Visitors to Stredoslovenské Múzeum (Central Slovakia Museum). (source: TASR)
TOP PICK
A night in a museum
Experience science, culture, history and art all during one night. This Saturday, museums, galleries and other institutions all accross Slovakia will once again open their gates as part of the very popular Noc Múzeí a Galérií (Night of Museums and Galleries) annual event. In addition to visiting exhibitions accompanied with special lectures and guides, the venues also invite visitors to otherwise unavailable premises and learn the ins and outs of their various activities, allowing them to experience museums in totally different ways. Be sure to check this website for the list of participating institutions and what you can expect to see on this special day.
Last year's edition of Night of Museums and Galleries in Žilina. (source: TASR)
ART
See the works of fine arts, design, and architecture students
Once again, the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava is holding a new edition of the Summer Semester exhibition, showcasing the newest student work from fine arts, design, architecture and restoration. The event starts on Friday and lasts until Sunday, and is being held in three AFAD buildings on the Hviezdoslavovo Námestie square, Drotárska Street and Koceľova Street. The venues are open between 09:00 to 18:00. Find out more about what you can see here.
Last year's Summer Semester Exhibition. (source: TASR)
SPORT
What does it take to run up a tower?
Sometimes walking a single flight of stairs can be an ordeal, but did you know there are people who are enjoying running up an entire tower? Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia, will hold the 3rd edition of the Run Up tower running event on Saturday in the tallest building in the town. If you wonder whether you are able to accomplish this task, feel free to join in. But beware - the building has 20 storeys and 429 stairs in total. Learn more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Balloons in the air
The international Balloon Fiesta is back in Košice with its 27th edition, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of a mass launch of hot air balloons. The unique festival invites balloonists both from Slovakia and abroad to show people what it is like to see the world from up in the clouds. The balloons fly May 15-19 in the morning and evening from the campus of the Technical University. Find out more about the event here.
The Balloon Fiesta in Košice. (source: TASR)
Beekeeping celebrations
On Saturday, the Slovenské Poľnohospodárske Múzem v Nitre (Slovak Agricultural Museum) will hold the Včelárske Slávnosti festival in celebration of beekeeping. In addition to tasting a lot of honey, mead and related products, you can experience a ride on a historic railway, a guided tour through an open-air museum, thematic workshop and more. Find out more here.
Enjoy trdelník in its home
The first Slovak product to get a protected label from the EU, trdelník, is a traditional pastry from the town of Skalica, western Slovakia. The pastry is made by wrapping the dough around a wooden rod, called a trdlo, and baking it over an open fire. Afterwards it is covered with crushed nuts and sugar. This Saturday, the town will celebrate the 18th edition of the Trdlofest festival, where you'll get the taste of the pastry in its full glory, including the baking of a max sized trdelník. Learn more here.
Baking of trdelník. (source: TASR)
There are never enough markets
Held in the oldest part of the town of Trnava, the traditional Trnavský Rínek market will once again bring handmade items, delicacies such as pancakes, craft beer and lemonades and products from local sellers such as enamel jewellery and locally designed clothes, as well as a rich programme. In addition, expect a discussion about the future development of the city with architects. Find out more here.
Explore the miniature world
Model railway, boats, tanks, airplanes and much more will be on display this Saturday in Prievidza's ice hockey stadium during what is dubbed 'the biggest model exhibition in Slovakia'. If scale modelling is your passion, you won't want to miss this. Click here to lean more.
NEW SLOVAK MUSIC
No lyrics, just heavy guitars
The Slovak post-rock band has just released their sixth studio album called Life is Random. What is new this time around is that individual tracks are accompanied by sonnets that you can read while listening. If you crave longer instrumental pieces with explosive guitar parts, be sure to check out the new record. Here is a single called I Was Riding My Bike To Work that recently premiered on the KEXP radio in Seattle, US. You can listen to the full album on the band's Bandcamp and streaming services.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 21: Spring Bratislava Jazz Days
May 25-26: The Rotenstein festival of knights at the Červený Kameň castle
May 31-June 2: The weekend of open parks and gardens
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Meet new people, speak with them in any language, and make new friends during the weekly event at Andersen Cafe & Bar.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Enjoy a jazz concert, wind down during park opening and taste street food in this week's edition of Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: Súpers are super: Winning and losing in Slovak or the Slovak language in the context of hockey.
WHAT TO READ: Have a look through the Stará Tržnica premises that are not always accessible.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
