The European Summer of Culture in Trenčín offers almost a hundred unique events that will transform the city into a vibrant stage for art, music, theatre and community gatherings. The programme is being developed in collaboration between the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region, cultural institutions and the project team of ‘Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture’. Visitors can look forward to major exhibitions and festivals, small community events and extraordinary site-specific projects in public spaces.
From 20 June, when dozens of unusual watercraft take to the River Váh as part of the ‘Splanekor’ event, Trenčín will become a place where culture is literally everywhere you turn – from Trenčín Castle to the city’s hidden corners, courtyards, parks and the banks of the Váh. The European Summer of Culture programme combines professional art, community activities and experiences for the whole family.
Culture for the whole city and tens of thousands of visitors
The European Summer of Culture programme offers concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, literary events, exhibitions, multimedia performances, dance shows and acrobatic performances throughout the summer months. It features both small community events for local audiences and major festivals of international significance.
“This summer is something very special for Trenčín. Being named European Capital of Culture is not just a title, but above all an opportunity to showcase the city’s energy, its creativity and its ability to bring people together. With the city, the region, cultural institutions, local communities and the organisers of major festivals all taking part in the programme, we can look forward to a summer the likes of which Trenčín has never seen before,” says Richard Rybníček, Mayor of Trenčín.
The ‘Splanekor’ event marks the festive start of the Cultural Summer, symbolically linking the city with the River Váh and creating a unique atmosphere with unusual watercraft, music and performances right on the water. This is followed by dozens of events in the city centre, at cultural venues and in public spaces.
One of the most significant art projects this summer is the international exhibition “Glocal Equality and Hospitality (invalidated ideas?) which presents the perspectives of renowned artists on today’s turbulent world, characterised by social inequalities, the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions. Through a variety of artistic approaches, the exhibition explores themes such as solidarity, hospitality and responsibility towards society and the environment.
The exhibition features 17 artists and artist groups from 12 European countries, as well as 30 artists and artist groups from around the world as part of the ‘Disobedience Archive’.
The “Zelená línia” (Green Line) project, curated by Ota Hudec, will also bring art into the city’s public spaces. The project responds to ecological and climatic challenges and brings works by local and international artists to Trenčín. Together, they create a new line where art and nature intertwine, offering residents and visitors a fresh perspective on their surroundings and the environment.
The “Za stolom” (At the Table) festival also promises a very special atmosphere – a festival about people, food and everything in between, which brings together gastronomy, communal gatherings and discussions on current social issues. The festival offers communal dining, artistic interventions, discussions and interactive experiences that create space for new perspectives on the culture of hospitality and neighbourly relations.
The Grape and Pohoda festivals will also be a key part of the programme; they have been an integral part of Trenčín’s cultural identity for many years and attract tens of thousands of visitors from Slovakia and abroad to the region every year. “The Grape Festival has been an integral part of Trenčín for many years, and we are delighted to be part of the European Summer of Culture. Trenčín has a unique atmosphere and a strong community of people who truly live and breathe culture,” explains Ján Trstenský, director of the Grape Festival.
The programme for the European Summer of Culture will also demonstrate that the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ is not just about major events, but also about the daily life of the city and its communities.
“Our aim is to bring culture closer to people and to create experiences that bring together different generations and groups of visitors. The European Cultural Summer is an example of how culture can naturally permeate public spaces and transform the atmosphere of a city,” adds Stanislav Krajči, CEO Trenčín 2026.
Exhibitions, public spaces and cultural heritage
The summer programme is further complemented by permanent exhibitions and artistic interventions that offer visitors a fresh perspective on the history, identity and public spaces of Trenčín and the region. Notable projects include the exhibition “Studna lásky” (Well of Love), which explores one of the best-known stories surrounding Trenčín Castle, and the exhibition “Rimania a slovensko – Všetky cesty neviedli len do Ríma.” (The Romans and Slovakia –
Not All Roads Led to Rome), which traces the historical links between present-day Slovakia and Roman civilisation.
“The Museum in Trenčín is taking part in the European Summer of Culture with projects that combine history with a contemporary perspective on cultural heritage. We want to offer visitors not only knowledge, but also an immersive experience and a new way of perceiving the stories of our region,” says Peter Martinisko, Director of the Museum in Trenčín.
The Summer of Culture also offers a range of events for children and families, including creative workshops, theatre performances, interactive programmes, community activities and events in public spaces, providing unforgettable experiences for our youngest visitors.
The traditional ‘Music Sundays’, the popular ‘Music Picnics’ and ‘Theatre under the Tower’ – which have been part of the town’s summer atmosphere for several years now – are also a must. Alongside local artists, there will also be performances by international guests, including the Czech band Buty and the Italian artist La Nina. The programme is complemented by concerts, theatre performances and community gatherings for all generations. Thus, Trenčín has something to offer locals and visitors alike every weekend throughout the summer. The full programme for the European Summer of Culture is available on the website https://www.trencin2026.eu/en/summer/
About the Trenčín 2026 project
In December 2021, Trenčín was designated European Capital of Culture 2026. The ‘Trenčín 2026’ project brings together culture, creativity, community development and public space with the aim of bringing about long-term positive change for the city and the region. Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The partner of Trenčín 2026 is the European Union.
