Trenčín, the 2026 European Capital of Culture, has prepared a program for the Pohoda Festival that combines creativity, community activities, discussions on current social issues, and international musical collaboration. Pohoda is one of the largest and most-attended cultural events in Slovakia, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year; this year’s festival will take place July 8–11. The Trenčín 2026 program will bring “Curiosity Workshops” to the festival grounds, along with discussions on public space and the future of culture, as well as concerts by the Latvian band Tautumeitas and the Slovak duo MonoPlastic.
“Pohoda is more than just a festival for Trenčín. For many years, it has created a space here for new ideas, collaboration, and a community of active and creative people, which ultimately paid off in Trenčín’s successful bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2026. We are all the more pleased to be part of the festival’s program, which has significantly contributed to shaping the city’s cultural life. The program we are presenting combines creativity, civic engagement, international collaboration, and support for young talent—themes that are key to Trenčín 2026,” said Stanislav Krajči, director of Trenčín 2026.
From European Musical Connections to New Talents
The Trenčín 2026 music program at the Pohoda Festival combines international collaboration with support for the next generation of artists. While the Latvian band Tautumeitas symbolizes the partnership among European Capitals of Culture, the Slovak duo MonoPlastic represents a new generation of musicians, for whom Trenčín 2026 is creating a space for growth and self-expression.
The band Tautumeitas will perform at the Pohoda Festival thanks to a collaboration between the Trenčín 2026 and Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture projects. The six-member band is one of the most prominent names on the contemporary Baltic music scene and blends folk traditions with a modern sound in their music. The band has gained an international following through performances at major European festivals and represented Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.
The band MonoPlastic will perform at the festival as one of the musical discoveries of the Garáž Trenčín 2026 project, which supports emerging Slovak artists. The Pohoda Festival selected this duo directly for its lineup, continuing its long-standing collaboration with Trenčín 2026 in creating opportunities for new talent. Their performance is proof that support for young bands doesn’t have to end with simply discovering talent, but can lead all the way to the stages of the most prestigious festivals.
A Space for Curiosity, Creativity, and Sustainability
The festival grounds will feature the “Trenčín 2026 Curiosity Studios” zone, which will offer a space for creativity, relaxation, and shared discovery. Visitors of all ages will be able to participate in creative workshops focused on upcycling and finding new uses for materials that would otherwise end up as waste.
The program will be complemented by interactive activities, including an unconventional musical instrument made from PVC pipes. Two themed workshops will also take place over the three days of the festival. In collaboration with the Slovak Fashion Council and Textile House, participants will create fashion accessories and clothing from used towels and bathrobes. The second workshop, organized in collaboration with ODPADNESH, will demonstrate how used Trenčín 2026 banners can be transformed into practical everyday items, such as cell phone cases, wallets, or keychains. The workshop will also highlight the social dimension of upcycling and the involvement of disadvantaged groups in the work process.
Discussions on Society, the City, and Culture
As part of the panel discussion series at Café Kušnierik – Trenčín 2026, Friday’s discussion, “We Care,” will explore the relationship between public space, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging. Sociologist Lýdia Grešáková, architect Danica Pišteková, and Trenčín Mayor Richard Rybníček will discuss why people are distancing themselves from public life and what can help restore trust in society and the community. The discussion will be moderated by Zuzana Kovačič Hanzelová.
Saturday’s discussion, “How Do We Move Forward?” will focus on the role of culture in times of social and political challenges. Guests Svetlana Waradzinová, Tomáš Hudák, Stanislav Krajči, and Barbora Andor Tóthová will discuss where to find the energy, hope, and motivation today to continue creating, collaborating, and building communities. The discussion will be moderated by writer Michal Hvorecký.
About the Trenčín 2026 Project
Trenčín was named the European Capital of Culture 2026 alongside the Finnish city of Oulu. The project brings together culture, community life, education, public spaces, and international cooperation. Throughout 2026, it will feature hundreds of events, artistic projects, and participatory activities in Trenčín and throughout the Trenčín region.
