A still from a previous edition of the folklore festival in Myjava, western Slovakia. (source: TASR)
TIP FOR THE WEEKEND
Celebration of everything folk
Hailing all the way from Easter Island—one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth, with the nearest continental point 3,500 kilometres away—the Mana Ma'ohi folklore ensemble are among several international acts performing at the 65th edition of the MYJAVA 2025 International Folk Festival. The event showcases traditional music, dance, costumes, and more from across the globe.
Highlights also include a polyphonic ensemble from Albania, whose archaic singing style is listed as UNESCO intangible heritage, dance workshops, traditional cuisine, a folk procession, and more. Although the festival began this Wednesday, the main programme kicks off on Friday evening and runs until Sunday. Day tickets start at €11. Click here for the full programme and ticket info.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
A new trail to see
The municipal forestry company Mestské Lesy v Bratislave has completed the first section of a new nature trail connecting the Malý and Veľký Draždiak lakes through the local forests in Bratislava’s Petržalka borough. The project marks the beginning of a broader effort to develop a network of safe, accessible routes for walkers, runners and cyclists within the city’s urban woodland. Don't miss it.
Blast from the past
A historic Tatra tram is back for the summer season. Every weekend until 31 August, visitors can ride the restored Kométa tram on the Poprad–Starý Smokovec–Tatranská Lomnica line. Originally in operation from 1912 until its decommissioning in 1977, the tram once carried tourists to the mountains. Thanks to restoration efforts, it now offers a unique nostalgic journey through the High Tatras. See the schedule here.
The historic tram called Kométa arriving in Starý Smokovec. (source: TASR)
ART
Celebration of cinema
The IFF Art Film Fest, the oldest and largest event of its kind in Slovakia, has returned to Košice for its 31st edition. This year’s programme includes a special focus on Indian cinema—titled Colours, Flavours and Songs of India—in cooperation with the Indian Embassy. The festival will also highlight contemporary Chinese cinema, host special night screenings, and offer industry-focused events on filmmaking trends and techniques. More details, including screenings and ticket info, can be found here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
How to find your dragon
Dračie Dni (Dragon Days) returns this summer with another edition of the popular family-friendly fairy-tale festival. Across three weekends—one in each summer month—children and parents alike can follow the mischievous dragon Arnošt to various castles. It all begins at Červený Kameň Castle near Bratislava on June 21–22, followed by Budatín Castle in Žilina (July 16–17) and Ľupča Castle in central Slovakia (August 30). This year’s programme features an all-new fairy tale and plenty of interactive fun. Click here for details and tickets.
King Marko (played by actor Marko Igonda) and dragon Arnošt during a fairy-tale performance at the Červený Kameň castle. (source: TASR)
Wine celebration
The Hontianska Vínna Cesta wine trail is opening its cellars once again for the 5th annual wine festival, running from June 20–21. Spanning the region between Šahy and Krupina in central Slovakia, a total of 36 wine cellars will welcome visitors for tastings. Tickets cost €25 and must be purchased at designated locations. Shuttle transport to make the travel between cellars easier will be available both days. Click here for more info.
Bonfires everywhere
Marking the summer solstice, Saint John's Fires—large bonfires lit on hilltops to ward off evil spirits—are a beloved tradition in Slovakia. This weekend, several municipalities are hosting events to honour the ritual, including Liptovský Ján and Galovany in the northern Liptov region, the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin, the town of Sliač, with more to follow next weekend. Check with your local council to see if a similar event is planned near you.
A Saint John's Fire. (source: TASR)
Become the hero
Dungeons & Dragons, the legendary tabletop RPG first published in 1974, is still inspiring new generations of adventurers. This Saturday, the Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava’s Vivo shopping centre is hosting a special event for RPG fans and newcomers alike. Expect one-shot sessions in various genres—from fantasy and sci-fi to horror—as well as lectures, miniature painting workshops and more. Admission starts at €5. Find out more here—if you can pass the 1+ click check.
Cool off in swimming pools
Temperatures are slowly rising and that means that local swimming pools are slowly opening their gates as well. Bratislava has already started doing so, other towns in Slovakia are following suit. Check out the specific information about the pools in the capital here and be sure to check the website of your place of residence to find out when your local swimming is opening. Unfortunately, you will pay more for the tickets pretty much everywhere.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
SOMETHING BEATIFUL TO LOOK AT
A poppy field at sunset
A woman is walking in the middle of the flowering opium poppy and common poppy field near the town of Rajec, northern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
June 19-22: The Niké Majstrovská Slovenska five-a-side football championship in Banská Bystrica
June 21: The Pezinská Bubnovačka drumming party in Pezinok
June 21: The Morning Disco party in Košice
June 21: The Cassovia Skate Cup skating competition in Košice
June 21: The India Day festival in Nitra
June 21: The opening concert of the Bratislavské Kultúrne Leto festival in Bratislava
June 21-22: The Spišské Folklórne Slávnosti folklore festival in Hrabušice
June 21-30: Radničné Hry open-air theatre event in Trnava
June 24-29: The Fest Anča 2025 international animation festival in Žilina
June 27: The Garden Party 2025 in Trnava
June 28-29: A workshop on the traditional method of making cheese in Banská Bystrica (registration required)
June 29: The Knights vs Steelers American football match in Nitra
Until June 29: The exhibition of living butterflies from the tropics in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: A hidden courtyard is about to come alive this summer, celebrate solidarity during the World Refugee Day.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Go for a run at the Bratislava Zoo, watch football, and don't miss the bazaar on Franciscan Square.
WHAT TO LEARN: Most spas in Slovakia have long disappeared or fallen into ruin; historical postcards are often the only means of preserving the memory of the beauty and elegance of these buildings which were mainly patronised by local nobility or prominent foreign guests.
WHAT TO READ: When Alois Havrilla, then a four-year-old boy from eastern Slovakia, came to the US, he did not speak a single word in English. Yet, he became a noted announcer. This makes the fact that he won an award for diction all the more impressive.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: The mission of the Slovak spacecraft GRBAlpha has officially come to an end. Launched into orbit in March 2021, the cube-shaped nanosatellite remained operational for over four years, an extraordinary feat within its category. Equally extraordinary was its performance, which far exceeded the expectations.
WHAT TO WATCH: Jean-Michel Jarre’s sci-fi concert returns in a deluxe Blu-ray edition, bringing lasers, drones and electronica from Bratislava to living rooms worldwide.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
