Spring
Book World Prague
Hundreds of exhibitors from 26 different countries show off the latest in great literature.
Čarodějnice (Witches Night)
30 April
This event marks the end of winter. Bonfires are lit in the countryside to purge the winter spirits.
Czech Beer Festival
Features of many different beers along with music, dances, and local food
European Film Days
Contemporary European films are shown on various screens across the capital.
Febiobest
An independent film festival of more than 500 movies with English subtitles.
International Music Festival
A series of classical and contemporary concerts are performed in venues all over the city.
Jeden svět (One World International Film Festival)
A festival for the People in Need organization, which contributes to human rights education. A film festival that is based around broad human rights themes.
Khamoro
International festival of gypsy culture with concerts, seminars, and workshops
Matějská pouť (St. Matthew’s Fair)
This fair marks the arrival of warm weather and has amusement park rides for children.
Mezi Ploty
Czech theater and music festival which brings awareness to mental illness to the public.
Mezinárodní hudební festival Pražské jaro (Prague Spring Internal Music Festival)
12 May – 3 June
A series of classical music and dance performances performed in churches, palaces, and concert halls.
Prague Fringe Festival
A 9-day performance that showcases many traditional and not-as-traditional works and performances from hundreds of artists in the historical center.
Prague International Marathon
A marathon with runners from all over the world. Participants can run 42km (26 miles), 10km (6 miles), the family fun run, or 2km for health.
St. Joseph’s Day
A subdued version of St. Patrick’s Day
World Festival of Puppet Art
Art festival for puppeteers to share their craft and celebrate the art of puppetry. This consists of competitions and puppet films.
Summer
Ameropa
Large festival of chamber music
Anniversary of Franz Kafka’s Death
3 June
This day honors the memory of the death of one of Prague’s great writers, Franz Kafka.
Czech Folklore Festival
A celebration of folk music and Czech Culture
Festival of Italian Operas
A traditional kick-off of Prague’s State Opera’s season that stars different Italian musicians
Jan Hus Day
6 July
Commemorates the burning at the stake of the Bohemian religious reformer Jan Hus in 1415
Letní shakespearovské slavnosti (Shakespeare Summer Festivals)
Shakespeare performances in the courtyard of Burgrave Palace at Prague Castle
Mystic Skate Cup
International pro-skateboarding cup
Prague International Organ Festival
A series of organ concerts by well-known organists from all over the world.
Prague Proms
Classical music festival with both foreign and domestic performers
Respect Festival
World music weekend that promotes eclectic folk music and humanitarian issues
Tanec Praha (Dance Prague)
International festival of contemporary dance and movement theatre
Summer Old Music Festival
A festival at the Collegium Marianum that celebrates and presents music from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by composers who were born and active in Central Europe.
United Islands of Prague
An annual music festival in the Czech Republic
Autumn
Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution
17 November
A commemoration and ceremony remembering the Velvet Revolution
Golden Prague
International Television Festival of music and dance
Halloween
31 October
Unusual and slightly terrifying Halloween holiday, where people dress up as ghosts, macabre legends, and gruesome monsters
International Jazz Festival
Performances by jazz legends from all around the world
Musica Ecumenica
International Choir Competition of Sacred Music
Strings of Autumn Festival
Festival of classical music
Vinohrady Grape Festival
The celebration of the country’s first grape harvest including traditional music, crafts, and wine
Young Bohemia Prague
International youth theatre and music festival
Winter
Bohemian Carnival
26 February – 8 March
A colorful showcase of parades, concerts, and other events to recall the historical and allegorical spectacles of the past festivities during the middle ages.
International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
Held from the first Advent weekend in Prague, this festival features a variety of Advent and Christmas music concerts.
Jan Palach Day
19 January
In memory of Jan Palach, people pay respects to the different monuments dedicated to Palach.
Mikulas (St. Nicholas’ Eve)
5 December
When walking around on the evening of December 5, you will find people dressed up as Mikulas characters. People also browse the market stalls, enjoying hot food and drinks.
New Year’s Eve
31 December
Fireworks at Prague Castle, a big screen, performances at the Old Town Square, and champagne
Prague Writers Festival
A festival where writers and editors are allowed to meet and share ideas along with great works.
Shrovetide
3 Days Before Ash Wednesday
3 day festival with carnivals and feasts in preparation for Ash Wednesday
The Bohuslav Martinu Festival
Festival organized by Bohuslav Martinů Foundation and Bohuslav Martinů Institute where many operas and concerts are played.
Vánoční trhy (Christmas Market)
A giant Christmas tree lights up to create a Christmas atmosphere. The square fills with market stalls selling carved toys, ceramics, glass figurines, Christmas gifts, and Christmas food.