TOP PICK
India's Festival of Lights in Bratislava
This Sunday, Bratislava’s Stará Tržnica (Old Market Hall) will come alive with colour, rhythm and flavour as the Indian diaspora in Slovakia – the second-largest non-European community in the country – celebrates its homeland’s most cherished holiday, the Festival of Lights. The event promises an immersive journey into Indian culture, with live performances, food, shopping and interactive experiences for all ages. Expect classical dance and music, workshops, authentic cuisine, Henna art and a vibrant marketplace. Find out more here.
TIP: Rushan Sitaram walked away from accountancy in India, trusting film to lead him. It took him to Cannes, across continents — and into a marriage with a Slovak woman that defied tradition.
ART
What light can do to a city
This weekend, the popular Biela noc (White Night) multi-genre festival arrives in Košice. Just like last week’s edition in Bratislava, the event offers an extraordinary artistic walk through the city after dark, allowing visitors to experience familiar places from a new perspective. If you missed it in the capital, don’t make the same mistake twice. Find out more here.
Film festivals
The Pocity (Feelings) film festival – the only event of its kind in Prešov – runs from October 9–15, bringing dozens of films and their creators to the eastern Slovak city. Highlights include Slovak director Tereza Nvotová’s Otec, inspired by true events and recently making waves, and the documentary Change My Mind, which explores those who believe the war in Ukraine is a lie. Find out more, including ticket details, here.
If you prefer films about mountains and adventure, don’t miss the 33rd International Mountain Film Festival taking place in nearby Poprad, Spišská Nová Ves and Kežmarok from October 8–12. The festival features 50 films from 15 countries, including three from Slovakia, as well as discussions with climbers such as Slovak Peter Hámor and Italian Simon Messner. Find out more here.
A literary festival
Between October 8–11, Bratislava becomes a city of literature as the 10th edition of the Novotvar international literary festival takes place. The event offers readers a chance to discover new books and authors from across Europe. The main venue is V-Klub, with the Czech Centre and French Institute also taking part. Admission is free. Find out more here.
Alone on stage
Focusing only on a single actor, a unique theatrical festival is taking place in Trenčín, running between October 8-15. Called Sám na Javisku (Alone on Stage), it has showcases dozens of exceptional performers from Slovakia and abroad during its 33 years of existence, becoming a respected platform for independent artists. You can look forward to classic monodramas, physical theatre as well as bold experiments. Find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Running in the moonlight
For all running enthusiasts, a special event returns to the picturesque Bachledova Dolina valley in the eastern High Tatras. The second edition of the Bachledka Night Run takes place on Saturday and features two trails, 6 and 12 kilometres long, leading through the valley and the nearby village of Ždiar. Runners will enjoy spectacular views of the sun setting behind the Tatra peaks. Special routes are prepared for children. Registration is required but can also be done on the spot. Click here for more information.
Back to ancient times
If you’d prefer a journey back in time, head to Bratislava’s Rusovce borough. Once home to the Roman military camp Gerulata – part of the empire’s northern border and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021 – the site will come alive this Saturday with scenes from daily life in ancient times. Expect battle demonstrations, marches, archery, archaeological showcases and historical lectures. Find out more about the Rímske Hry (Roman Games) event here.
If you need cats in your life
This weekend, Banská Bystrica in central Slovakia will host the 29th and 30th editions of the International Cat Exhibition, showcasing more than 30 breeds of cats – including some of the largest and rarest. Owners from Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Austria will attend, with a jury composed of experts from Iceland, Spain, Belarus and Slovakia. Find out more here.
Visit a stone sea
Near the small village of Malá Lehota, close to Zlaté Moravce in western Slovakia, lies a geological curiosity known as the andesite stone sea. Formed from volcanic rock thousands of years ago, the site was declared a national natural monument in 1975. Although smaller today – locals once used the stones as building material – a new lookout has recently been built above the field.
Fly your kite high
If your idea of autumn fun means being outdoors, three kite-flying events await this weekend. On Friday afternoon, Bratislava’s Podunajské Biskupice hosts the Biskupická Šarkaniáda with competitions for the most beautiful home made kite, the biggest kite, and the highest flyer.
On Sunday, the skies above Skalica in western Slovakia and Liptovský Mikuláš in northern Slovakia will also fill with vibrant colours. Click here and here, respectively, to learn more.
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
October 9-12: Slovak championship in electronic sports in Nitra
October 9-12: Autoshow Nitra 2025 car show
October 10-12: Švábsky Jarmok fair in Prešov
October 11: Budatínsky Rínok fair in Žilina
October 11: Antique fair at Červený Kameň castle
October 14-21: Konvergencie chamber music festival in Bratislava
October 15-22: Be2Can film festival across Slovakia
October 18: Día de los Muertos at Strečno Castle in Žilina
October 18: Šarkaniáda v Skanzene kite flying in Svidník
October 21-26: Jeden Svet 2025 documentary film festival in Bratislava
October 24-November 9: Bratislava Mozart Festival 2025
October 30: Šarkaniáda kite flying in Bratislava's Vajnory borough
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT FREE ACTIVITIES TO DO: From Diwali lights to Italian Baroque, October in the capital shines with music and culture.
WHAT TO LEARN: Most people who attempt making a Gratin dauphinois would look at the mountain of potato peels left afterwards and simply throw them in the bin. But several Slovak scientists instead used them to develop sensors.
WHAT TO READ: The first Slovak novel finally speaks English. Two centuries after its scandal and censorship, Bajza’s René reaches readers worldwide — and still startles with its wit and ambition.
WHAT TO SEEK OUT: Bratislava’s Petržalka borough has eight monumental murals. Now, fourth has been restored after nine days of intensive work. You can find it on Fedinova Street.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE IN BRATISLAVA: Literature, dance and hockey — take your pick of events in the coming days.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovakia’s High Tatras topped reader votes in a major European travel award, praised for its natural beauty and sustainable approach to tourism.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
