For three days, Trenčín will become the epicentre of musical energy and fresh ideas. From 12 to 14 September 2025, M. R. Štefánik Park will come alive with the Garage festival. The entire programme will be hosted by the well-known presenter, dancer and author of the podcast Za hudbou Otec Mirec.
A musical weekend full of talent and new discoveries
Garage festival – the flagship event supporting emerging musicians as part of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project – will offer more than a dozen concerts over three days featuring young performers who have the potential to become stars of the Slovak and European music scene.
Slovak bands were selected by a professional jury from almost two hundred applications. The result is a bold and genre-diverse dozen performers representing the liveliest of what is currently emerging on the independent scene.
“ Garage was created from the conviction that culture grows from the ground up – from enthusiasm, authenticity, and the courage to try new things. The finalists were selected not only for their musical expression, but also for their potential to grow, collaborate and discover new horizons,” says Emma Stašáková, member of the Trenčín 2026 organising team and participant in Garage in 2024.
“In this case, music is not the goal, but a means – to awaken curiosity, connect regions and strengthen the voice of young creators,” adds Stašáková.
A festival that breaks down boundaries
Garage does not only cross symbolic borders – it will also bring performers from partner cities Oulu (Finland), Bourges (France), Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and České Budějovice (Czech Republic) to Trenčín, which, like Trenčín, hold the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture.
Garage line-up
Friday 12 September Tea Teona – alternative indie / art rock (Žilina), Krtko Bain – alternative rock / art punk (Bratislava), NEHA! – world music (Bratislava), Escapism (OULU) Eden in Flames – rock (Bratislava)
Saturday, 13 September Daniel Brliť – indie-pop (Bratislava), Nothine – alternative rock / indie (Bratislava), Neprebudený – alternative rock (Bratislava), Batáty (České Budějovice) Punkinson – rap-punk-electro (Bratislava & Zvolen), Fvck Cvlt + Dušan Vlk
Sunday, 14 September Ostblock Cooperative – jazz-hip hop-funk (Dravce), KRÁĽOVÁ – alternative pop (Bratislava – Chynorany – Prague), Deafen – alternative / prog metal (Košice), CAOS.808 (Bourges), Zonya – metal / metalcore (Bratislava)
Support, networking and new opportunities
The Garage project is not just about a one-off performance on stage. It offers emerging musicians professional workshops, mentoring, and active support from industry experts. Garage opens doors to a path where bands can acquire the tools they need for their own development and to build an audience. The concert by Fvck_Kvlt and Dušan Vlk is part of the celebrations marking the 85th anniversary of the Hviezda Cultural and Creative Centre in Trenčín. Festival participants will receive discounted admission to this joint programme.
Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture
Garage 2025 is one of the main programmes of the European Capital of Culture – Trenčín 2026 project. This title brings not only prestige, but also an opportunity to invest in new cultural formats and connect Trenčín with Europe through art and creativity. The event is financially supported by the city of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region, the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic and the European Union.
