will be playing here for the first time—Bad Karma Boy, Zabiť Františka, Christina Mantis, Erika Rein, Baby Smith and Kolowrat,” said organiser Gretka Pavlová.
Danish band Efterklang will also make their debut. “I saw them earlier this year and was so moved that I had to bring them here,” she added.
Additional acts include Fallgrapp with Spectrum Orchestra, O Gadže Bašaven, Midi Lidi, Island Mint, Timea, Buchajtramka, Supa a Vec, and Nina Kohout—returning to the festival after her 2021 debut with her album Gentle Autopsy.
Grape (August 8–9 , Trenčín)
Now in its 14th year, the Grape Festival also takes place at the Trenčín airport. Headliners include Australian duo Empire of the Sun (Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore), and The Kooks, who last performed at the event in 2019.
Zachary William Dess—better known as Two Feet—will make his Slovak debut. Formerly part of jazz and blues groups, his breakout hit I Feel Like I’m Drowning has amassed over a billion Spotify streams.
The line-up also features Caribou, Kenya Grace, Hedex, Palaye Royale, and numerous Slovak and Czech artists.
Lovestream (August 15–17, Bratislava)
Returning to Bratislava’s old airport in the Vajnory borough, Lovestream’s fourth edition features chart-topping acts such as Post Malone, OneRepublic, British singer Becky Hill, and Clean Bandit, known for blending electronic, pop and classical music.
In previous years, Lovestream has hosted Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dua Lipa, Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Imagine Dragons, Tiësto, 50 Cent and Rita Ora. Imagine Dragons alone drew over 60,000 attendees.
Uprising Festival (August 29–30, Bratislava)
Traditionally closing the summer at Bratislava’s Zlaté Piesky lake area, the 18th Uprising Festival will welcome hip-hop icon Onyx and reggae artist Mad Lion.
Other confirmed acts include Rudimental, Pendulum, reggae legend Marcia Griffiths (who sang alongside Bob Marley), Don Carlos, Queen Omega, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, General Levy, and more from the Slovak and international music scenes.
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