Aerobatic pilots from the Baltic Bees group showing their skills. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Explore these ruins
Above the village of Sedliská in the Vranov nad Topľou district, eastern Slovakia, stand the ruins of the Čičava castle, also known as Čičva, dating back to the early 14th century. Over the centuries, it endured several captures until it was destroyed in 1711 during the last anti-Habsburg uprising. Since then, it has lain in ruins, though preservation efforts are now ongoing. The site is accessible to the public via a short path from the village and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Click here to learn more.
TIP: On one of Slovakia’s coldest peaks, a rusting ski-lift station has become a soaring new attraction.
MUSIC
Concerts to see
On Friday evening, the Sad A. Bernoláka park in Trnava, western Slovakia, will host two concerts of young talents as part of the Proma Frajdej event. At 20:00, the alternative rock band Vážky will perform songs from their debut album, blending grunge, psychedelic rock and sound experiments. They will be followed by Vojtik, a hyper-pop and art-pop musician whose song Detviansky Sen went viral. Entry is free. Click here to learn more.
A festival to attend
Although summer is drawing to a close, festival season isn’t over yet. This weekend, the town of Prešov in eastern Slovakia will host Helfest, organised by the band Heľenine Oči. Running Friday and Saturday, the festival will feature Slovak acts such as Medial Banana, Puding Pani Elvisovej and Slobodná Európa, as well as performers from France, Spain, Hungary, Poland and beyond. Grab your tickets here.
Members of the Heľenine Oči band. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Look up!
This weekend, the skies above the Liptov region in northern Slovakia will host aerobatics and an air race competition. On Friday afternoon, Slovak and Latvian pilots from groups such as Viper Sky Box and Baltic Bees will showcase their skills in a two-hour show above the Liptovská Mara reservoir. On Saturday, the nearby Dúbrava airport will host the 2025 Air Race Jasná event, combining aerobatic displays with speed racing. Visitors can also meet the first Slovak cosmonaut Ivan Bella and the first Czechoslovak cosmonaut Vladimír Remek. Find out more here and here.
The Liptovská Mara reservoir. (source: TASR)
Second life for old objects
Haraburdy is back in Banská Štiavnica. The Slovak Mining Museum has reopened its doors to the much-loved bazaar where forgotten objects find a second life. From porcelain and furniture to folk costumes and attic treasures, it’s all about reuse and inspiration. This year’s edition has even been shortlisted for the ICOM Award 2025 as one of the world’s most original museum projects. The bazaar will take place on several dates: until August 23, then August 26–30, September 2–6, and 9–13. Find out more here.
Meet the history
In 1965, a Roman-Germanic settlement was discovered near the village of Cífer in the Trnava Region. Though history often depicts Romans and Germanic tribes as bitter enemies, the settlement—now an archaeological park—suggests a more nuanced relationship. This Saturday, the park will host a discussion with people who were present at the time of the discovery, sharing their personal stories. On Sunday, visitors can try their hand at making flint tools once used in the Stone Age.
One for lovers of genre blending
This Saturday, the Červený Kameň castle in the Bratislava Region will host a special multigenre event called Letobranie, combining fashion, theatre, music and history, all in the premises of the beautiful castle. You can look forward to a fashion shows, swordsmanship, a swing, jazz and latino garden party, and more. Get your tickets here.
90s party in a castle
This weekend, the village of Smolenice near Trnava, western Slovakia, will showcase its festive side. On Saturday morning, the village will host the 31st edition of its popular fair, blending tradition with modern flair. Later that day, the picturesque castle above the village will turn into the stage for a 90s oldies party filled with hits from the decade. A 90s-themed dress code is encouraged. Grab your tickets here.
Grand Prix of Slovakia
One of the most important racing events in Slovakia returns for its 16th edition. On August 23–24, the Slovakia Ring racing track near Orechová Potôň, the Dunajská Streda district, will host the OMV MaxxMotion Grand Prix of Slovakia, featuring various series and categories, including the hugely popular GT3, with cars such as the Ferrari 458 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 and Lamborghini Super Trofeo, each with its own distinct engine sound. Spectators will also be able to see new prototypes. Find out more here.
A race on the Slovakia Ring circuit. (source: TASR)
A charity event
Speaking of cars, the Rally Radosti (Rally of Happiness) charity drive is once again on the move. This column of sports cars is touring Slovakia this weekend to raise awareness about children with mental illnesses. On Friday morning, the cars arrived in Bratislava in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. At 14:45 they will appear in Banská Bystrica. On Saturday, they can be seen first in Košice at 09:00, then in Poprad at 12:15 and later in Žilina at 16:55. On Sunday, the rally starts in Martin at 09:30 before concluding at 14:30 in Nitra. At every stop, spectators can enjoy the roar of engines and the energy of the event.
In one of the previous editions, Rally Radosti stopped in Trnava. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
August 22-24: Chrenovské Slávnosti fair in Nitra
August 23: A skate competition in Banská Bystrica
August 23: Music cinema: Avicii event in Košice
August 23: Night Run 2025 race in Liptovský Mikuláš
August 24, 31: Trnava Organ Days festival
August 28-31: Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival in Kremnica
August 28-31: The Bardejov fair
August 29-30: Uprising music festival in Bratislava
August 30: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
August 30: Grand Finale at the Fountain: DJ sets in Bratislava
August 31: Grand Finale at the Fountain: Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Bratislava’s Cultural Summer will reach its finale with an open-air concert by the Slovak Philharmonic.
WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR VOCABULARY: Slovakia may be a landlocked country, but that doesn’t mean the Slovak langauge fails to tap the waters as a source of metaphor.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: In March 1995, something unusual happened on the media market in Slovakia. Four enthusiastic Americans full of blind courage started publishing an independent newspaper in a country which had no real history of free press. That newspaper was called The Slovak Spectator.
WHAT TO LEARN: During socialism, every teenager knew it from national defence education or pioneer camps. The wider public encountered it at shooting ranges at fairs. The Slavia air rifle was even exported to the West.
WHAT TO READ: Richard Simonics trained as a builder, but in the early 1990s he saw a gap in the market for selling Hungarian books in southern Slovakia, where a sizeable Hungarian minority lives.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Enjoy a silent cinema classic, hear a psychedelic band from Japan, or cycle a Tour de France-style course.
That’s it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
