The latest culture tips from around Slovakia.
Rozhybkosti festival brings folk traditions to life
The interactive folk festival Rozhybkosti returns this summer, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the living traditions of Slovak music, dance, and crafts. Founded in 2015, the festival breaks away from the typical stage-audience divide, offering hands-on workshops, live music sessions, and evening dance parties where everyone can join in.
Up to 90% of the program consists of interactive activities, from beginner dance lessons and singing workshops to instrument classes and craft demonstrations. Experienced teachers and tradition bearers guide participants in an informal, vibrant atmosphere accompanied by live folk bands.
Organisers describe Rozhybkosti as a celebration of authentic cultural heritage, combining traditional forms with modern teaching methods. “Our goal is to return folk culture to everyday life and make it accessible to everyone,” they say.
The festival takes place in Východná from the 17th till the 20th of July.
Source: rozhybkosti.sk
Jazzy Fest returns to Liptovský Mikuláš with top European acts
The 21st edition of Jazzy Fest will take place from the 25th to the 27th of July at the community centre in Liptovský Mikuláš, offering a vibrant mix of contemporary jazz styles and international talent.
The line-up includes German jazz-punk sensation Botticelli Baby, a septet of top soloists from Hungary’s Modern Art Orchestra, the duo Emil Viklický & Pavel Hrubý, and a new project by Polish guitarist Szymon Mika titled ‘Agma’ featuring guest Oskar Török. Audiences can also expect the live premiere of ‘Normal’ by saxophonist Nikolaj Nikitin, a new collaboration between Robert Pospiš & Martin Sillay with Miloš Valent and Miki Skuta, as well as Tibor Feledi Kairos Quintet and the Valér Miko Continuum Project with Sisa Fehér.
Workshops, jazz album giveaways, and jam sessions lasting late into the night will round out the program.
Source: jazzyfest.sk
Roman Ondak in Beijing
Several artworks by internationally acclaimed Slovak artist Roman Ondak can be seen in a show in Yuan Art Museum in Beijing, China. Curated by Zoe Chang, the exhibition, entitled I see You, You see Me, includes his “Big bang” from 2006 and “Dripping tap” from 2016. The curatorial text reads: “We believe we see truth, yet fail to realize it is merely an illusion – a projection of collective consensus,” as the audience is challenged to step outside established frameworks and reexamine the vulnerability and malleability of “reality”. Roman Ondák is a conceptual artist and one of the few Slovaks who has had a show in top art venues around the world such as Tate Modern, London and MoMA, NY, or at prestigious events like Documenta in Kassel, among others. The show in Beijing runs until October 12, 2025.
International festival in Banská Štiavnica celebrates experimental music
The fifth edition of the n:ear festival, featuring improvised and experimental music from artists across ten countries, is taking place in Banská Štiavnica until Sunday, July 20.
The festival offers concerts, workshops, lectures, site-specific performances, author readings, and film screenings. Organisers describe it as a space for attentive listening and sonic exploration of avant-garde jazz, free improvisation, and contemporary classical music.
Highlights include Thursday’s concerts at St. Catherine’s Church and Friday’s “mappa day,” featuring Lukas De Clerck on the ancient aulos and jazz musicians Petr Vrba and Michal Nechvátal. The program also includes a discussion on Gaza, a Sound Walk, and an exhibition opening.
Source: TASR, nearfestival.com
Bratislava exhibition celebrates nearly 60 years of children’s book illustration
Bibiana, the International House of Art for Children, has opened a new exhibition at the University Library in Bratislava called ‘Retro BIB 1967–2025.’ The exhibition traces the history of the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava, a prestigious international competition for children’s book illustrators now celebrating its 30th edition.
The show features archival materials and 29 reproductions of Grand Prix winners, honouring the visionaries who launched this cultural platform during the Iron Curtain era.
‘Retro BIB’ runs through August and is the first event leading to the jubilee Biennial at the Slovak National Gallery opening on October 3rd 2025. This edition will showcase a selection of the best recent illustrations, with first-time entries from Lebanon, Syria, and Uzbekistan.
Source: TASR, bibiana.sk
Duhový PRIDE Bratislava 2025
The annual Duhový PRIDE Bratislava (Rainbow Pride Bratislava) festival returns on July 19th celebrating the visibility and rights of the LGBTI+ community in Slovakia. The event offers concerts by artists from across the country and a vibrant city parade showcasing freedom, equality, and solidarity.
Performing artists include Eurovision artist ADONXS, R&B singer Erika Rein, ballroom house group Kiki House of Velvet, and others.
Organisers highlight the festival’s role in uniting diverse communities – including Slovak, Roma, Hungarian, queer, young, and traditional – and promoting a culture where everyone can be who they are. The event aims to build a stronger, inclusive community and encourage openness to diversity throughout Slovakia.
Source: duhovypride.sk
