Events & Festivals in Czech Republic

A nationwide charitable collection and procession marking Epiphany. Children dressed as the Three Wise Men sing carols and collect donations for charities, bringing a festive end to the Christmas season. You'll see chalk markings of 'K+M+B' and the year above doorways for blessing.

A traditional pre-Lenten festival with roots in pagan celebrations. Expect lively parades featuring elaborate masks (especially in the villages of the Hlinecko region, a UNESCO intangible heritage), folk music, dancing, and hearty feasting on pork and doughnuts.

Spring markets celebrating Easter traditions. Stalls sell intricately hand-painted Easter eggs (kraslice), woven pomlázky (decorated willow whips used in the playful tradition of whipping), spring decorations, and traditional foods like lamb-shaped cakes and honey wine (medovina).

A major celebration of Moravian brewing culture. The festival features over 200 types of beer from regional breweries and microbreweries, tasting sessions, brewery tours, live music, and pairing with local Moravian cuisine.

The largest beer festival in the Czech Republic, modeled after Munich's Oktoberfest. Held over 17 days, it features over 150 Czech beers from major brands and microbreweries, alongside live music, traditional food, and a massive tented hall.

One of the world's most prestigious classical music festivals. It opens symbolically on the anniversary of Bedřich Smetana's death with a performance of his cycle 'Má vlast' (My Homeland) and features top international orchestras, conductors, and soloists.

An IAAF Gold Label road race that takes runners on a scenic tour through Prague's historic center, crossing the Charles Bridge and passing by major landmarks. It attracts elite athletes and thousands of amateur runners from around the globe.

A spectacular three-day medieval festival transforming Český Krumlov into a 16th-century town. The historic center fills with knights, artisans, musicians, and merchants. Highlights include jousting tournaments, historical parades, fire shows, and period crafts markets.

A multi-genre, multi-venue festival held on several islands in the Vltava River. It showcases a diverse mix of Czech and international artists across rock, pop, electronic, and world music, with many free stages.

A major international puppetry competition and festival held in the city with a deep puppetry tradition. It features performances for both children and adults, showcasing innovative and traditional puppet theatre from around the world.

Central and Eastern Europe's leading film festival. It premieres new films from acclaimed and emerging directors, hosting numerous Hollywood and European stars. The festival atmosphere envelops the entire spa town.

A unique culinary festival in the 'trout capital' of Czechia. Celebrating the region's fresh trout, the event features massive pans grilling thousands of fish, live folk music, competitions, and a lively market atmosphere.

Open-air theatre performances held in the stunning courtyards of Prague's historical palaces (like the Burgrave's Palace at Prague Castle). Professional Czech theatre companies perform Shakespeare's plays and other classics in Czech.

Not a single event, but a summer-long institution. The large, shaded beer garden in Letná Park offers stunning views of Prague, draft Pilsner Urquell, simple grilled food, and a relaxed, communal atmosphere perfect for meeting friends.

One of the world's oldest piano music festivals, held just across the border in Poland but deeply ingrained in the regional culture of Czech Silesia. It attracts top pianists to perform Chopin's works in a historic spa setting.

Part of the MotoGP World Championship, this is one of the biggest sporting events in the country. The world's top motorcycle racers compete on the challenging Masaryk Circuit, attracting hundreds of thousands of passionate fans over the race weekend.

An international music festival celebrating the legacy of Antonín Dvořák and other great composers. It presents orchestral concerts, chamber music, and operas performed by leading Czech and world ensembles in Prague's finest halls.

The celebration of the young, partially fermented wine called 'burčák'. Wine cellars in Moravia (and Prague markets) open for tasting. Festivals in wine towns like Znojmo or Mikulov feature burčák, local wines, food, and folk music.

Prague's festival of light and digital culture. For four nights, artists transform the city's landmarks, streets, and public spaces with breathtaking light installations, projections, and interactive digital art.

A traditional feast day marking the end of harvest and the arrival of winter. Restaurants across the country serve special St. Martin's menus, always featuring roasted goose or duck with red cabbage and dumplings, paired with the year's first young 'Svatomartinské' wine.

Nationwide remembrance of the non-violent 1989 revolution that ended communist rule. The main event is a ceremonial gathering on Národní třída in Prague, with candles, speeches, and concerts. Museums offer special exhibitions on modern Czech history.

Magical Advent markets fill main squares nationwide. Wooden stalls sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and traditional food like trdelník (chimney cake), sausages, and mulled wine (svařák). Live carol singing and nativity scenes create a festive atmosphere.