Frequently asked questions
General information
What is LingvaFest’?
A two-day festival of languages held to mark the European Day of Languages (26 September). More than 80 sessions await you: language crash courses, lectures, workshops, quizzes and contests, a cultural programme, and expo stands of language schools and institutions. The motto of the 2026 edition is “Languages bring us closer!”.
When and where does it take place?
On 10 and 11 September 2026 at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Dolnozemská cesta 1. Both days from 9:00 to 15:00.
How much is the admission?
Admission to the whole festival is free.
Do I need to register in advance?
Individual visitors do not, they are welcome to simply come. Registration is required only for school groups, via the form at lingvafest.sk. The capacity of the venue is limited, so please register your class as early as possible.
Who organises the festival?
The association E@I (Edukácia@Internet) in cooperation with the University of Economics in Bratislava and the Slovak Esperanto Federation, under the auspices of the President of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, and the Rector of the University of Economics in Bratislava, prof. Ing. Ferdinand Daño, PhD.
The main partner is the Directorate-General for Translation of the European Commission; partners are NIVaM (National Institute of Education and Youth) and the Ľudovít Štúr Institute of Linguistics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences; media partners are TASR and Radio Slovakia International.
Programme
What is a language crash course?
A 45-minute taster of a language: pronunciation, basic phrases, curiosities of the grammar. The aim is not to learn the language, but to find out how it works and whether it appeals to you.
Do I need to know the language beforehand?
No. Crash courses are mostly designed for complete beginners. If a course is intended for people who already speak the language, its description is usually written in that language.
Which languages will be in the programme?
The 2026 edition will present 19 languages. See the “Programme” section of the website for details.
Who are the speakers?
The programme is made up of dozens of tutors, speakers and guests from various organisations, schools and companies. For more information visit the programme page.
What language is the programme in?
The programme is predominantly in Slovak. If a session is in another language, the description of that session is written in that language as well (for example, a lecture about English is described in English).
Do I have to sign up for individual sessions?
No. There is no sign-up for individual sessions, just turn up. Rooms fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, so if there is a session you really want to attend, we recommend arriving a little early to get a seat.
How will I know what is on and when?
The detailed schedule will be published at lingvafest.sk in early September. You will receive a printed programme at the entrance.
Can I come just for an hour or two?
Yes. You put together your own programme and can come and go as you please.
What age group is the festival suitable for?
Primarily for upper primary pupils, secondary school and university students, but the programme is open to everyone.
For schools and teachers
How do I register a whole class?
Through the registration form at lingvafest.sk. The sooner the better, capacity is limited.
Is there a separate programme for teachers?
Yes: lectures and workshops on language education, new methods and tools in teaching, plus space to exchange experience with colleagues and experts.
Will teachers receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, on request we will issue one on the spot at the information desk. It is not a certificate recognised within professional development through NIVaM.
Practical information
How do I get there?
The Ekonomická univerzita stop is right by the university and is served by bus lines 68, 87, 88, 90 and 98. You can find your connection at imhd.sk. Details and a map of the campus are at lingvafest.sk/how-to-arrive.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, parking on the university campus is free. We recommend the outdoor car park accessible from Májová street. Capacity for coaches is limited to 15 spaces, so please check coach arrangements with us in advance.
Will there be somewhere to eat?
Yes. A school canteen, a pizzeria and an Indian food stand will be available.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the premises are barrier-free.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, it is right next to the toilets (behind the lift).
Will photos and video be taken?
Yes. During the festival we take photographs and video footage for the organisers’ documentation and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be captured, let the photographer or the information desk know and we will respect that.
I have lost something. Who should I turn to?
The information desk. It is the first stand on your right after you enter the building.
Get involved
Can I propose a lecture or a crash course?
The deadline for proposals for the 2026 edition was 7 August 2026 and has now passed. Send proposals for the next edition to info@lingvafest.sk.
How do I become an exhibitor or a partner?
Write to peter.balaz@ikso.net. Partnership levels: General Partner (one only) EUR 10,000, Main Partner (max. three) EUR 5,000, Partner (unlimited) EUR 2,000, plus main media partner and media partner.
If you are interested in an expo stand, write to us at info@lingvafest.sk or fill in the form at www.lingvafest.sk. The form for 2027 will be available towards the end of the year.
Are you looking for volunteers?
Yes: the information desk, technical support, looking after speakers, setting up rooms, giving information to groups. Get in touch at info@lingvafest.sk.
I am a journalist. How do I get accreditation?
No accreditation is needed, just come. If you need anything specific (an interview, space for filming, a contact for a particular guest), please contact us in advance at info@lingvafest.sk.
Contact
info@lingvafest.sk · lingvafest.sk · Facebook and Instagram: LingvaFest’