Be part of it

In 2026, the Slovak city of Trenčín holds the title of European Capital of Culture. What does that mean? Unused spaces are transformed into cultural stages, the streets belong to people, and a programme you would normally expect in major European capitals is happening right here — in a city on the Váh River beneath a medieval castle.

Throughout the year, hundreds of events await you: exhibitions, festivals, theatre performances, community projects and European premieres. Come and see how culture is transforming the city.

What Awaits You in Trenčín

We have selected events that are truly worth the trip.

The Well of Love Exhibition

Kerem Ozan Bayraktar (TR), Ahmet Rüstem Ekici & Hakan Sorar (TR), Ekmel Ertan (TR), Buşra Tunç (TR) Duration: 7 February – 28 August 2026 Venue: Trenčín Castle (Gothic Chapel + basement / undergro…

Performative action by Alexandra Pirici (RO)

Thursday, 18 June 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Memorial to the Martyred in Brezina Forest Park, Trenčín Performative action On 18 June at 7:00 p.m., we will present Alexandra Pirici’s performative action Invisib…

European Cultural Summer

This summer is the perfect time to discover Trenčín as the European Capital of Culture. From 20 June, when dozens of unconventional vessels set sail on the Váh River, until the very end of summer, you…

Splanekor 2.0

What happens when homemade boats return to the Váh River? Splanekor 2.0 brings back a legendary event where creativity, humor, movement, and summer vibes by the water come together. For one day, the V…

Garage 2026

Garage is a festival that gives space every year to bands that have not yet played on big stages, but have something to say. In its sixth edition, it will feature ten discoveries from the Slovak music…

At the table

Imagine a single long table for 250 people right in the center of Trenčín. Around it: concerts, film, theatre, lectures, a barbecue, and hundreds of conversations. During two summer evenings, July 17 …

The Month of Author’s Reading

This summer, Trenčín will once again become a place of exceptional literary encounters and the discovery of new stories. Thanks to the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project, our city will t…

Opening of the pavilions by the Woven collective and the opening of the interactive installation by Mahalie H. Richards (UK)

On the occasion of the opening of the revitalised Orechovský Stream Alluvium area, we would also like to invite you to the opening of the pavilions of the Public Escapades project by the Woven collect…

Exhibition GLOCAL EQUALITY AND HOSPITALITY (invalidated ideas?)

Venue: Župný dom, Mierové námestie 46, Trenčín Duration: August 8 - December 7, 2026 Opening: August 7, 2026 Curators: Edit András and Ilona Németh Exhibition architect: Zbyněk Baladrán In the Communi…

Video Projection on the City Tower by Krzysztof Wodiczko (PL/US)

World-renowned artist Krzysztof Wodiczko will create a new site-specific work for Trenčín in the form of a large-scale video projection on the City Tower. The work uses voice, image, and public space …

Hydraulic Tongues

An installation by artists Nomeda Urbonas and Gediminas Urbonas that transforms firefighting equipment into a playful work of art. Created in collaboration with the local community of volunteer firefi…

Children’s Theatre Performance: Teatr Klinika Lalek (PL) – Gulliver’s Travels

A family performance that works just as well for adults: a large puppet, a big story, and plenty of imagination under the open sky. A Polish ensemble brings a format that is accessible, yet visually s…

Fiesta Festival

The cultural summer will culminate in the opening of Trenčín’s new symbol – the Fiesta Bridge. In September, we will connect riverbanks and people through theatre, music, children’s and sports activit…

Altofest

Altofest is a human-specific experimental sociality project based on proximity, gift, and hospitality values. It is conceived as an act of artistic and political resistance "to give rise to" a large a…

Sounds of Democracy: Velvet

The Sounds of Democracy project, which we are organising together with the Pohoda Festival, will bring a series of events exploring how democracy and civic courage have manifested in different parts…

Full Trenčín 2026 Programme

From January to December, more than 300 events await you — exhibitions, concerts, festivals, theatre performances and community projects. Something for everyone with a desire to explore.

How It Began

In 2026, Trenčín opens itself to the world. The opening weekend launched a year filled with culture. Take a look at what those three February days looked like, when the entire city transformed into one giant stage.

Curiosity cannot be stopped. Come and experience it for yourself.

Awakening Curiosity.

Are you curious about experiences around Trenčín?