August is a great time to visit Ptuj! They are preparing interesting events!

While many are still enjoying vacations and events along the Adriatic coast, some have already started heading home and are looking for some new excitement or weekend adventures. If you have not yet visited Ptuj – the town of poetry, Drava, wine and the oldest wine cellars, hedonistic Romans, thermal baths, and castles – then August is a great opportunity to do so, because they are preparing a series of interesting events.

Regardless of whether you are a big fan of music, history, or culture, we believe you will find something for yourself. Here are our suggestions.

Ptuj, Photo: Institute of Tourism Ptuj, Stanko Kozel, www.slovenia.info

1. PTUJ SUMMER NIGHT (PTUJSKA POLETNA NOČ)

Already at the very beginning of August, the Ptuj summer night was on the schedule. It is an event that on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3, from 5 p.m., will turn the streets, squares, and old town center into a musical and gastronomic place for relaxation. In locations such as the city square, you can expect colorful culinary snacks called Repete Kokićek and Terasa Fest, which, together with DJs Sly and Jure, will turn the square into a place for all generations and fill it with summer hits.

In Miklošičeva Street, the Art Promenade awaits you, where you will be able to view a diverse range of handicrafts. At the new market, both on Friday and Saturday, the youngest will be able to enjoy the children’s corner with games and animations, while fans of funk, soul, rock’n’roll, house, and hits from the 80s and 90s will be able to relax with DJs in Zelenikova street and Heroja Lacka street.

Of course, the fun extends to the parking lot in front of the Xtime club, Prešernova Street, where in front of Hotel Mitra you can participate in the premiere of the documentary film Parzival or the Mitraizm festival, while the streets will be decorated with top offer of wines and refreshing drinks.

You can see the entire schedule here.

Ptuj summer night, Photo: Marko Pigac, archives of the Institute of Tourism Ptuj, www.slovenia.info

2. OŽBALT FAIR (Ožbaltov sejem)

In commemoration of St. Ožbalt and the day when the status of the city of Ptuj came into effect on August 5, 1513, the Ožbalt fair, one of the three most important and oldest fairs of this city, is prepared every year. On that day, the city will become a place where you can look around and buy a variety of handicrafts, clothes and shoes, food, and other products.

According to various sources, Ožbalt’s fair began at the beginning of the 13th century. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know the spirit of the past.

3. UP! FEST

UP! Fest– a festival organized by the Society for Music Analysis Popperkeg is coming to Ptuj again this year on August 10 from 5 p.m. and will prepare a real party in Panorama Park. The festival is organized as a contribution to the development of culture in the city, and the entrance is free for all visitors.

Up! Fest – Urban panorama fest, Illustration: Albin Bezjak

4. XVII. ROMAN GAMES

It is known that wherever there are thermal baths today, the Romans once lived there. The same situation existed in Ptuj approximately 2000 years ago. In Poetovia, as the city of Ptuj used to be called, the Legion XIII Gemina camp was set up, which at that time had its fort here.

On the occasion of the revival of old customs, the Society for Roman History and Culture of Ptuj is organizing XVII. Roman games again this year, bringing the city of Ptuj back to the time of Poetovia, when the city was occupied by gladiators, legionnaires, vestal women, and other Romans. The program takes place from August 16 to 18 at the City Square, the market, and the Poetovio Roman Camp.

You can find out what they have prepared here.

Roman Games, Photo: Institute of Tourism Ptuj, Marcela Krničar, www.slovenia.info

5. DAYS OF WINE AND POETRY (DNEVI POEZIJE IN VINA)

If you like to taste high-quality wines and listen to poetry simultaneously, know that in the Old City Center of Ptuj, specifically Vrazov Square, the now traditional Days of Poetry and Wine are being prepared, which will take place from August 19 to 24.

This international poetry festival will gather the best artists from around the world and combine them with top Slovenian wines. With round tables and full glasses, poetry and wine will flow together with various surprises and novelties from music, theater, and other arts.

You can view the entire schedule here.

Days of wine and poetry Photo: Luka Karlin, Studio Virc, www.slovenia.info