TOP PICK
Discover the folk craft
To mark the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 17, the Centre for Folk Art Production (ÚĽUV) invites the public to visit its regional centres in Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, and Košice for a special open day. Visitors can learn more about crafts such as tinkering, woodcarving, pottery, and basket weaving — either interactively or through lectures — and meet the artisans themselves. The venues will be open throughout the day. Find programme details here.
TRAVEL
A monument to visit
Set in a quiet field between the villages of Bolešov and Pruské in the Ilava district of western Slovakia, this seemingly modest church is in fact a national cultural monument. Surrounded only by remnants of an old cemetery, the Church of St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to the mid-12th century. According to legend, it once belonged to the village of Pominovec, which was destroyed by a flood. The church interior is not accessible, but visitors are free to explore the site year-round. Learn more here.
ART
The best of film festivals
Over the next few days, the Be2Can film festival is once again presenting selected award-winning films from three major festivals — Venice, Berlin, and Cannes. This year’s edition showcases titles such as the claustrophobic horror Exit 8, The Blue Trail about an elderly woman who decides to defy a society obsessed with productivity and growth, The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, and the documentary Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 about the legendary writer. Screenings are taking place across Slovakia. If you need to get your film fix, check your local cinema’s weekend programme and give one of these films a look. Learn more about the films and schedule here.
Against all odds
Despite being rated as one of the best projects, the Drama Queer festival received no funding from the formerly independent Slovak Arts Council (FPÚ), now under greater control of the Culture Ministry — a decision that threatened its very existence. Thanks to donations from individuals, foundations, and foreign partners, the festival persevered and will take place in full. Running from October 18 to 27, it once again brings to the stage performances that dare to ask difficult questions and break down stereotypes. Amid rising attacks on the LGBTI community, the programme seeks to open minds and promote empathy. Learn more about the programme and tickets here.
Chamber music festival
A staple of Slovakia’s autumn cultural season, the international chamber music festival Konvergencie returns with another edition — this time focusing on the life and work of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů, one of the most prominent figures of modern classical music known for blending folk motifs into his distinct style. This year’s performers include pianist Olli Mustonen, cellist Tomáš Jamník, violinist Igor Karško, and others. Learn more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Honey everywhere
This Friday and Saturday evening, a special night edition of the popular Medokvas honey festival will take place in Smolenice near Trnava, western Slovakia. Local producer Včelovina will offer a variety of honey delicacies — including several types of mead, a honey version of burčiak (a seasonal foamy grape cider), honey cider, craft lemonades, and more — all in a beautifully lit garden setting. The event starts at 17:00 and runs into the evening. Tickets are available online and on site, unless sold out. For more information, click here.
If that’s not enough, family-run honeymaker Apimed, based in the nearby village of Dolná Krupá, will host its own festival on Saturday to mark the end of the beekeeping season. Called Medobranie, it will be held on the company’s premises from 13:00 to 18:00. Visitors can taste world-recognised honey and meads, stroll through a rose-filled garden, and enjoy a special programme for children. Admission is free. Learn more here.
Come play games
If you don’t already know, the world of modern board games goes far beyond rolling dice and moving your meeple or putting together letters. And if you do know — even better. The Wuppertálska community centre in the former heat exchanger in Košice will host a board-gaming afternoon this Sunday, running into the evening. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, bring friends or family and enjoy some time together. Volunteers will be there to guide you through the rules. Admission is free — find more details here.
Go get yourselves some plants
A plant swap is a great opportunity to share growing tips, meet new people, and take home some new green friends. One will take place this Saturday afternoon at the Kasárne/Kulturpark venue in Košice. Bring one or more whole plants or cuttings with roots — ideally of different species. For example, several cuttings of the same plant (such as aloe) will count as one. You can take home as many plants and cuttings as you bring. Admission is €2. Find more information here.
Look up!
Over the next few weeks, comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon will be visible in the night sky — especially in the latter half of October and early November — as it makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21 before heading toward the Sun. Around that time, it may even be visible to the naked eye in areas with minimal light pollution, several dozen kilometres outside towns. Currently, it can be seen with binoculars below the handle of the Big Dipper between 19:00 and 21:00. Discovered earlier this year, it is a non-periodic comet that will return in roughly 1,150 years. Don’t miss it — you won’t get another chance. You can use a light pollution map to find a suitable location, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast.
The cycle of life and death
Now in its third year, Deadline — the Festival of the Cycle of Life and Death returns to the Tabačka venue in Košice this Saturday. Its goal is to bring ease to difficult topics and show that death is an integral part of life — and that there are many ways to approach it. The programme includes a talk by ethnologist Katarína Nádaská on death and magic in folk tradition, theatrical performances, workshops, and Mexican-inspired food. Admission is free — learn more here.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
Have a look how autumn looks like in various kopanice — a collection of scattered settlements in the hills of the Myjava region — looks.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
October 16-19: Traditional fair in Levice
October 17: Korben Dallas concert in Košice
October 17: Tolstoys concert in Žilina
October 18: Korben Dallas concert in Martin
October 18: Día de los Muertos at Strečno Castle in Žilina
October 18: Šarkaniáda v Skanzene kite flying in Svidník
October 18: Šarkaniáda kite flying in Bory
October 18: Tolstoys concert in Košice
October 18-19: Day of Open Studios in Bratislava Region
October 20: Faces of Brazilian Piano concert in Bratislava
October 21-26: Jeden Svet 2025 documentary film festival in Bratislava
October 24-November 9: Bratislava Mozart Festival 2025
October 25: Guided tour on relics in churches in Trnava (limited tickets)
October 25-26: The Ghosts at Smolenice Castle festival in Smolenice
October 30: Šarkaniáda kite flying in Bratislava's Vajnory borough
October 31: Korben Dallas concert in Dunajská Streda
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DISCOVER: For decades, Vila K in Nitra was just another ageing building. Now, after a careful restoration, it tells a story that is part architecture, part memory, and wholly human.
WHAT TO LEARN: Although you might assume that we know a lot about our world, scientists discover new things on a daily basis. In fact, just recently an international team of researchers led by Slovak Slavomír Adamčík described 19 new species of fungi.
WHAT TO SEEK OUT: Brezno may appear unremarkable at first glance. In recent years, the centre of the Horehronie region has focused on developing tourism. Its strategic location, combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, has helped attract a growing number of visitors.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE IN BRATISLAVA: Kick off the new season with the Slovak Philharmonic, or join a lantern walk at Devín Castle.
WHAT TO READ: “I stopped being afraid,” says theatre director Marián Amsler after he left Slovakia and found his voice. Now based in Prague, he opens up about art as resistance, queer history, and the need to speak when others fall silent.
WHAT FREE ACTIVITIES TO DO: Experience music, international concerts or European cinema.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.