The Slovakian city, just a few hours’ drive from Slovenia, invites you to take part in almost 100 summer events that will bring streets, parks and unexpected public spaces to life, dedicated to art, music and urban creativity. At 6 pm, the doors of the main hall at EPICenter will open, where representatives of the Slovak European Capital of Culture team – whose motto is ‘Awaken Curiosity’ – will welcome guests.

At 6.30 pm, the heads of the multi-genre programme, Martin Mazán and Katarína Rusinová, will present some of the projects on the calendar. This will be followed by a conversation with the director of GO! 2025, Mija Lorbek, on the highlights of the opening programme, innovative interpretations of cultural heritage through intermedia art, the vibrant summer film programme and parallels between European Capitals of Culture.

They will also be showcasing successful projects that have transformed castles and churches into impressive spaces dedicated to contemporary art through intermedia art. Visitors will be able to discover the audiovisual installation “Touches – Temple of Light and Sound”, the interactive work “Laser Harp”, video projections, light installations and monumental installations that have offered new perspectives on sacred buildings. They will also invite visitors to attend summer events such as Splanekor – a playful artistic parade of sculptures floating on the River Váh – and will present the open-air cinema and youth programmes.

The evening will continue with a documentary on the making of the opening ceremony and will conclude with a delightful gathering without borders, accompanied by the sounds and flavours of Slovakia, Slovenia and Italy.