The FNURIK Festival Will Bring Indie Games, Art, and Community to Trnava

From August 7 to 9, 2026, the Zelený kríček venue will come alive with the second edition of the event, which bridges the world of digital games with art and community life. Building on last year’s success, the festival once again emphasizes an open atmosphere, local creativity, and accessibility to the general public.

FNURIK differs significantly from traditional gaming festivals or professional conferences. It offers visitors the opportunity not only to watch but also to actively participate—to try out games, discuss with creators, or take part in workshops.

An FMK graduate is also behind the organization

Dominika Kimličková, a graduate of FMK UCM, is also involved in preparing the festival; she has long been dedicated to game development and digital art. During her studies, she was part of the RedSpark team, which won the international Game Jam Plus competition with the game Tartaros and also received a grant for its further development.

Today, she applies the experience she gained from game projects and teamwork to organizing events that support the community and foster the creation of new creative projects. In an interview for the FMK website, she also encourages students not to be afraid to get involved in similar initiatives and to try new things—according to her, practical experience is key to further development.

Games as Art and a Way to Connect

“At FNURIK, we don’t view games as a commercial product, but as an artistic medium, a means of self-expression, or a way for people to connect. That’s also why we don’t have a jury or a mandatory admission fee,” says festival organizer Dominika Kimličková. Her involvement in the project highlights the faculty’s connection to the professional world and the creative industries.

At the heart of the program are demonstrations of local indie games, VR, and interactive projects, which visitors will be able to try out on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The program will be complemented by micro-lectures, a panel discussion, and creative workshops.

The program will blend music, the spoken word, and experimentation

The festival will open on Friday evening at 8:00 PM with the concert “Žulčák Sings Filip,” which will blend music with the legacy of one of Slovak culture’s most prominent figures—Jaro Filip. The opening night is a tribute to the musician, actor, and comedian who, as early as 1986, was introducing children to computer games on television, co-founded the first Slovak online magazine, and included a web browser installer with his CD.

Saturday will feature not only games but also an evening program with slam poetry and concerts. Performers will include Samčo, Brat Dážďoviek, Natalia Rose, and the Trnava-based band Urges. FNURIK thus naturally bridges various forms of creative expression—from digital games to music to the performing arts.

On Sunday, there will be a flea market featuring everything from old games, CDs, and books to toys. Anyone who reserves a table in advance via the online form can bring items they no longer need; shopping is available without registration. Items left behind by sellers on-site will go to the game archive or be donated to charity.

An important aspect of the event is its accessibility—admission to the program is voluntary, with the exception of the opening concert, which supports the festival’s openness. The event offers an opportunity to experience games in a different way—as a medium that brings people together, explores themes, and fosters creativity. For more information about the program, visit the festival’s website or Instagram.

Photo credits: TEDI Games / Lukáš Baboš