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 TIP FOR THE WEEKEND
Science is cool
The last Friday of September is inextricably linked to the Noc Vedy (Science Night) science festival, the biggest event of its kind in Slovakia. Taking place predominantly in five towns across country - Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica, Žilina and Poprad - with some accompanying events in other places as well. For example, you can visit observatories in Levice, Hurbanovo and Medzev.
Noc Vedy offers a unique opportunity to discover for yourself what science is about. It is not just about presentations, it features a lot of hands-on experiments, discussions, workshops, technological attractions, and various activities. Admission to the event is completely free. Click here to find out more about the programme.
TRAVEL
A tower to visit
Near Krupina in central Slovakia stands the historic Vartovka lookout tower, built in 1564 during the Ottoman Wars as part of a regional defense network. Briefly occupied by the Ottomans, it was soon reclaimed. At 13 metres tall, it offers views of the Štiavnické Vrchy mountains and Krupina plateau. The tower is freely accessible via the blue trail from central Krupina, about an hour’s walk.
FAIRS
More festivities abound
Autumn events full of food, drinks, concerts, carousels and more continue this week. Bratislava’s boroughs of Ružinov (September 27-28), Dúbravka (September 26-28), and Karlova Ves (September 26-28) each hold their own celebration. Why not visit them all in one day?
Ahead of September 29, when Michal and Michaela celebrate their name day, towns and villages mark the occasion with Michalský Jarmok. Events take place in Pohronská Polhora and Hlohovec (September 26-28), Myjava (September 27), and the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin (September 28). Additional festivities are planned in Lučenec and Veľký Krtíš (September 26), Zlaté Moravce (September 26-27), Stará Ľubovňa (September 25-28), and Bánovce nad Bebravou (September 26-27). Click on individual towns to learn more.
In eastern Slovakia, the villages of Čerhov, Veľká Tŕňa and Malá Tŕňa in the Tokaj wine region will host Tokajské Vinobranie on September 26-28. Expect open wine cellars, tastings, a vineyard race (registration required), folk music and more. Shuttle buses and a special train from Košice will help you make the most of it. Find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Battle of Bratislava
Many a historic battles took place in the vicinity of Bratislava, something which the city likes to reenact very often. This Saturday, you can watch the 1621 battle brought to life in Janko Kráľ City Park, Petržalka. The event includes troop maneuvers, period medicine, a procession, music and more. Admission is free. Click here for details.
An epic gaming session
While marathon online sessions are common today, this Saturday you can try something more tangible: a board game marathon of Twilight Imperium IV at Košice’s Tabačka venue. In this epic strategy game, factions compete for galactic dominance through diplomacy, trade, politics and war. Each game lasts several hours, and none plays the same. Beginners as well as foreigners are welcome; the organisers will explain the rules. Advance registration is required due to limited places. Admission is free. Find out more here.
Experience contemporary design
Now in its 16th year, Bratislava Design Week is the largest international event dedicated to contemporary design in Slovakia. Running from September 24–28, more than 80 designers will present their work, mainly at the Svoradov dormitory in Bratislava’s Staré Mesto borough, as well as other venues. The theme of this year’s edition is Change, highlighting that in the face of difficult societal shifts, creativity remains alive and free, and joy from the creative process can move us forward. Find out more here.
A new exhibtion
Speaking of design, the Museum of Design in Bratislava has unveiled a new exhibition dizajn.sk, offering a curated selection of representative, timeless, and unique works created in Slovakia in the 20th and 21st centuries and tell their stories. The exhibition is open daily with the exception of Monday from 14:00 to 18:00. The admission is free. Find out more here.
Laser biathlon
Biathlon is a popular winter sport, but snow isn’t required for its summer variation: laser biathlon. Instead of skiing, competitors run between shooting rounds using laser rifles. This Sunday, Banská Bystrica hosts the 3rd round of the Summer Laser Biathlon Cup, open to the public. Anyone can take part. For more information and registration, click here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
September 25-27: LiKE 2025 contemporary literature festival in Košice
September 26: Critical Mass bike ride in Nitra
September 27-28: Coffee festival in Žilina
October 3-5: Dni Zelá cabbage days in Stupava
October 3-5: Biela Noc contemporary art festival in Bratislava
October 10-12: Biela Noc contemporary art festival in Košice
October 8-11: Novotvar 2025 international literature festival in Bratislava
October 11: Roman Games in Bratislava's Rusovce borough
October 15-22: Be2Can film festival across Slovakia
October 21-26: Jeden Svet 2025 documentary film festival in Bratislava
October 30: Šarkaniáda kite flying in Bratislava's Vajnory borough
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT SLOVAK PHRASES TO KNOW: People like talking, which means they are willing to believe that you understand them. But sometimes it is easier to pretend you understand because it means less fuss.
WHAT TO LEARN: With few graves and no writings, the Slavs’ story was long obscured. New genetic evidence reveals the migrations that shaped their many identities.
WHAT TO READ: Despite her grandfather passing away six months before she was born, second generation Slovak American Mary Knight heard so many stories about him, he became very much a part of her.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: These scenic ridge hikes will take you to Kysuce’s highest peak, a lookout on Hladký vrch, and the remote Turzovka Highlands.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
