Trenčín’s M. R. Štefánik Park Came Alive with the Music of a Young Generation. In mid-September, Trenčín’s M. R. Štefánik Park came alive with the music of the young generation – the Garáž festival, held in cooperation with Pohoda and Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture, returned for the fifth time and brought fifteen concerts from Slovak and international bands.
The lineup was chosen by a professional jury from a record-breaking 197 applications, confirming the growing interest in this unique project. In addition to energetic performances, the audience enjoyed the charismatic and natural hosting of Otec Mirec, a varied accompanying program for all age groups, competitions for tickets to Slovak festivals, and this year’s Trenčín 2026 European Capital of Culture merchandise.
Once again, the organizers managed to create a gathering with a relaxed vibe that brought together several generations in one place. Since admission was free, not only devoted fans but also casual passersby stopped to discover what’s happening in the young music scene and take a glimpse into its world. Gen Z in baggy jeans and band tees, families with strollers and dogs, as well as older couples enjoying the atmosphere all met in M. R. Štefánik Park. This diverse mix created an inclusive, community spirit that turned the city park into a place full of unique energy for the weekend. And despite the cloudy skies and occasional showers, the mood remained unaffected.
What I Missed on Friday
Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend on Friday, which meant I missed the Bratislava alternative rock band Krtko Bain, known for their energy balancing on the edge of art-punk, outstanding lyrics reaching into activist poetry as well as personal storytelling. My absence stung all the more because the program also featured the female vocal ensemble Neha! – I’ve already had the chance to experience their harmonies, and it was an exceptional moment I would have loved to relive.
But the first day of the festival offered much more than just these two highlights. The official opening of Garáž was kicked off by N-joy with their dance performance. The first musical experience came from singer Tea Teona, who blended alternative indie with an art-rock touch. Meanwhile, the curious could try their hand at working with vinyl during a DJ workshop led by DJ FOM.
Saturday in the Spirit of Discovery
On Saturday, I set out for garage adventures by train, and within a minute’s walk from the station, I found myself right in the middle of the action. The park was already buzzing with an audience that kept growing as time went on. Among the performers, I caught the talented young band Nothine, who mixed a cocktail of shoegaze and indie guitar music. My bad habit of comparing young bands to more established ones led me to names like Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and Placebo. The voice of their singer and guitarist strikingly evoked the androgynous Brian Molko from the latter.
The band plays with dual dynamics, alternating male and female vocals, and shifting between softer, quieter parts and noisier ones infused with distortion effects. For me, it was also a pleasant nostalgic return to the ’90s, especially when I noticed long-haired teens in Nirvana or Metallica T-shirts nodding their heads in rhythm under the stage.
After the concert came a talk with underground prince Duško Vlk, who later performed at KKC Hviezda in a double bill with Fvck_Kvlt as part of this year’s Garáž. Soon after, the conversation section also featured Denis Bango, aka Fvck_Kvlt himself. The host of the whole event, Otec Mirec, under the banner of Zahudbou.sk, also interviewed program manager Emma Stašáková and music manager Katja Thalerová. Through these engaging and truly inspiring conversations, visitors could learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes work and life around music, and take away plenty of valuable advice.
Following the talk with Dušan Vlk, the Bratislava band Neprebudený took the stage, waking the audience up with their mix of alternative rock, punk, and post-grunge nostalgia. Besides enjoying their well-delivered stage show, I walked away with a nice sticker promoting the band, handed to me by their charismatic singer, which I promptly stuck on my old MacBook.
The Czech guests Marjari also proved to be a very pleasant surprise, strongly reminiscent of Boston’s Pixies or their related band, the Breeders. Their melodic songs were a great showcase of songwriting, and when combined with excellent sound and instrumental skill, it was just perfect. The weather, however, was far from perfect, as rain drove the audience under the shelter, from where they watched the show through a curtain of raindrops – a romantic setting in its own way, complemented by a warm coffee (shoutout to Coffee Sheep, who took great care of the Garáž catering).
After Fvck_Kvlt’s talk, which drew a solid crowd under the shelter at the second stage, the trap project Punkinson fired things up again. His energetic concert was also a great warm-up for the sold-out night shows of Dušan Vlk and Fvck_Kvlt at KKC Hviezda, both of which were delivered with their standard high quality.
Sunday Lunch with a Sweet Musical Treat
Sunday’s music program kicked off with Ostblock Cooperative and their funky jazz boombap. A truly delightful experience came from the all-female guitar-pop band Kráľová. Their professional performance of stylish, catchy songs with groovy rhythms and beautiful harmonic vocals was exactly what I craved for a Sunday afternoon while sipping homemade lemonade. I silently thanked this unusually named band for the lovely experience before heading off to a talk with Katja Thalerová, who shared insights from the world of booking and managing bands such as Berlin Manson, Tolstoys, or Isama Zing.
From the pleasant interview, I moved on to another concert experience, this time by the young post-metal band Deafen. Melodic sing-along choruses, heavier passages shifting into screams, ambient wide soundscapes, and sharp breaks briefly ruled Trenčín’s park and delighted the mostly young crowd. After the concert, I joined a music quiz, hoping my team would win – sadly, it didn’t. Congratulations to the winners!
The next slot belonged to the French duo Caos.808, who became my highlight of this year’s Garáž. Their explosive cocktail of rave, reggaeton, and punk truly blew me away. Fast dance beats, African and Spanish rhythms, the untamed energy of the frontwoman, and a punk vibe set the evening mood spinning under the stage. Multiple generations enjoyed themselves together, perfectly united by this performance.
The excellent Sunday program wrapped up with the metalcore band Zonya, and since the following day was a public holiday, festival-goers could enjoy the afterparty without guilt, featuring a DJ set by Hana Tulsi.
A Strong Message from Garáž
This year’s Garáž once again confirmed that it belongs among the most significant events supporting the young music scene in Slovakia. It delivered not only quality concerts but also a community atmosphere connecting people of different generations and interests. Thanks to the organizers, artists, and volunteers, the weekend turned into a celebration of music, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.
Author: Renat Khallo
Originally published on Hudba.sk
