Prague

Festivals and Annual Events

Held on the 6th January, this festival marks the end of the Christmas season with carolling, bell ringing and the distributing of gifts to the poor.

Showing 1–20 of 20 festivals

City guide section

Festivals and events in Prague

Showing 1–20 of 20 festivals

Plan around 20 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Three Kings Day

Held on the 6th January, this festival marks the end of the Christmas season with carolling, bell ringing and the distributing of gifts to the poor.

Anniversary of Jan Palach’s Death

Occurring on the 19th of January people congregate in Wenceslas Square at the Jan Palach Memorial to pay tribute to the student who set himself on fire in 1969 in protest against Soviet occupation.

Masopust

A massive carnival with street parties, fireworks and concerts that starts on Friday and culminates to a masked parade on Shrove Tuesday.

St Matthew Fair

A funfair full of rollercoaster, rides and many food stalls in Vystaviste from February 24th to Easter.

Easter Monday

This universal holiday is heralded by an old Czech ritual. In Prague men of all ages chase their beloveds and swat them on the legs with willow switches tied with ribbon.

Paleni carodejnic (Burning of the Witches)

A pagan ritual to ward off evil on April 30th, people burn brooms in Vystaviste, hold bonfire parties on Kampa Island and Petrin Hill, though these are held unofficially.

Starting on May 12th, the Prague Spring celebrates the anniversary of composer Bedrich Smetana’s death. This prominent classical music festival proceeds from Vysehrad to Smetana Hall in Municipal House.

Prague International Marathon

Prague’s cobblestone streets shut down as over 14,000 runners cross 42km.

Prague Fringe

Held in Mala Strana in late May, this festival includes English comedy acts, theatre and musical nights.

Khamoro

Occurring in late May, this festival celebrates Roma culture with its traditional music, dance, art and a parade through Stare Mesto.

Dance Prague

Held in multiple theatres, this is an international festival of modern dance.

Prague Writer’s Festival

PWF is a major European literary event. Some of the past honourable guests have been Margaret Atwood, Yann Martel, Ian McEwan and Salman Rushdie.

Ameropa

The last weekend of this month is entranced by the sweet sounds of chamber music floating through the city.

Italian Opera Festival

At the start of August and spreading into September, the works of Verdi and other Italian composers become prominent in the city.

Prazsky podzim (Prague Autumn)

This is the Prague Spring classical music festival which has orchestras from Germany and England’s BBC broadcasters attending. The primary venue is the Rudolfinum Concert Hall with the box open 10am-6pm.

Burcak Wine Festivals

Burcak is a sweet wine that appears during the grape harvesting season during autumn. Availability is limited but be sure to check out the celebrations in Vinohrady.

Mezinarodni Jazzovy Festival (International Jazz Festival)

This festival was established in 1964, presenting Czech musicians and performers from around the world. Spanning over a two week period, the festival is held at the Lucerna Music Bar.

All Souls’ Day

Held in Prague’s cemeteries, such as the eerie Vysehrad and Olsany, Czechs gather to light candles and commemorate the souls of the dead on November 2nd.