THE BEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN BRATISLAVA IN 2019
Bratislava truly is the uprising star in the MICE industry, and the New Motor City! Bratislava has long lived in the shadow of neighboring Vienna and Prague but today, fresh and full of new energy invites international congress organizers. Whenever you visit Bratislava, you will certainly not get bored. However, if you are thinking about the best time to visit, this summary of the best events taking place each year in Bratislava will help you. We have brought you a list of the top 10 events to be held in Bratislava during 2019.
April 2019
BRATISLAVA CITY DAYS
In the modern history of the city, the municipality of Bratislava regularly opens its doors for everybody. This year in April, the important event called Bratislava for everybody will take place for the 15th time. If you’re planning to visit Bratislava during spring, don’t hesitate to combine your trip with this event. The municipality will open dozens of events of the city organizations in those days. You may look forward to an attractive weekend spent in the town, at cultural organizations, in the squares as well as in the nearby nature.
May 2019
BRATISLAVA RAG
The rag will offer great live concerts, as well as a number of accompanying events, many of which are an indispensable part of the festival since its inception in 2008. Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere on the Danube riverbank complemented with delicious food, relax zone and magnificent fireworks.
April 2019
ČSOB MARATHON
#NajdiVSebeVitaza (Find the Winner Inside You) – is the new message of the biggest running event in Slovakia, spring ČSOB Bratislava Marathon 2019. Everyone is the winner has been the motto of the Bratislava Marathon since 2014. It highlights the spirit of the event – every participant, regardless of whether they are children, marathon runner or still active seniors, is the winner because what counts is the willingness to push boundaries and step outside one’s comfort zone.
June – September 2019
CULTURAL SUMMER AND THE CASTLE FESTIVAL
The biggest city festival called Cultural summer and the Castle festival turns Bratislava into a stage full of multi-genre programmes every year. This event lasts the whole summer season and it will surely liven up your stay in Bratislava. New projects will be prepared from the beginning of June, but regular festival highlights such as Knights at Devín Castle, MusicSquare at Hlavné námestie, Festival EUROVEA, The International Guitar Festival, The Organ Festival at the Cathedral, Cultural Summer with Minorities and many more will also take place.
June 2019
BRATISLAVA CORONATION DAYS
We shall commemorate the glorious past of Bratislava this year with a series of events. Residents and visitors to the city will be able to enjoy the coronation atmosphere through cultural events, theater performances, concerts of sacred music, worship, period music and games.
May 2019
SLOVAK FOOD FESTIVAL
If you like eating in unusual places, jot this date down in your diary. The Slovak food festival can be considered as the biggest picnic in town and this year it will be taking place for the 9th time! This gastronomic weekend is full of wonderful food, drinks, live shows, competitions and discussions and takes places on the grounds of Bratislava Castle which offers a grandiose view of the city.
July – August 2019
SUMMER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
The Summer Shakespeare Festival is the oldest and biggest open-air festival in Europe presenting works by William Shakespeare. The Festival takes place from the beginning of July to the beginning of August on open-air scenes in Bratislava (Bratislava Castle).
August 2019
CRAFTSMEN DAYS ÚĽUV
The streets of Bratislava’s Old Town will host the biggest city festival Craftsmen Days ÚĽUV (Centre for Folk Art Production) for the 27th time. Traditional crafts and homemade products, which are the main attraction of the festival, will be presented by the craftsmen through direct demonstrations and you’ll be taken back to the rich history of Slovak crafts. Craftsmen Days ÚĽUV are very popular among the youngest as well, so if you’re planning to visit Bratislava with your children, it’s definitely worth combining your trip with this event.
October 2019
WHITE NIGHT (“NUIT BLANCHE”)
White night is the largest and most visited festival of contemporary art in Slovakia. It is one of the most beautiful autumn events in Bratislava, where you can experience an untraditional artistic walk through the night city, full of experiences and new perceptions. During one Saturday in October, the night becomes day and the streets of the city fill up with people and art. Each visitor gets an artistic map that guides him or her through various art spots: visually attractive installations, concerts, films, various theatre plays, dances, literature and live performances.
September-October 2019
BRATISLAVA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019
If you’re a fan of classical music, we highly recommend visiting Bratislava during this period. The 54th Bratislava Music Festival is the most important and most prestigious international festival in Slovakia with a long tradition (1964). The Bratislava Music Festival is an annual presentation of the artistic prowess of renowned international orchestras, conductors and soloists as well as Slovak artists in dramaturgically interesting programmes.
