The Rendez vintage train show in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
TIP FOR THE WEEKEND
Give it up for vintage trains
On June 14–15, the so-called Old Depot, also known as the Rendez site, in Bratislava’s Rača district will host the 25th edition of the historic railway engine reunion. Visitors can view historic trains, including steam locomotives displayed on the turntable, and take a ride on selected engines around Bratislava. The event will feature swing and orchestra performances, model railways, and souvenirs. More details on the programme and train departure times are available here.
A still from the last year's edition of Rendez. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
The charm of northeastern Slovakia
In his new travel guide, our colleague Jozef Ryník explores Slovakia’s lesser-known north-east, with a special focus on the Humenné district. Once recognised for its chemical industry, the town of Humenné is now moving away from smokestacks and embracing tourism, offering a quieter, more refined appeal. A highlight is its carefully restored pseudo-Baroque manor house, nestled among expansive gardens inspired by both English and French traditions. A cycling route also connects Humenné with the Polish town of Sanok. Along the 52-kilometre trail, cyclists encounter wartime cemeteries and wooden churches—each bearing witness to a rich and often overlooked history. There are plenty of sights to discover, including historic churches and castle ruins. Find more travel tips here.
A historic mill restored
Last Sunday saw the reopening of the historic water mill near the village of Tomášikovo—one of Slovakia’s most significant technical monuments, dating back to 1895. The restoration also included the addition of a new visitor centre. The original structure of the mill was dismantled and then rebuilt in its authentic form with newly constructed beams. The wooden components were cleaned and repaired, and both the interior and mechanical equipment have been preserved. The mill is open daily, with admission priced at €3. It’s located between Dunajská Streda and Galanta in south-western Slovakia.
ART
Confluence of history and culture
Devín Castle, perched at the meeting point of the Morava and Danube rivers—a historic crossroads of cultures—will host a brand-new one-day festival called Sútok (Confluence) on Saturday, June 14. The event aims to celebrate the site's deep-rooted heritage while embracing modern culture. “Our goal is to fully capture the charm of this location, allowing people to enjoy its freedom, rich programme, and sense of safety,” says project manager Martina Hajachová. Visitors can look forward to guided tours, DJ sets, evening concerts, discussions and more. Standard tickets are €20, with concessions for children, students, and seniors starting from €10. More information available here.
Bratislava's Devín borough with the castle in the back. (source: Marko Erd)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
One for history lovers
This Saturday, Fiľakovo Castle will host the 25th edition of the Fiľakovské Hradné Hry medieval festival. The event brings history to life with reenactments of daily life from the 13th to 17th centuries. Expect theatrical performances, sword-fighting demonstrations, and historical cuisine, complete with presentations on traditional ingredients and cooking methods. Basic admission is €7; concessions €3.50. Full programme details can be found here.
An aviation festival
Ready for an air show like no other? This weekend, Piešťany Airport in western Slovakia hosts Aviation Days, featuring aerobatic teams from Slovakia, Czechia, Latvia, Poland, and Hungary. Spectators will enjoy both dynamic displays and static exhibitions showcasing remarkable piloting skills. As the sun sets, planes will light up the sky with special visual effects, complemented by a pyrotechnic show on the ground—a truly breath-taking spectacle. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Learn more here.
An aerobatic show at a previous edition of the event. (source: TASR)
Explore the Trnava Region by bike
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Cyklojazda Regiónom Trnava bike ride returns this Saturday. Open to all cyclists—including families with children—the ride follows a section of the forthcoming wine cycle trail, set to open next year. The roughly 40-kilometre route weaves through gravel and field paths, passing picturesque vineyards and offering a total elevation of 200 metres. For maps and meeting point information, click here.
Pottery showcase
From Friday to Sunday, the town of Pezinok near Bratislava will welcome 200 potters from Slovakia and abroad, each presenting unique, handmade ceramics. The event also features concerts, folklore performances, and workshops for both children and adults. More information is available here.
A potter at work. (source: TASR)
What are scientists up to?
On June 13–14, the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) is holding a special two-day event in central Bratislava to showcase what researchers from 25 of its institutes are working on. Everything on display is ‘made in SAV’. At individual stands, institutes will present their latest research, experiments, and scientific phenomena. Find out more here.
A streetdance competition
This Saturday, Košice will host the fifth edition of the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition, with Slovakia’s national finals taking place for the first time. The event defies convention—no set rules, no jury, and no pre-announced music. Sixteen dancers from across Slovakia will go head-to-head in one-on-one battles, aiming to impress the crowd and secure a spot at the world finals in Los Angeles. The competition will take place at Hlavné Námestie, near St Urban’s Tower. Entry is free. Details can be found here.
Participants of the 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style competition. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
June 13-14: The Stoličné Dni culture festival in Liptovský Mikuláš
June 13-14: The Fest Art street art festival in Trenčín
June 13-15: The Festival Divadla Mladých theatre festival in Nitra
June 18-22: The Myjava 2025 international folklore festival in Myjava
June 19-22: The Niké Majstrovská Slovenska five-a-side football championship in Banská Bystrica
June 20-27: The IFF Art Film festival in Košice
June 21: The Roleplaying Games day in Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava
June 21: The Morning Disco party in Košice
June 21-22: The Dračie Dni fairy-tale festival at the Červený Kameň castle
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)
Until June 29: The exhibition of living butterflies from the tropics in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Join calm morning yoga at Nivy or enjoy music during the festival for choirs and orchestras.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Support people with neuromuscular diseases – or simply update your wardrobe.
WHAT TO LEARN: Compliments can take you a long way in life. Here are some tips on what phrases to say to your Slovak friends and what they mean.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Fresh from a memorable performance for US Senator Bernie Sanders and his wife, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman brings his electrifying live show to Bratislava’s V-klub on June 20.
WHAT TO SEE IN THEATRE: The president and the stolen fur: A stage drama that traces the wartime fates of Slovakia’s Jews.
WHAT TO READ: While the Bohemia waits for deeper waters on the Domaša reservoir, visitors can explore hilltop castles, forest trails, and hidden frescoes in Slovakia’s often-overlooked northeast.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
