Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
FESTIVITIES
Honey everywhere
The third October Saturday will see a special edition of the Medokvas honey festival in Smolenice near Trnava, western Slovakia. Local honeymaker Včelovina will be holding a night edition of the popular event. In addition to various honey delicacies such as ten types of mead, the honey version of burčiak (a seasonal grape cider with foam) and honey cider. You can expect a mixed drink called Thor's Hammer, craft lemonades, a specially lit honeymaker garden and a showcase of how mead is made. The event will start at 17:00 and end later in the evening. You can get tickets online for cheaper, but they can be bought on site as well. For more information, click here.
Medolandia. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
If that wasn't enough, family honeymaker Apimed based in the village of Dolná Krupá also near Trnava (and not too far from Smolenice) will hold a similar event of its own on Saturday as a symbol of the end of the current beekeeping season. Called Medobranie, it will be held in the premises of the company from 13:00 to 18:00. A special bus will pick visitors at the Trnava railway station at 12:30 and 15:30, with a return trip planned at 15:00 and 18:00. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste honey and meads that have received world recognition, walk through a garden full of roses, with a special programme prepared for children as well. Admission is free. Click here to learn more.
Long history of the Levice fair
The town of Levice has a long history of holding markets and fairs, dating back to 1388 when king Sigismund of Luxembourg gave it the right to hold a weekly market. Later, the town also earned the right to hold a special fair a two or three times a year. However, the oldest known written document of a fair taking place is exactly 500 years old. On this occasion, the town celebrates with a special edition of the fair with a rich cultural programme, historical pictures exhibition, concerts and of course delicacies.
Beer and music
Five iconic Slovak bands and a selection of speciality beers, brewed just for the occasion. That's the main draw of the Urpín Fest 2024 held in the town of Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia this Saturday. Reminiscent of the legendary Oktoberfest, this event intends to replicate it on a smaller scale. Click here to learn more.
Banská Bystrica. (source: Ján Krošlák)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Ice-skating
The season of ice-skating is once again here, with towns gradually making more spaces for this activity available. The towns of Poprad and Košice have already devoted time for public ice-skating in their Training Hall (on Saturdays) and the Aréna Sršňov stadium (on Saturdays and Sundays), respectively. Find out more about the schedule here and here. When the temperatures drop below zero, towns will also create open-air ice rinks.
Bratislava Jazz Days
One of the biggest events of its kind in Central Europe, the Bratislava Jazz Days festivals once again brings renowned jazz musicians to the Slovak capital. Expect three days full of concerts of musicians like Nina Kohout, Alfa Mist, GoGo Penguin, Steve Coleman & Five Elements and more. The event will take place on October 18-20 at the A4 Studio venue. For the programme and tickets, click here.
The Bratislava Jazz Days festival will take place on October 18-20. (source: TASR)
One for urban exploration and railway buffs
This Saturday early morning, a special train will depart from Košice, taking passengers on a trip no such train has ventured before. The trip will be a treat for people who are both urban exploration and railway enthusiasts, as the rails will take them to a cement plant, quarry, heating plant and other sights in the vicinity of Košice. Don't miss this exceptional train ride, but you have to be at the railway station before 7:45 in the morning. Click here to learn more.
TRAVEL
A sight unseen
In the quiet region of Gemer, nestled in south-central Slovakia, an unconventional tourist draw is luring curious visitors. This one-of-a-kind attraction offers a glimpse into something they will not find anywhere else in the country. Hidden behind a massive door and located deep underground is the magnesite mine in the town of Jelšava, which has been in operation for over 100 years. Now, a part of the mine has been made available four tourists. The approximately 2.5-kilometre route offers unique views of landscapes shaped not by nature, but by the hard toil of miners. Currently, the tour of the impressive mining facilities is part of the weekend stays at Hotel Hrádok operated by the Slovenské Magnezitové Závody mining company. Click here to learn more.
Hidden behind a massive door and located deep underground is the magnesite mine in the town of Jelšava, which has been in operation for over 100 years. (source: Marcela Ballová)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
October 18: Night sky observations in Nitra
October 19: Kite flying in Nitra
October 20, 24, 27: The Nitrianska Hudobná Jeseň classical music festival in Nitra
October 19-20: Jewellery workshop for children in Banská Bystrica
October 26: The Nitra Model Show
October 26-27:The Ghosts at Smolenice Castle festival in Smolenice
October 27: The Halloween carnival in Bojnice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Witness the concert of Italian pianist and composer Stefano Guzzetti, an important performer of modern classics on the international stage.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Swimming with lanterns, help spread the word about stroke by running and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: My art isn’t intended to be political, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid making political statements, says the creator of a popular lizard.
WHAT TO LEARN: What does your Slovak friend mean when they say they 'feel under the dog'.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Slovakia's Nessie? Tatras 'monster' mystery might have another explanation.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
