TOP PICK
Get the taste of Košice
This October, the entire city of Košice – from its streets and historic sites to its restaurants, cafés and bars – has become one giant venue for the first-ever gastronomic festival. More than 15 establishments are inviting residents and visitors to dozens of events featuring special menus, immersive tasting experiences and evenings where fine dining meets tradition, history and culture. Each week in October brings something new. This weekend, for example, you can look forward to a craft beer festival, tastings of local wines, a special Argentinian menu and more. Some events require advance registration. Browse the menu here.
Článok pokračuje pod video reklamou
Článok pokračuje pod video reklamou
ART
Chamber music festival
A staple of Slovakia's autumn cultural season, the international chamber music festival Konvergencie returns with another edition — this time focusing on the life and work of Slovak composer Ľudovít Rajter, one of the co-founders of the Slovak Philharmonic and conducted its very first concert. This year the festival will feature an event combining a music and a gastronomic experience, concert for both children and parents called Music for Curious Ears, concert of young Slovak composers and more. This time, however, Konvergencie did not receive any money from the Arts Support Fund. Visitors can purchase a ticket and choose to pay more than the standard price. Learn more here.
Director of the Konvergencie festival and cellist Jozef Lupták. (source: Sme Archive)
A taste of the atmosphere of prestigious film festivals
The 13th edition of the Be2Can film festival will offer a diverse and refined selection of the most outstanding films from the Berlin, Venice and Cannes festivals. Taking place in various towns all over Slovakia from 14 to 21 October, the event will showcase brand new film-making voices as well as the work of iconic directors. Screenings are taking place across Slovakia. If you need to get your film fix, check your local cinema's weekend programme and give one of these films a look. This year's highlights include the drama film Minotaur set against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, hypnotic sci-fi horror Her Private Hell, Afgan drama film No Good Men, and more. Learn more about the films and schedule here.
If you don't like to hike, but still love mountains
What better place to hold a festival of alpine films than Poprad right below the High Tatras? Although the 34th edition of the international festival featuring films about mountaineering, ski mountaineering, caving and life in the alpine environment started on Wednesday, its programme continues over the weekend. In addition to films, visitors can attend panels with hosts. For more information, click here.
Hikers in Lomnické Sedlo. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Trail to national icon restored
Last weekend, the hiking trail to Kriváň starting at Tri Studničky reopened following a restoration project that lasted about a year. Organised by Hikemates, one of the country's largest hiking clubs, the work included the installation of hundreds of new wooden steps, handrails, chains and metal rungs to make the route safer. Kriváň is a national icon and well worth the climb, offering beautiful views across the entire mountain range. Bear in mind, however, that the seasonal winter closure of selected hiking trails begins on 1 November.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Honey everywhere
Eleven varieties of mead, a honey version of burčiak (a seasonal goamy grape cider), honey cider, and more await those who attend another special night edition of the popular Medokvas honey festival. Taking place in Smolenice near Trnava, western Slovakia, local producer Nektaria will once again open its beautifully lit garden to everyone. The event starts at 17:00 and runs into the evening. Tickets are available online and on site, unless sold out. For more information, click here.
The evening version of the popular Medokvas event in Smolenice. (source: Nektaria)
Long history of the Levice fair
The town of Levice has a long history of holding markets and fairs, dating back to 1388 when king Sigismund of Luxembourg gave it the right to hold a weekly market. Later, the town also earned the right to hold a special fair a two or three times a year. However, the oldest known written document of a fair taking place is more than 500 years old. This weekend, you can look forward to another edition featuring concerts, folklore performances and of course delicacies. Find out more here.
A taste of medieval combat
The historic town of Trnava is about to host a unique international tournament dedicated to Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Once known only to a small group of enthusiasts, the discipline has evolved into a sport with competitions and global rankings. Organised by Trnavský šermiarsky cech (Trnava Fencing Guild), the oldest group of its kind in Slovakia, the tournament will bring top fighters from across Europe to test their fencing skills and mettle, promising a thrilling spectacle for spectators. Learn more here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
Cycling down historic staircases
The northern Slovak town of Ružomberok is home to a network of historic staircases and stepped streets linking its main square with the rest of the town centre – a rarity that few Slovak towns can boast. This weekend, the staircases will provide the setting for Ružomberské schody (Ružomberok Staircases), a unique cycling competition now in its 16th year. The event promises a spectacular display of riding skills in the town's historic centre. Find out more here.
TIP: The town where locals still climb centuries-old staircases to get to the main square.
Castle decorated with pumpkins
It would not be autumn with no pumpkins. The traditional pumpkin festival returns on Saturday and Friday to Beckov Castle for the 12th edition. In addition to carving Jack-o'-lanterns, various tasks await those who wish the challenge their physical prowess, creative mind and knowledge as well. The event will end with a special evening tour of the castle decorated with the carved pumpkins. For more information, click here.
Jack-o-lantern. (source: SME archive, TASR)
If you need cats in your life
This weekend, Banská Bystrica in central Slovakia will host the 31st and 32nd editions of the International Cat Exhibition, showcasing more than 30 breeds of cats – including some of the largest and rarest. Owners from various European countries will attend, with a jury composed of experts from Sweden, Norway, Spain and Slovakia. Find out more here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
14-26 October: Bratislava in Movement dance festival in Bratislava
15-17 October: LiKE contemporary literature festival in Košice
16-17 October: Traditional fair in Bánovce nad Bebravou
17 October: Kite flying in Dolná Krupá
17 October: Hravá Sereď board game festival in Sereď
17 October: Autumn pancake festival in Galanta
17 October: Retro video games exhibition at Liptov Marina
17 October: Open day at the astronomical observatories in the High Tatras
17-24 October: Noci Svetla light art festival in Liptovský Mikuláš
20-25 October: Jeden Svet film festival in Bratislava
23 October: Lantern procession in Devín
23-25 October: Bratislava Design Weekend in Bratislava
24 October: Nitra Model show in Nitra
25 October: Liptov Bryndza Celebrations in Liptovský Mikuláš
31 October: The haunting of Hlohovec Castle event in Hlohovec
30 October - 1 November: School of Magic 2 at Smolenice Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO CHECK OUT: The restored railway water tower in Spišská Nová Ves combines railway history with contemporary art, a café and shared workspaces.
WHAT TO KNOW: Once a popular trade union holiday centre in communist Czechoslovakia, Hotel Morava has reopened as a four-star hotel.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Visitors to Sysľovisko, a meadow in central Slovakia known for its population of ground squirrels, can now reach the area along a new educational trail through the forests of Muránska Planina National Park.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A lost dog from the Tatras found his way to a new family through social media.
That's it for this week. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.