During the Opening Weekend, the city will become a stage alive with art, music, light, and neighbourly encounters.
From Friday, 13 February, Trenčín will transform into a vibrant hub of cultural activity. Over three days, more than 100 events will unfold across the city, marking the official start of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture programme. The Manifest Trenčín 2026 gala show, the Zažni mesto (Light Up the City) light and multimedia installations, international exhibitions, theatre, dance, concerts, communal street breakfasts, and the Festival of Local Flavours will all come together as part of the city’s largest cultural celebration of the year.
The full programme of the Opening Weekend can be found here:
https://www.trencin2026.eu/en/opening-weekend/program/
A City Open to People and to Art
For three days, Trenčín will become a city where culture comes alive around every corner – in streets and galleries, at the castle, in nightclubs, and in churches. From 13 to 15 February, art and creativity will be present from morning until evening, both in the city centre and across its outer districts.
“We want everyone to find their own place in this programme – whether through a major evening performance or a small-scale experience in a neighbourhood setting. The Opening Weekend will show what a city can become when it opens itself to people, ideas, and curiosity,” says Lumír Mati, Chief Dramaturge of the Opening Weekend.
A Weekend of Light, Music, and Transformative Energy
The celebration begins on Friday, 13 February with a symbolic awakening of curiosity, the central motto of Trenčín 2026. The programme is designed especially for pupils and students, unfolding in schools, cultural institutions, and public spaces throughout the city. In the afternoon, local communities will step into the spotlight with a series of events in local neighbourhoods.
Saturday, 14 February will offer the most extensive programme of the weekend. The day begins with a fašiangy (carnival) parade weaving through the city, filled with music, dancing, and surprises. Afternoon and evening events will unfold across three stages in the city centre. The celebrations will culminate at Mierové Square, where from 18:00 the Opening gala programme: Manifest Trenčín 2026 will bring together striking visuals, music, and dance to tell the story of the city.
Later in the evening, from 20:30, performances will feature Slovak singer-songwriter Jana Kirschner, musician Štefan Štec, and the Slovak Armed Forces Military Band. At 21:15, the legendary Trenčín-based band Bez ladu a skladu a Lucerka, a cornerstone of Slovak alternative rock, will take the stage.
At the AS Trenčín stadium parking lot, the Spanish artistic collective Sacude will present its high-energy aerial acrobatics show EUFORIA. Meanwhile, the Zlín City Theatre and the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic will perform the play EGBDF – Kdo se naladí na správnu notu (EGBDF – Finding the Right Note) at the Okruhový dom armády (ODA).
A Calmer Pace and Rich Artistic Moments
Sunday, 15 February will bring a more relaxed atmosphere while sustaining a strong artistic presence. In the Piarist Church of St. Francis Xavier, a solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Dávid Tencer, followed by a concert by the Trenčín Chamber Orchestra and soprano Paulína Ovádková. Acclaimed poet Mila Haugová, together with composers and producers Robert Pospiš and Martin Sillay, will take the stage, succeeded by a dynamic taiko drum show from Sorezonaru, and the evening will conclude with a concert by the Slovak-Norwegian project Slovnorama.
Throughout all three days, visitors can experience the Light Up the City light and multimedia installations, which will illuminate public spaces, churches, and the synagogue from 16:00 onwards.
Artists, Neighbourhoods, and Communities – Together
Community-driven activities will play a central role across the city’s neighbourhoods, featuring shared meals, spaces for encounters, and showcases of local talents.
“We want everyday neighbourhood life to be one of the pillars of this event. Simply meeting outside and talking – that’s culture too,” says Lenka Abaffyová, Coordinator of Community Projects.
Practical Information: Transport and Parking
Traffic restrictions will apply in the city centre throughout the weekend. On Saturday in particular, organisers recommend avoiding car travel and using public transport, which will operate on a weekday schedule.
Visitors arriving by car are advised to use the main park-and-ride car park at the airport, which is free of charge. Access will be possible via the main entrance in Biskupice. Traffic on site will be managed by police officers and volunteers.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tereza Fojtová / Trenčín 2026
tereza.fojtova@trencin2026.eu / +421 918 412 621 / www.trencin2026.eu
