Bratislava City Days

The weekend full of experiences and urban culture “Bratislava City Days” is here. On the fourth weekend of April, 25 – 26 April 2026, the streets of the capital will come alive with a popular festival.

For 24 years, city organisations, institutions, businesses and districts have been working together to create an unforgettable weekend programme in different parts and locations of the city. The streets will once again come alive with a varied programme. This year you can look forward to musical performances, unique shows, performances for children and adults and access to many interesting places.

The tradition of why the city opens up to its residents and visitors on St. George’s Day is linked to the history of Bratislava. According to the city privileges, since the 13th century the citizens of Prešpork could freely elect a town governor and their representatives. A unique municipal privilege in Europe at that time was associated with celebrations and informal meetings between the representatives of the town hall and the inhabitants of the royal city.

This year, we invite you to discover Bratislava as a vibrant “crossroads” of diverse possibilities. For two days, the city will transform into a network of paths, stories, and experiences from which you can create your own itinerary—based on what you enjoy, find interesting, or are eager to discover. Every place, every event, and every encounter is a direction you can take.

What’s in store for you:

🏰 Grand Opening of the City

The festival kicks off with the symbolic unsealing of the city gates at Primatial Square.

🏛 Open Buildings

A unique chance to peek inside spaces that are normally off-limits!

🚶‍♀️ The City at Your Fingertips

Themed walks titled “Date with the City” and exploring both familiar and hidden corners of Bratislava. 🚲 In addition to weekend walks, there will also be special bike tours.

🌍 Earth Day Program at Janka Kráľ Park

A green space filled with interactive activities and relaxation in nature. Physical activities, environmental programs, and hands-on experiences await you.

📚 Program for Families with Children

Games, creative workshops, mini-theaters, animal-assisted therapy, and hands-on city exploration.

🎨 Culture, Art, and Creativity

Exhibitions, discussions, and theater performances for all ages.

🌿 Communities, Neighborhoods, and City Districts

A diverse program across all of Bratislava—from the city center to the districts and local organizations.

🎶 Performances and concerts

On Main Square, relaxation at the Music Café, and evening entertainment with the bands Morena and Trezor.

✨ HUNDREDS OF EVENTS, ONE WEEKEND, COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES

Programme 2026:

Opening of the City Gates

9:00 a.m. Primatial Square

Open Buildings – Pálffy Palace

April 25, 2026 – April 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM

Saturday, April 25, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – A Year in the Gallery – GMB Public Report
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Self-guided activities: Gothic Art Under the Magnifying Glass

Sunday, April 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – A Year in the Gallery – GMB Public Recap
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Self-guided activities: Gothic Art Under the Magnifying Glass

Open Houses – Mirbach Palace

April 25, 2026 – April 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM

Saturday, April 25, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Guided tour of the Graphic Cabinets with Patrícia Ballx
1:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. – Creative Workshop: The Morphology of the Moment
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Interactive Guide: In the Footsteps of Art
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.– Open Studio

Sunday, April 26, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Faces of 18th-Century Pressburg. Guided tour of selected Baroque portraits with Dominika Zbončáková
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Creative Station: The Morphology of the Moment
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Active Guide: In the Footsteps of Art
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Open Studio

Open Buildings – Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, Franciscan Church

Public Viewing of the Painting “The Virgin Mary as Queen of Angels”

Saturday, April 25, 2025

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The unique painting “The Virgin Mary as Queen of Angels” was stored in the GMB repository for decades. Its condition gradually deteriorated. It was not until 2011–2017 that restoration took place in three phases. Come and learn the story of the artwork and its restoration. Admission to the chapel is free during the specified time from Františkánska Street.

Open Buildings – Discover the Winter Port Up Close

Date: April 26

The Winter Port is not usually accessible to the public. Now you can visit it. As part of Bratislava City Days, we invite you to discover this currently hidden place, which is set to undergo a major transformation. Come take a closer look at the historic harbor basins, industrial monuments, and the area that currently separates the city from the Danube, and find out what might become of it in the future. The tours will be guided so you can learn more about the history, present, and plans for the Winter Harbor.

Bratislava City Days Every year, the Bratislava Cultural and Information Center opens up places you don’t normally get to see. The Winter Port is one of them. Tours will take place at four different times. Capacity is limited.

Open Buildings: Jurkovič Heating Plant

Date: April 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Discover the unique Jurkovič Heating Plant, which offers a glimpse into both history and the future. The tour will showcase the Jurkovič Heating Plant, designed by Dušan Jurkovič in 1942. You will learn about the current and historical appearance of the building and the entire area. Starting with the architectural details on the facade, you will gradually make your way into the building’s renovated interior. Across two floors, you will see the architects’ approach to the renovation of this national cultural monument.

Open Buildings: Guided Tour of the YMCA Building

Date: April 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

The YMCA is an iconic building that has been an integral part of Bratislava for over a century. The cornerstone was laid in August 1920, and the building was officially opened on December 8, 1923. Much has changed in the building since then, and you have a unique opportunity to explore its halls. You’ll discover that the building once housed a gymnasium, an evening school, a clubhouse, a library, and even a self-service cafeteria. There was also a spacious auditorium where the Czech Philharmonic performed in 1924; later, the hall was converted into the Dukla cinema.

Guided tours of the crypts

Coffee with the library director

Propeller

The Iron Curtain – bike tour

Special BA Cruise – Loop with an Extension to the Winter Port

Tour of the Šturec Tugboat

New Theater: The Emperor’s New Clothes

Reading with Dogs

It’s time to enjoy the city to the fullest! You can find the full program on the bkis website.

It’s time to enjoy the city to the fullest!

Location: Bratislava
Date: 25.04.2026 – 26.04.2026
Entrance: free of charge

Here you can find all the tips for the best events in Bratislava this weekend.