Summer experiences in Slovakia don’t have to be limited to swimming pools, well-known attractions and places that everyone is already familiar with from photographs. The most beautiful stories are often hidden closer than we think: in the woods by the water, beneath castle walls, in the old town, in the underground mines, or in the hands of people who know their region in a way that goes beyond the standard tourist guide.
The first edition of the experiential festival Discover Šariš 2026 invites visitors to discover Šariš through the places, stories, flavours, crafts and people that give it its character. The festival will take place 24–26 July 2026 and over the course of three days will offer a free programme of events centred on The fish ponds in Veľký Šariš and in the individual locations of specific adventure seekers.
Šariš is not just a region on the map. It is a land of castles, ancient crafts, cinematic tales, skilled people, song, dance, humour and hospitality. That is exactly how the festival aims to present it: authentic, vibrant and experienced first-hand.
Visitors can look forward to beaver tales and forest nooks in Kokošovce, a medieval dinner at Šariš Castle, a cinematic stroll through Sabinov in the footsteps of the Oscar-winning film Shop on the Corniche, a mining experience in Slovak opal mines in Dubník as well as a supporting programme featuring a concert by Katka Koščová, a discussion with talented locals from the Šariš region, and a folk dance workshop.
„The aim of the festival is to show that even a familiar region can be rediscovered. That a castle can be more than just a view. That a town can be a cinematic memory. That craftsmanship can be an experience. That nature can tell children stories better than a screen. And that Šariš has something to offer not only to visitors from afar, but also to the people who live here and may have grown accustomed to the beauty right under their noses,“ says the organiser Katarína Romanová.
According to the organiser Sona Kožárová The festival also has a personal dimension for the locals. „As someone from Šariš, I’m really looking forward to the festival taking place here in Šariš this year. I must admit that I didn’t realise what a wealth of talent this region harbours until we started organising the event,“ she says.
The programme will also include an experience The Beaver Castle and the Beaver Giants – When a Fairy Tale Tells a Story, which invites children and adults alike into a world of nature, imagination and the real lives of animals. At Šariš Castle, visitors will experience an evening steeped in history, with food and tales of times gone by. Sabinov will celebrate its exceptional cinematic heritage, whilst Dubník will open up the unique underground world of Slovak opal.
However, the festival is not just about the attractions. It is built around people. Local guides, craftspeople, artists, community leaders and prominent figures from the region will showcase Šariš as a place worth discovering slowly, in person and with an open mind.
„Šariš isn’t just about hills, historical sites or good food. Šariš is, above all, about the people! The sort who help others, create and bring honour to our region,“ he says Viera Viki Potášová from the ‘Pass It On’ civic association.
Festival Discover Šariš 2026 is part of a unique concept DISCOVER, which connects visitors with local people, craftspeople, guides, creators and communities. The aim is to promote tourism that is personal, respectful and brings value not only to visitors but also to the region itself.
The concept was devised by Katarína Romanová, Eva Kocanová and Soňa Kožárová from a civic association Ours too, which was launched in 2020. Following on from the ‘Discover Poloniny’, ‘Discover Bardejov’ and ‘Discover Gemer’ projects, a new festival weekend dedicated to the Šariš region is set to take place.
‘Discover Šariš 2026’ will take place from 24 to 26 July 2026.
You can find more information about the programme and the activities at: www.objavte.com/festival/objavte-saris-2026
The ‘Discover Šariš 2026’ experience festival is being organised with financial support from OOCR Šariš Region, the town of Veľký Šariš, the Veľký Šariš Community Foundation, FECUPRAL, spol. s r. o. and SLOVAKIA TRAVEL.
Source: Discover / Take ours
Photo source: Discover / Take Ours, Partners, Experience Seekers
