Events in Slovakia

Do you like Slovak traditions, folk music, and dances? Do you like searching for cultural events? Then definitely visit the Folklórny Festival Východná. This largest and at the same time oldest festival of ours with international participation is organized annually in the picturesque village of Východná. On the threshold of the summer season, in the first weekend of July, the Nízke Tatry region comes alive with folk traditions and for a few days becomes the center of Slovak culture.

The Folklóry festival is a showcase of the regular and tireless work of many institutions, associations, and individuals who are engaged in the field of traditional folk culture. Over its 66-year history, the festival has become the premier showcase of the traditions of the Slovak nation. On average, 1,400 participants from folklore and singing groups, children's ensembles, soloist musicians, and dancers take care of a rich program every year. The participation of folk craftsmen, artists, and woodcarvers is very significant. Various dance, music, and singing workshops, craft creative workshops, and entertainment programs for children enjoy increasing popularity.

By its existence, the festival significantly contributes to the revival and preservation of precious cultural values. The history of its origin is interesting and a pleasant memory is attached to it. The Kriváň ethnographic troupe from Východná participated in the festivities in the Moravian town of Strážnica in 1952. Their performance was so successful that Kriváň won the award "sweetheart of Strážnica". This experience so enthused and inspired the members of Kriváň that they decided to organize the Festival of Songs and Dances at home in Východná.

The first year of the festivities in Východná took place in 1953 on a makeshift stage and lasted only one day. At the 2nd year, the professional artistic ensemble SĽUK performed as an important guest, and the 3rd year was already a two-day event. Lúčnica presented itself as a guest at that time. Historically significant was the 4th year of the festival, when new thematic programs were added, such as a review of children's folk ensembles, but also a folk dance school or a ceremonial parade of all participants passing through the entire village. The three-day program as we know it today took place only from the 5th year.

Besides the stage, a new amphitheater was built in the 1970s, which was based on the architecture of original Liptov buildings. Gradually, a "horseshoe" for the presentation of folk art elements, dressing rooms, exhibition showcases, and a "spring" with washbasins for visitors were also added. The 28-meter-high Májka observation tower also joined, from which you will be offered an amazing view of the Tatry. The amphitheater acquired its current form with a covered stage in 2006. The first international participation at the festival was the Folklórna skupina Goralov (Podhale) originating from the Polish town of Nowy Targ.

A curiosity is the so-called Ornamentíky, which, at the initiative of ethnographer Jarmila Paličková and Viliam Gruska, were brought by more than 20 village folklore groups in 1974. Ornamentíky are embroidered standards that draw from regional traditions and state the name of the folklore collective or village they come from. At the jubilee 60th year of the Festival Východná, these ornamentíky were hung in the amphitheater. Currently, all folklore collectives have an ornamentík as their business card and present themselves with them at events at home and abroad.

Become a part of this significant cultural event yourself and book your summer holiday in Liptov today. A rich offer of accommodation near the Folklórny Festival Východná can be found on our page accommodation Východná. After the cultural experience, treat yourself to well-being in the thermal pools of our largest water park Tatralandia. A visit to the Dom hore nohami will also be an interesting experience. We believe that you will like Liptov and take home many great experiences.

Festival Pohoda in Trenčín is the largest and most prestigious multi-genre festival in Slovakia, which annually transforms the local airport into a vibrant European center of music, art, and freedom.

The event takes place during the second weekend of July in the city of Trenčín, in the Trenčín district, on the expansive premises of the Trenčín airport. The dramaturgy of Pohoda is unique in its diversity, where stars of world rock, pop, and electronic music alternate on a single stage with classical music, jazz, or world music. The festival grounds function as a temporary city with a high standard of services, where, in addition to dozens of music stages, you will find literature tents, discussion forums, theatrical performances, and dance workshops. Great emphasis is placed on ecology, as evidenced by a sophisticated recycling system, the use of solar energy, and the support of public transport through special festival trains. Pohoda is also known for its visual design, where art installations and land-art objects complete the aesthetics of the airport area. The family character of the event is underscored by a children's park and the barrier-free nature of the entire area, which allows for the participation of all generations without distinction. Thanks to its location in the Považie region and its strong international reputation, the festival has become an important point on the cultural map of Europe, while still maintaining its original vision of decency and the joy of meeting.

What can you find here?

On the airport grounds, you will find several large-capacity stages, a circus tent for alternative genres, and quiet zones for discussions and readings. Extensive tent towns, hot water showers, numerous beverage centers, and a wide gastro zone with food for vegetarians and vegans are available. Also included are children's corners, charging stations, Wi-Fi zones, and spaces designated for non-profit organizations and civic activism.

Who is this place suitable for?

The festival is ideal for music lovers of all genres, families with children, and young people looking for cultural enrichment in a safe and clean environment. It is also sought after by fans of art and social sciences due to the rich accompanying program and discussions on current topics. Given the vastness of the area and summer temperatures, comfortable footwear, headwear, and consistent hydration are recommended.

What can you visit in the surrounding area?

Directly in the city of Trenčín, you can visit the majestic Trenčiansky hrad castle with a view of the entire Považie region or the historic square with a Roman inscription. For relaxation after the festival, the spa town of Trenčianske Teplice with its unique architecture of spa houses is within accessible distance. If you are looking for nature, the nearby Biele Karpaty mountains offer opportunities for hiking, for example, to the ruins of Vršatec castle.

The Grape music festival in Trenčín represents one of the most progressive and stylish multi-genre festivals in Central Europe, bringing current global trends in independent music and visual arts to the grounds of the Letisko Trenčín airport.

The event takes place every year in August in the town of Trenčín, in the district of Trenčín, at the spacious and modernly equipped Letisko Trenčín airport. Over the years of its existence, the Grape festival has profiled itself as an event targeted at a younger audience, while its line-up sensitively combines leading global performers from the fields of indie, pop, electronics, and hip-hop with the best of the domestic scene. During the festival, the airport grounds are transformed into a design town with multiple stages, art installations, and relaxation zones that stand out for their imaginative execution and aesthetic unity. An important element of the festival is interactivity, which manifests in a rich accompanying program including workshops, discussions, sports tournaments, and fashion shows. Thanks to its location in the Považie region and excellent transport accessibility, it attracts thousands of visitors not only from Slovakia, but also from surrounding countries, thereby contributing to the international character of the Trenčín region. Grape is not just about music, but about an overall lifestyle, freedom of expression, and creating a community of people who appreciate quality and aesthetics in every detail.

What can you find here?

On the airport grounds, you will find main concert stages, dance arenas, design markets featuring local fashion, and open-air art galleries. Extensive tent cities with various levels of comfort, showers, sanitary facilities, and a wide range of gastro stalls focused on street food and healthy eating are available. Charging stations, Wi-Fi zones, and secure luggage storage spaces are also prepared for visitors.

Who is the place suitable for?

The festival is primarily intended for young people, students, and fans of contemporary music production who are seeking a modern and visually appealing cultural experience. It is also sought after by creatives and fashion lovers because of the famous festival dress code themes and the visitors' original outfits. Given the airport terrain and the vastness of the grounds, comfortable footwear, sun protection, and staying well-hydrated are recommended.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Directly in the town of Trenčín, you can visit the town's landmark, Trenčiansky hrad castle with a view of the entire Váh valley, or explore the historical center with the Roman inscription on the castle rock. For swimming enthusiasts, the summer swimming pool in Trenčín or the nearby village of Opatová with its recreational area are available. If you are looking for nature, the nearby Strážovské vrchy mountains offer easy hikes to lookout towers or to the historical spa town of Trenčianske Teplice.

Medzinárodný maratón mieru in Košice is the oldest marathon in Europe, and with its atmosphere, it transforms the metropolis of the east into a world running hub every year.

The event takes place annually in the city of Košice, in the Košice district, always on the first Sunday of October. Both the start and finish of the marathon are located in the historical center on Hlavná ulica, with the course leading through key city arteries and municipal parks. The marathon boasts the World Athletics Gold Label, confirming its high organizational level and fast course that attracts the world's top runners. In addition to the king discipline, the marathon, the program also features a half-marathon, relays, inline races, and a popular family run. During the marathon weekend, the entire city comes alive with side events, music stages along the course, and the electrifying energy of thousands of spectators who tirelessly cheer the runners all the way to the finish line. The symbol of the event is Socha maratónca, where the marathon flame is ceremoniously lit every year. Thanks to its rich history and unique charisma, the Košice marathon ranks among the most significant sporting events in Central Europe.

What can you find here?

During the event, you will find the start and finish gate on Hlavná ulica, an expo exhibition of sports equipment in the premises of Kulturpark, and music stages distributed throughout the city. Information booths for visitors, large LED screens with a live broadcast, and a rich offer of refreshments in local establishments are available. For fans, fan zones with drum shows and cheering gear are prepared.

Who is the place suitable for?

The marathon is ideal for active athletes of all performance categories, from elite runners to complete beginners within shorter disciplines. It is also sought after by families with children participating in the mini-marathon and sports fans who want to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the largest celebration of sports in the city. Due to the closed city center, using reinforced public transport is recommended.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Right in the heart of the city lies the majestic Dóm svätej Alžbety, the largest church in Slovakia, and Spievajúca fontána. You can also visit Východoslovenské múzeum, where the famous Košický zlatý poklad is housed. For families, Zoologická záhrada v Kavečanoch with DinoPark or the observation tower above the city, offering a panoramic view of the entire marathon venue, are within reach.

The international folklore festival Jánošíkove dni in Terchová represents one of the most significant and largest celebrations of folk culture in Slovakia.

The festival takes place at the end of July and beginning of August in the village of Terchová, in the district of Žilina, on the border of the Malá Fatra and Kysuce national parks. The program runs on several stages, with the main venue being the Amfiteáter nad Bôrami, where large gala programs featuring leading folklore ensembles from Slovakia and abroad take place. A characteristic feature of the festival is terchovská muzika (Terchová music), inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, whose specific polyphonic singing and string instrument playing dominate almost every performance. The highlight of the event is usually the traditional horse-drawn wagon procession with proud wagoners and musicians, which passes through the entire village and is among the visually most attractive parts of the festival. In addition to music and dance, Jánošíkove dni is also known for its rich accompanying program, which includes folk art exhibitions, craft markets, and traditional gastronomy. During the festival, the whole village breathes hospitality and respect for ancestral heritage, while the program sensitively connects historical facts about Juraj Jánošík with modern adaptations of folklore motifs.

What can you find here?

In the program zones, you will find a large-capacity open-air amphitheater, intimate stages in the culture house, and a folk stage in the center of the village. It features a folk craft fair with demonstrations of work by blacksmiths, woodcarvers, or lace makers, and stalls with typical specialties such as oštiepok, halušky, and homemade cakes. Visitors can also see a photo exhibition, attend a solemn Holy Mass for the bearers of folk traditions, or watch the evening lighting of the bonfire.

Who is the place suitable for?

The festival is designed for all age groups, from families with children who will appreciate the variety of folk costumes and accompanying games, to professionals and ethnography enthusiasts. It is sought out by tourists looking for an authentic cultural experience, lovers of Slovak history, and everyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of a major event in the middle of mountain nature. Due to the massive attendance, visitors should expect a higher concentration of people and traffic restrictions.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Directly in the village, the statue of Juraj Jánošík and the modern Kostol svätého Cyrila a Metoda church with a unique wooden Nativity scene dominate the area. Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the proximity of the Diery (Jánošíkove diery) canyon with waterfalls or take a cable car from Vrátna dolina up below the Chleb peak. If you are looking for further cultural activities, Budatínsky hrad castle is available in nearby Žilina, or you can see the Slovenský orloj astronomical clock in the village of Stará Bystrica.

The Folklórne slávnosti pod Poľanou v Detve festival represents one of the most significant and authentic festivals of folk culture in Slovakia, which annually brings to life the distinctive traditions of the Podpoľanie region.

The event takes place every year during the second weekend of July in the town of Detva, in the district of Detva, in the Banskobystrický kraj region. The venue is the Prírodný amfiteáter v Detve, which is known for its unique wooden architecture and location at the foot of the extinct volcano Poľana. The festival is famous for its effort to preserve original forms of folk expression, dominated by intricate dances (cifrované tance), playing the fujara (listed by UNESCO), and rich Detva folk costumes with the typical short shirt. The festival program includes large stage performances as well as intimate shows in courtyards and on small stages that bring the everyday life and customs of ancestors closer to visitors. An important part consists of accompanying events such as a folk craft fair, dance school, or presentations of folk musical instrument makers. During these days, Detva becomes a living museum where visitors naturally find themselves at the center of the action, surrounded by the sound of button accordions (heligónky) and the taste of traditional Podpoľanie specialties. Thanks to its strong focus on authenticity, the festival maintains a high professional standard and is considered the peak of the season for every lover of genuine folk culture.

What can you find here?

On the amphitheater grounds, you will find the main stage for large folklore ensembles, craft courtyards with manufacturing demonstrations, and sales stalls with folk products. Gastronomic zones offering halušky, pirohy, and homemade bread are available, as well as exhibitions of period photographs and folk costumes. The program also includes a traditional Sunday parade through the town and the Krajanský dvor, which presents the culture of Slovaks living abroad.

Who is the place suitable for?

The festival is ideal for lovers of folklore, history, and ethnography, as well as for families with children looking for an authentic cultural experience in nature. It is also sought after by foreign tourists who want to experience Slovak traditions in their purest form. Given the summer weather and the outdoor nature of the area, headwear, sturdy shoes, and plenty of fluids are recommended during a full-day stay in the sun.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Located directly in the town is the Podpolianske múzeum with exhibitions on the town's history and the crafting of fujaras. Within easy reach is the Poľana protected landscape area (Chránená krajinná oblasť Poľana) with the unique Vodopád Bystré waterfall or a lookout tower. For lovers of sacred art, the distinctive village of Hriňová is within accessible distance, featuring numerous carved wooden crosses scattered across the surrounding scattered settlements (lazy).

The music festival Terchovský Budzogáň represents one of the most significant rock events in Slovakia, regularly bringing world legends as well as the top of the domestic alternative scene to the heart of the picturesque village.

The festival takes place in the village of Terchová, in the Žilina district, usually during August days at the Amfiteáter Nad bôrami amphitheater. Over the years of its existence, the event has gained the status of a cult action, on whose stage names such as Arch Enemy, Nightwish, Helloween, and The Rasmus have alternated. A characteristic feature of the festival is its excellent acoustics in an open natural space and an unrepeatable atmosphere, where rock and metal fans meet in the environment of deep Terchová traditions. In addition to the main program, the festival offers a space for young talented bands and accompanying competitions that maintain the community spirit of the event. Terchovský Budzogáň is known for maintaining a friendly, almost family-like mood despite the big names, while the village literally pulses with rock life during the festival weekend. Thanks to the combination of local gastronomy and accommodation options in traditional wooden houses, it offers visitors a comprehensive experience that goes beyond a regular concert and becomes a celebration of freedom under the open sky.

What can you find here?

In the amphitheater area, you will find the main concert stage with professional sound reinforcement, a tent camp near the area, and numerous gastro zones offering typical Slovak specialties as well as traditional festival refreshment. Sales stalls with thematic clothing and souvenirs, fan zones, and sanitary facilities adapted to a large number of visitors are available.

Who is the place suitable for?

The event is ideal for fans of rock, metal, and punk music who look for concerts of world stars in an unconventional mountain environment. It is also sought after by tourists who want to combine a summer holiday in the mountains with an intensive cultural program and lovers of the authentic atmosphere of the Slovak music scene. Given the mountain weather, it is recommended to pack waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for the slope of the amphitheater.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Directly above the area towers the monumental statue of Juraj Jánošík, from which there is a view of the entire festival venue. You can visit the nearby Zbojnícky chodník gorge or take the cable car from Vrátna to Chleb. For relaxation after the festival, the Terchovec relaxation and information center with pools or a tour of historical exhibitions in the local museum is ideal

The music festival Žákovic Open in Trenčianske Bohuslavice represents one of the most popular family festivals in Slovakia, characterized by a specific community atmosphere and the picturesque environment of the Bošácka dolina valley.

The festival takes place annually in the village of Trenčianske Bohuslavice, in the Nové Mesto nad Váhom district, in the Trenčín Region. The venue is the area of Penzión Žákovic, which transforms into a musical oasis during a summer weekend, featuring a main stage and a tent campsite in immediate proximity. Žákovic Open is known for its dramaturgy focused on established Slovak bands, while also giving space to new talents and legends of the alternative scene. One of the defining features of the festival is the close interaction between performers and audiences, creating the feeling of a large garden party. In addition to the musical program, an integral part of the tradition is a football match between musicians and fans, which enhances the friendly nature of the event. The grounds in Trenčianske Bohuslavice are surrounded by orchards and the hills of Považský Inovec, allowing visitors to combine a cultural experience with light hiking or cycling. Thanks to its limited capacity and emphasis on well-being without unnecessary commercial pressure, the festival has become a sought-after destination for regular visitors who appreciate the authenticity and peaceful atmosphere of this region.

What can you find here?

In the festival area, you will find the main music stage, a tent village with designated sectors, and a chill-out zone. Food stalls with local specialties and craft beer, sales points with band merchandise, and a children's corner for families with children are available. Facilities include sanitary amenities, showers for tent village visitors, and a guarded parking lot within walking distance of the grounds.

Who is the place suitable for?

The event is ideal for lovers of Slovak and Czech rock, pop, and alternative music who prefer smaller, cozier festivals over large mass events. It is sought after by families with children thanks to its safe and friendly atmosphere, as well as groups of friends looking for weekend relaxation in a natural setting. Early booking of tickets and accommodation is recommended, as the capacity of the area is limited.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Right in the village of Trenčianske Bohuslavice, there is a unique Rococo chapel, Kaplnka Nepoškvrneného počatia Panny Márie, which is one of the architectural gems of the region. In the close vicinity, you can visit Hrad Beckov castle with its rich history and views of the Považie region, or the historic town of Trenčín with its castle (Trenčiansky hrad) and Roman inscription. For nature lovers, the observation tower on Jelení vrch (Rozhľadňa na Jelenom vrchu) or cycling paths leading through the Bošácka dolina valley are within easy reach.