From August 27 to 30, 2026, the ancient town of Bardejov will turn into a lively center of trade, crafts, and entertainment, hosting the 673rd historical and 53rd modern Bardejovský jarmok (Bardejovský jarmok - Bardejov Fair). This event, rooted in the 14th century, is one of the oldest and largest in Europe, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
History that comes alive
The tradition of the fair in Bardejov began in 1352, when King Louis I the Great granted the town the right to hold an annual eight-day fair. This right helped the town develop, which later received privileges including a coat of arms and the right of capital punishment. The fair's popularity was so great that by 1403 King Sigismund extended it to sixteen days. However, epidemics and wars led to decline, and the fair was forgotten for several centuries.
The revival of the Bardejovský jarmok (Bardejovský jarmok - Bardejov Fair) took place in 1971, when the Czechoslovak authorities decided to combine a showcase of national economy achievements with a celebration. Since then, the fair has had dual numbering, reflecting both its historical continuity (673rd) and modern revival (53rd).
What awaits visitors in 2026?
This year's fair promises four days of a rich program at the Town Hall Square (Radničné námestie - Town Hall Square) and adjacent streets of Bardejov's historic center. You can expect:
Trade and crafts: Hundreds of traders will offer a wide range of goods, and craftsmen will present their products and demonstrate traditional techniques in the "Crafts Alley" (Ulička remesiel - Crafts Alley).
Culinary delights: Chefs from across the region will prepare delicious dishes to satisfy the most demanding tastes.
Entertainment for the whole family: The fair will feature amusement parks and other attractions that will bring joy to both children and adults.
Cultural program: Various artists will perform on the main stage—from folk groups to rock bands. The program includes performances by Dominika Mirgová, Separ, JAZZO Band, ĽH Kollárovci, and the BardRock rock festival with bands Meadow, KRU-EL, D.N.A., IneKafe, and others.
Bardejov, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a gem of the Horný Šariš region. The fair is a great opportunity to feel the unique atmosphere of this historic town.
To learn more about events and festivals in Slovakia, visit our Events section.
Detailed schedule of the Bardejovský jarmok (Bardejovský jarmok - Bardejov Fair) 2026
The fair will start on Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 PM, with folk performances and an official opening. The event will end on Sunday, August 30, at 10:00 PM, with final concerts.
Program by days:
Thursday, August 27: Folk performances, official opening, evening concerts featuring Dominika Mirgová, Separ, JAZZO Band, ĽH Kollárovci.
Friday, August 28: BardRock rock festival day, with performances by Meadow, KRU-EL, D.N.A. (Czech Republic), Niečo Navyše, IneKafe, Marián Greksa and Band, and The Deadies.
Saturday, August 29: Continuation of folk and dance performances, concerts by NoCadence, The Italian Bee Gees, Tina and Band, DJ Mark Dann.
Sunday, August 30: Program for children, musical performances by Harmónia Band, Accordion Orchestra ZUŠ Vileca, Neznámi, Elizabeth, Štefan Štec and Fajta, and an evening concert by David Koller.
Besides the main program, the fair will feature accompanying events such as a fruit and vegetable exhibition, furniture exhibition, children's fair, partner wine towns, presentations of folk crafts, and a car show.
Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of Slovakia's brightest celebrations!
