EkoReka 2026 in Mengeš: The Day the River Becomes a Playground
EkoReka 2026 brought Športni park Mengeš to life on Saturday, 6 June, with the rhythms of nature, discovery, and creativity. The festival brought together people of all generations who share a love for rivers, nature, and community. Visitors had the opportunity to explore, create, and learn alongside 17 organizations that prepared a wide range of interactive workshops.
The event was designed as a vibrant journey through the world of rivers and riparian ecosystems, where nature could not only be observed but experienced through all the senses.
Nature Under the Microscope, in Your Hands, and Through Stories
From the morning onwards, visitors joined researchers from the National Institute of Biology to explore the microscopic world of aquatic invertebrates and learn how sampling is carried out in the Pšata River.
Just a few steps away, experts from the BirdLife Slovenia (DOPPS) highlighted the impact of human activities on river ecosystems, while children created authentic swallow nests from clay.
Curiosity was visible at every turn—from microscopes to creative workshops where children discovered the diversity of riverside habitats through play.
Experts from the REVIVO Institute introduced visitors to the world of fish and river habitats. Children navigated a fish-themed obstacle course, learned about the fish species living in the Pšata River, and explored how rivers function through interactive games. Members of the RD Bistrica Domžale also gave participants the chance to try their hand at fishing.
Hands-on activities, games, and exploration ensured that learning went beyond listening and became a true experience.
The festival was also a space for creativity. The Youth for Climate Justice led a workshop where visitors created badges with environmental themes. A student from AIA – Youth Centre Mengeš introduced visitors to the world of miniature ecosystems in jars, captivating both children and adults.
Members of the Intermunicipal Society Sožitje offered insight into the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, while younger visitors enjoyed colouring activities.
Particular attention was drawn to the workshops at the LiVe Reke Pesnice stand, where visitors built bird nesting boxes and learned about feathers, bird calls, and other fascinating details of bird life.
Colourful creations emerged throughout the festival grounds, and visitors took home not only handmade souvenirs but also lasting memories and new knowledge.
Musical creativity was led by Ana Gregorič from Čudeži smehljaja, who conducted a music workshop featuring Orff instruments, singing, dancing, and sound experiments with water.
In a quieter corner, Sara Rode from the Napredni otroci invited participants to a storytelling meditation accompanied by a sound bath.
Along the tree-lined path leading to the primary school, members of the Likovno društvo Mengeš organized an exhibition and workshop focused on drawing aquatic organisms and creating artworks from recycled materials.
In the afternoon, caricaturist Boris Oblak entertained visitors with his drawings, bringing plenty of smiles.
The festival also included a competitive and exploratory element: children collected stamps at five different workshops before taking on the popular fish trail prepared by gymnasts from the Gimnastični klub Leon. The course provided just the right amount of excitement and fun.
Music and Cuisine for a Perfect Festival Day
The programme was enriched by a musical performance from Uroš Steklasa and Tjaša Steklasa, whose energy created a relaxed festival atmosphere.
Culinary delights were provided by MJ Catering. Its founders, Matic Maček and Jure Kirbič—well-known faces from MasterChef Slovenia—served excellent food that perfectly rounded off the experience.
A Community Connected by the River
The atmosphere at the festival was relaxed, lively, and filled with genuine curiosity. Visitors stopped, asked questions, and immersed themselves in the flow of activities. EkoReka 2026 demonstrated just how powerfully a river can connect a community—not only as a natural feature, but as a place for meeting, learning, discovery, and inspiration. For one day, the Pšata River became an outdoor classroom, a creative studio, a research field, and a playground all at once—but above all, it became a place where new experiences were shared and fresh ideas for a more sustainable future were born.
