Snowboarding at Jasná. (source: Unsplash)
TRAVEL
Mining 101
Slovakia has a rich mining history. For example, it was recently discovered that what might be the oldest ship cannon on record in Europe was cast using copper mined near Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. As a part of the Science and Technology Week, two mining towns are holding special events dedicated to this part of their history. One is the UNESCO town of Banská Štiavnica, central Slovakia, that will allow you to learn how metals are extracted, the other is Handlová which will show you modern mining technology.
Illustrative stock photo (source: TASR)
TIP: Boasting of cliffs resembling faces, a Slovak town wants to attract via ferrata enthusiasts.
Kings of the sky
For the next several months, the premises of Budatín Castle in Žilina will host an exhibition dedicated to birds of prey in Slovakia, featuring a selection of photographs depicting them flying, in their nests, and mating, as well as presenting taxidermy mounts. For more information, click here.
Come and enjoy wine
The 11th edition of the Nitra Wine Festival will take place on Saturday in the town's renowned historic castle, as well as in various wine cellars. You will get the chance to taste wine from 40 local producers. Click here for more information.
TIP: An architectural gem and technical miracle, unique building in the east completed.
ART
Amateur theatre showcase
Over the course of the weekend, the Kasárne/Kulturpark venue in Košice will be home to the fourth edition of the Amateur Theatre Festival, an event to give smaller groups the opportunity to present their work and talent to the public. Don't miss your chance!
Concert more than two years in the making
Originally, Slovak band Korben Dallas and Czech singer Aneta Langerová planned to start their joint tour in April 2020, however, it was cancelled when the Covid-19 pandemic began. The same fate happened to concerts originally postponed to autumn of the same year. Now the time has finally come for both to join hands in the six-concert tour through Slovakia and the Czech Republic, supported by other musicians as well, thus promising a multi-genre experience. The first concert will take place this Sunday in Košice. Get your tickets here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Need an adrenaline rush?
If you cannot wait for the winter season, or need a reminder of summer fun, then the Andrenaline Film Festival is the right event for you. Taking place between November 9-11 at the Stanica Žilina-Záriečie venue in Žilina, you can look forward to a selection of films brimming with freeskiing, snowboarding and biking, for that adrenaline fix you are craving. Grab tickets here.
If you happen to be in Liptovský Mikuláš, do not miss the film festival Hory a Mesto (Mountains and Town) offering a selection of mountain-related films including a documentary on the longest Slovak trail, a showcase of most important figures in the extreme skiing scene in Slovakia and more. Get your tickets here.
Celebration of board games
But, if you are more of a sedentary type, then do not miss this two-day celebration of board games. Called HRAtislava, a clever pun using the Slovak word 'hra' meaning game and Bratislava, the event will allow you to try modern classics as well as many of the hottest games on the market. It's best experienced with like-minded friends. HRAtislava will take place over the weekend in the capital's Vivo! shopping centre.
Last year's edition of HRAtislava. (source: TASR)
How to get new books easily
If you are a fan of swaps or books or both, then you need to be this Saturday at the Výmenník Jegorovovo heat venue in Košice. Just bring 10 books in good shape and you can take away as many as you want. Click here for more information.
TIP: Tours, museum, selling medicine: Iconic Bratislava pharmacy to offer something unique.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 18 - Night of the theatres takes place all over Slovakia.
November 18 - James Evans Band concert at the Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut in the High Tatras.
TIP: Bratislava will stay in the Christmas spirit longer in 2023.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Singer Janais to perform during the Freedom Festival and tip on a beautiful forest walk in Bratislava'đ Rača borough.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Do not miss the Tea-Coffee-Chocolate Festival and a popular book fair. And there is still more to do in the capital.
WHAT PODCAST TO LISTEN: I can't speak perfect English or perfect Slovak. What am I?
WHAT TO LEARN ABOUT HISTORY: Postcards were in high demand during WWI, as well as husbands for widows.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
