See the sights and feel the atmosphere of Europe’s 2026 Culture Capital. Our brand-new Trenčín Region guide is now available under €10 only until October 9.
TOP PICK
The art of light
This weekend in Bratislava, and the following one in Košice, the popular Biela Noc (White Night) multi-genre festival returns in its traditional three-day format. The event offers visitors a nocturnal artistic walk through the city, with installations by international artists that transform familiar places and encourage a new way of seeing them. Click here for programme details.
SPORT
Celebration of running
The international Košice Peace Marathon, traditionally held on the first Sunday in October, is back. The 102nd edition of Europe’s oldest marathon will once again bring together elite runners from across the globe, competing through the historic city centre. Even if you are not running, the Košice Peace Marathon is worth attending to cheer on the athletes. Find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
More festivities
On Saturday, up to 18 towns and villages across the Bratislava Region will join in the Jablkové Hodovanie (Apple Feast). Usually starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening, the event offers everything from traditional apple pies, jams and ciders to fresh inspiration for recipes. Visitors can stop by Modra, Pezinok, Svätý Jur, Viničné, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Senec and more. More information here.
Uprising, winter edition
Think this year’s Uprising festival was too short, and next year feels too far away? Don’t miss Friday’s club version, featuring Australian street performer and beatboxer Dub FX alongside British saxophonist Woodnote. The show takes place at MMC in Bratislava, with special-price tickets still available. Find out more here.
Celebration of cabbage
Dni Zelá (Cabbage Days), one of the most popular events in the Záhorie region returns this weekend after last year’s break due to severe floods. Dni Zelá celebrates the tradition of growing local varieties of cabbage in western Slovakia. Visitors can look forward to a craft market, communal cooking of kapustnica (sauerkraut soup), and a lively cultural programme. Learn more here.
Bird watching
It’s once again the season when birds take to the skies to begin their migration. To mark it, Slovakia is joining the traditional EuroBirdWatch event. Coordinated by SOS/BirdLife Slovensko, 15 events will take place across the country this Saturday and Sunday, offering the chance to witness migration and learn from ornithologists. Click here for details and contacts.
Come play games
With shorter days and cooler weather, indoor activities are back in focus – and modern board games are a perfect choice. This Saturday, the Važecká heat exchanger in Košice will host a free board game day, where volunteers will guide newcomers through the rules. Learn more here.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
October 3: Best of Fest Anča - screenings of short films for children in Košice
October 3-5: Beerfest Bratislava 2025
October 6-25: Bratislava in Movement dance festival in Bratislava
October 10-12: Biela Noc contemporary art festival in Košice
October 8-11: Novotvar 2025 international literature festival in Bratislava
October 9-12: Slovak championship in electronic sports in Nitra
October 9-12: Autoshow Nitra 2025 car show
October 11: Roman Games in Bratislava's Rusovce borough
October 14-21: Konvergencie chamber music festival in Bratislava
October 15-22: Be2Can film festival across Slovakia
October 21-26: Jeden Svet 2025 documentary film festival in Bratislava
October 24-November 9: Bratislava Mozart Festival 2025
October 30: Šarkaniáda kite flying in Bratislava's Vajnory borough
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT FREE ACTIVITIES TO DO: Stroll through an oasis of greenery at a plant festival or take part in eco-education.
WHAT TO LEARN: For one Dutchman and his wife, Slovakia’s sense of community outweighs its unreliable services and poor transport.
WHAT TO READ: After traveling to more than 100 countries, this American is applying for citizenship in the country she has never visited: the homeland of her ancestors.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE IN BRATISLAVA: Step back into the world of the Roman Empire, celebrate Indian culture at the Diwali Festival.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovakia made waves at the 32nd International Cartographic Conference in Vancouver.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
