In a region that, like any other, has its own unique atmosphere and special places that you can turn into unforgettable experiences and beautiful memories with a visit. In the east lie two of Slovakia’s three largest cities, Košice and Prešov, separated by just a 30-minute drive on the highway and a few minutes longer by train. While the people of Košice are nicknamed “Vraňare,” we in Prešov have earned the nickname “Koňare” in the past, as Prešov was once home to the royal stud farm during the monarchy and, at the same time, our city achieved notable successes in equestrian sports.
However, Prešov in 2026 is, above all, a city with a rich offering of culture, music, cuisine, and sports. In early June, we already had the chance to experience our traditional Trinity Fair and Prešov City Days. But our cultural offerings for the summer don’t end there—it’s always worth visiting Prešov. On June 24, the three-day street art festival PREŠOVSKÝ MONTMARTRE will kick off in our streets, bringing a unique atmosphere filled with music, theater, visual arts, and creative workshops over the course of three days. Just two days later, on June 28, the large-scale Prešov Cultural Summer kicks off, offering music concerts, exhibitions, events for children, creative workshops, and mini-festivals through September 3. Over the course of more than two months, be sure not to miss our summer movie theaters and antique and curio markets as part of the Prešov Cultural Summer. Events with a unique atmosphere are definitely in a league of their own—such as “The Only Cuban Party” on August 14, when our Jarkova Street will transform into a lively Latin festival. On the same day, here in Prešov, the three-day Prešov Beer Festival kicks off right on Hlavná Street. On top of all that, a two-day mini-festival featuring revival bands will also kick off in downtown Prešov on August 15. Another highlight of the Prešov Cultural Summer is a separate program at our Orthodox synagogue, where we’ll host four music concerts and one theater performance throughout the summer.
In addition to the traditional events, we’re also introducing some new ones this summer. On August 6, you can witness the very first edition of the international folklore festival FESTIVAL OF COUNTRIES AND TRADITIONS, featuring folklore ensembles from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, and, of course, Slovakia. A truly bustling summer here will give way to fall, the start of which will be marked by soccer. Our Ladislav Pavlovič Stadium (Futbal Tatran Aréna), the newest addition to the family of UEFA-category stadiums in Slovakia, will host one of the Nations League matches. The Slovak national team will take the field in Prešov in front of (not only) a home crowd for a match against Moldova.
In Prešov, we don’t have to worry about where to go if we want to experience something. We just choose what we want to experience.
We’d be delighted if you visited our city and made your own choice as well. You’re always welcome in Prešov.
by Ing. František Oľha – Mayor of the City of Prešov
