Slovak Philharmonic. (source: TASR)
TOP TIP
Festivities you don’t want to miss
The picturesque wine-growing town of Pezinok will host its popular festival this weekend, attracting visitors not only from the region but also from abroad. Alongside concerts, you can enjoy a celebration of grapes, learn about the harvest and the work of local winemakers, watch a historic procession, view exhibitions, and sample local delicacies. More details here.
In addition to Pezinok, fairs and vinobranie festivals will also take place this weekend in several towns across Slovakia, including Sobrance, Dunajská Streda, Martin, Skalica, Šurany, Dolný Kubín, Považská Bystrica, and Fiľakovo.
Traditional vinobranie in Pezinok. (source: TASR)
ART
Experience classical music
Celebrating its 60th edition, the Bratislava Music Festival has earned respect across Europe and once again aims to bring renowned ensembles and performers from around the world to the Slovak capital. Running from September 19 to October 5, the festival will showcase the full variety of classical music, including overlaps with jazz, dance, and film music. Audiences can look forward to performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester Hamburg, Wiener Philharmoniker, and more. Find out more about the programme and tickets here.
Experience world music
This one is for the lovers of diverse music. Running from September 19 to 21, World Music Festival will bring talented performers and musicians from all over the world to the historic city centre of Bratislava. Featuring acts such as Jawa that wants to preserve and reinterpret the musical heritage of the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo, or the crown jewel of the Finnish folk music scene Värttinä, there is plenty to discover for music afficionados. Find out more here.
TRAVEL
Ruins to visit
Standing above the village of the same name, the ruins of Lednica Castle date back to the second half of the 13th century, when it protected the north-western border of the Kingdom of Hungary. Over the centuries, the castle passed through the hands of several noble families, before falling into disrepair when its last owners died out. Since the early 2000s, preservationists have been working to stabilise and restore what remains. The ruins are easily accessible from the village, located in the Púchov district. Click here to learn more.
A hike with a beautiful view
Above the Popradské Pleso mountain lake in the High Tatras stands Ostrvá, a 1984-metre high peak. The path to the top is twisting and turning up the slope across from the Majálthova Chata hut and takes about one hour. It is not easy, but your reward will be beautiful views of the upper part of the Mengusovská Dolina valley in the direction of the Veľké Hincovo Pleso lake and the Kôprovský Štít peak. Just put one foot in front of the other, take your time and you’ll make it. It’s well worth it.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Comic/game/anime heaven
For young people (and the young at heart), September is closely associated with the annual Comics Salón & Anime Show pop culture festival. Held on September 19-21 in Bratislava’s Ružinov borough, this year marks its 38th edition. The programme is packed with activities for fans of all kinds, including workshops, lectures, film screenings, karaoke, a cosplay competition, panels with authors, board and video games, and much more. For more information, click here.
If you’ve never attended the festival but considered it, check out The Slovak Spectator’s Jeremy Hill’s personal account of a related event not long ago.
Discover the iconic musical instrument
The fujara—a tall wooden overtone flute—is an iconic Slovak folk instrument with a distinctive sound. Traditionally played by shepherds in the mountains of central Slovakia, the fujara has been carefully preserved over centuries. It was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list 20 years ago. To mark the anniversary, the village of Čičmany in northern Slovakia will host a nationwide gathering of fujara players on September 19-21. The three-day event will feature demonstrations of how the instrument is made, lectures on how to play it, and live performances. More details here.
TIP: Unique Slovak musical instrument draws attention abroad, also thanks to Czechoslovak expatriate Bob Rychlik.
Illustrative image of a fujara player. (source: TASR/Ján Krošlák)
[fjúžn] Festival celebrates 20 years
Slovakia's largest multi-genre festival celebrating foreigners is back this week. The main theme of this year's edition is to dare to learn about the world we have at home. Running from September 19-27, each day will see a special event or an activity that are mostly free. You can look forward to exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, walks, community events. Find out more here.
The rural life
Located in the village of Ostrá Lúka near Zvolen, central Slovakia, the Múzeum Vidieka (Rural Life Museum) showcases how people in rural areas lived in the past. Visitors can step into period-style living rooms, kitchen, weaving workshop, school, see traditional dining setups, explore wardrobes and embroidery, and view everyday household items. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Click here to learn more.
A French game
Pétanque is a sport that originated in southern France in the early 20th century and reached Slovakia in 1994, where it has been growing steadily ever since. While Bratislava boasts the largest boulodrome (courts) in the country, they can also be found in other areas. This Saturday, a pétanque tournament will take place in the village of Hronsek near Banská Bystrica, organised by Alliance Française Banská Bystrica. Although registration is closed, it’s still a great opportunity to learn about the game. Find out more here.
And while in Hronsek, don’t miss its beautiful and iconic wooden church.
Historic vehicles back on streets
During European Mobility Week, running from September 16 to 22, Bratislava’s Public Transport Company is deploying historic trams (T2 and T3), trolleybuses (Škoda 14Tr and 15Tr), and buses (Ikarus 415 and 435) from its fleet. Designated with letters A, H, and M, they will operate between 15:00 and 19:00, with each type following a special loop route throughtout the wider city centre that lets passengers experience vehicles that once roamed Bratislava. Rides on historic vehicles are free of charge. Click here to learn more about which vehicles operate on particular days and maps of the routes.
Fly your kite high
Autumn and kite flying (šarkan in Slovak, with a dedicated event often called šarkaniáda) go hand in hand. This weekend, two events will open the kite-flying season, giving everyone the chance to take part in this colourful tradition.
On Saturday, Bratislava’s Devín Castle will host its šarkaniáda, filling the historic site above the confluence of two rivers with vibrant kites. The event is relaxed and family-friendly: bring a kite and receive a small gift, and if it’s handmade, you’ll get an extra bonus. Families with a kite enjoy free admission.
On Sunday, the Snowparadise Veľká Rača resort near Oščadnica in northern Slovakia will host the 3rd edition of its own šarkaniáda. Three competitions will be held: for the most beautiful kite, the kite that stays aloft the longest, and the one that flies the highest.
Flying kites is a popular autumn activity. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
September 18-20: Nitránska Verklikáreň & Gašpariáda barrel organ and puppet theatre festival in Nitra
September 19: Qualification for the Slovak Championship in slam poetry in Košice
September 19-20: Coffee and chocolate festival in Nitra
September 20: Prešov's Public Transport Company open doors day
September 20: Medolandia Fest 2025 honey festival in Dolná Krupá
September 20: Slivková Paráda plum jam making event in Špania Dolina
September 20: Rock Music and Candlelight concert in Bratislava
September 20: Dobrý Trh market in Bratislava
September 20-21: Traditional cheese making workshop in Banská Bystrica
September 25-27: LiKE 2025 contemporary literature festival in Košice
September 26: The European Researchers' Night across Slovakia
September 26-28: Karloveské Hody fair in Bratislava
September 26-28: Dúbravské Hody fair in Bratislava
September 27: Battle of Bratislava event
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO LEARN: How Slovak immigrants to America created a community for themselves.
WHAT FREE EVENTS TO ENJOY IN BRATISLAVA: Join the autumn Dobrý Trh market, guided tour of an exhibition in English and don't miss a piano recital.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Mingle with locals and internationals, craft your own ceramic mug, or let your kite dance in the sky!
WHAT TO DISCOVER: From monumental limestone pillars to mysterious caves, Slovakia is home to a remarkable variety of natural rock formations. While some are well-known, others remain hidden in remote valleys and forests, waiting to be discovered.
WHAT PODCAST TO LISTEN: Slovakia has long been a country travellers stumble upon. Now, tour operators want visitors to arrive on purpose.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
