Prague pulses with cultural energy year-round, and there’s always something happening. Here’s your month-by-month guide to the city’s standout annual festivals and events.
January – Winter Warmers and Cultural Delights
Cold outside? Prague doesn’t care. The city’s cultural calendar in January is on fire brimming with music, food, and classic winter magic.
- New Year’s Gala Concert – Kick off the year in full symphonic glory at the Rudolfinum. Velvet seats, golden halls, and music that shakes off any holiday hangover.
- Prague Winter Festival – Opera lovers, this one’s for you. Big voices, bold productions, and world-class musicians take over historic venues. praguewinterfestival.com
- Nova Festival Chuti – Tired of soup? This food fest hits with bold bites and craft drinks. Think fusion stalls, beer pairings, and a parade of flavors.
- Letná Carnival – Snow or shine, this cheeky little carnival brings street theater, masks, and unexpected laughs to Letná Park.
- Vivaldi at Klementinum – Candlelight flickers, violins sing, and you’re tucked inside a baroque gem hearing “The Four Seasons.” It’s magic.
Pro Tip: Prague in January is a concert city. If something catches your ear, grab tickets early, they vanish fast.
February – Festivities and Romance
Short month, long on experiences. February in Prague mixes moody winter backdrops with the warmth of tradition, music, and a splash of romance.
- Bohemian Carnevale – A flash of Venice in the heart of Prague. Think masks, period costumes, and glittering chandeliers. Events range from street performances to elegant masquerade balls, all tied to the spirit of pre-Lenten celebration. Hosted in baroque palaces and winding alleys, it’s one of Prague’s most theatrical moments of the year. praguest.com
- Craft Prague – This isn’t a souvenir stall. Craft Prague brings in artisans from across the country to PVA EXPO. Expect pottery that’s been fired with care, leather goods that smell like old-world skill, and surprising modern takes on Czech folk design. A must-stop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
- Valentine’s Concerts – The city’s concert halls lean into romance with candlelit performances and lush setlists. You’ll hear love songs by Dvořák and Chopin in venues like St. Martin in the Wall and the Mirror Chapel. It’s Prague’s version of roses and wine.
- Winter Food Festival – Held in unexpected spots—think palace halls or modern art galleries—this event flips traditional dining on its head. Top chefs curate tasting menus that lean seasonal, local, and a little dramatic. Some spots even let you peek into the kitchen.
- Febiofest – Officially the Prague International Film Festival, but locals know it simply as Febiofest. It’s democratic high-brow premieres one hour, experimental student shorts the next. Screenings pop up across the city, often followed by Q&As and surprise guests.
- Light Festival Previews – While the big light shows happen later in the year, some venues begin testing projections and installations in February. Keep an eye on Signal Lab events for sneak peeks and pilot exhibits.
- Local Carnival Parades – Outside the city center, smaller districts host their own folk carnivals. Expect accordion music, roasted sausages, and homemade masks parading down cobbled streets. They’re hyper-local, slightly odd, and incredibly charming.
Pro Tip: February weather may keep you layered up, but most venues are warm and welcoming. Book dinner early for Valentine’s week, and check event listings frequently pop-ups are common and often worth the detour.
March – Early Spring Surprises
March wakes up slow, but it wakes up strong. This is the month when Prague begins to stretch after winter events spill into the streets, flavors shift, and the first signs of spring bring a sense of curiosity.
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations – Prague’s Irish pubs go full tilt with live music, stout-fueled parties, and green lights cast on Gothic facades. It’s loud, packed, and fun even if your Irish roots are imaginary.
- Restaurant Week – Fancy dining, friendlier prices. Dozens of high-end spots roll out special prix fixe menus. It’s your chance to try Prague’s top chefs without the usual price tag.
- International Women’s Day – The city marks the day with exhibitions, concerts, and cultural tributes. Expect everything from gallery openings to female-led jazz nights and panel talks.
- One World Film Festival – Documentaries that hit hard and linger long after the credits roll. This human rights-themed festival spans venues across town and brings in filmmakers from around the world.
- Farmers’ Markets Return – Outdoor markets shake off their winter break. Head to Náplavka or Jiřího z Poděbrad for the first greens, local cheeses, fresh bread, and hot cider.
- Easter Market Previews – When Easter falls early, wooden stalls start popping up in Old Town Square. You’ll see hand-painted eggs, sheep-shaped gingerbread, and old-school folk dancing.
- Designblok Sneak Peeks – Though the big show comes later, you’ll catch whispers of it now small exhibits, pop-up art, and concept previews mostly in Holešovice and Karlin.
Pro Tip: March weather flips fast. It’s sun one minute, sleet the next. Dress in layers and keep your calendar loose some of the month’s best moments aren’t even announced until a few days before.
April – Easter and Outdoor Season
April doesn’t wait around. As soon as the sun peeks out, Prague throws open its doors and floods its streets with food, music, and people ready to shake off winter.
- Easter Markets – Old Town and Wenceslas Squares burst into color. Stalls brim with hand-painted eggs, folk crafts, and hot mead. You’ll hear live folk music, see traditional dance, and probably walk away with a pastry you didn’t plan on buying.
- Prague Beer Festival (Spring Edition) – Smaller than the autumn one but just as lively. Local breweries pour their best under tents packed with long tables, roasted pork, and accordion driven singalongs. Come for the lagers, stay for the stories.
- Karlín Street Food Festival – Food trucks turn Karlín into an open-air kitchen. Expect Korean fried chicken next to Slovak halušky and craft cocktails across from chimney cake stands. Families, couples, and solo snackers all squeeze in.
- Hanami at the Botanical Garden – For a weekend, Prague’s Troja district goes full sakura. The Japanese garden glows pink, and people stretch out on blankets with tea and sake. Quiet, soft, and completely photogenic.
- Prague Half Marathon – Even if you’re not running, the energy’s contagious. Spectators line bridges and cobblestones to cheer on tens of thousands winding through the city. Drummers and DJs pop up along the route. It’s a moving party.
- Days of European Film – Cinephiles flock to art-house cinemas for thoughtful, subtitle-rich films that rarely hit mainstream screens. It’s understated, sharply curated, and one of the best ways to see Europe through someone else’s lens.
- Open-Air Art Installations – April is test season for public art. Keep your eyes peeled for strange shapes and surprise sculptures in Letná, Náplavka, and even tram stops. Some vanish in days, others stay all summer.
Pro Tip: Layers. Bring them. April shifts fast from T-shirt sun to scarf weather in under an hour. And don’t forget comfy shoes, you’ll be walking more than you planned.
May – A Cultural Feast
May flips the switch. Parks fill up, riverbanks buzz, and every corner of the city hums with something live, loud, or local.
- Prague Spring International Music Festival – The heavyweight. It spans the whole month and brings classical icons to stages like the Rudolfinum and Municipal House. Orchestras, soloists, and bold programming, this is Prague at full volume.
- Open House Prague – For two days, buildings that are usually off-limits open wide. Think Brutalist towers, secret gardens, and 1930s villas. You’ll get history, gossip, and often a rooftop view.
- United Islands of Prague – Free and fiercely independent. This alt-music festival spills across the city’s Vltava islands. You’ll find punk, pop, spoken word, and someone strumming under a tree.
- Prague Fringe Festival – Theater, comedy, and performance in intimate spaces tucked around Malá Strana. It’s edgy, DIY, and often deeply personal. The kind of shows you remember long after you leave.
- Prague Food Festival – One weekend, Vyšehrad turns into a culinary theme park. Top chefs offer bites, pairings, and demos with castle views. Show up hungry.
- Museum Night Festival – One night, dozens of museums go free. Ride a vintage tram between exhibitions, sip wine in courtyards, and catch live jazz next to taxidermy.
- Khamoro World Roma Festival – Roma music, dance, art, and film fill the streets and squares. It’s both celebration and statement—vibrant, proud, and moving.
Pro Tip: May is built for roaming. Don’t plan too tightly. Wander with a loose agenda, you’ll find what you didn’t know you were looking for.
June – Summer Begins with a Bang
June comes in loud. Big stages, long nights, and the first real heat of the season. Festivals stretch across the city, from downtown to the islands and back again.
- Metronome Festival – Major acts on multiple stages. A mix of international headliners and local heroes, with food trucks and beer gardens woven into the grounds. Big crowds, bigger sound. metronome.cz
- Prague Ice Cream Festival – Sweet and sticky in the best way. Local creameries and global brands dish out scoops in every imaginable flavor. Family-friendly, sugar-fueled, and seriously popular.
- Mystic Sk8 Cup – It’s a skateboarding competition, but it feels like a block party. Ramps, rails, and tricks with live DJs and a punk soundtrack. Bonus: the afterparties are wild.
- Prague Proms – A classical festival with flair. Symphonies share the spotlight with jazz ensembles and film-score nights. It’s polished, but never stiff.
- Summer Shakespeare Festival – Open-air performances in castle courtyards and historic gardens. Minimal sets, maximum drama. Even if you know the lines, it still hits different under the stars.
- Tanec Praha (Dance Prague) – Contemporary dance companies from around the world take over stages across the city. Expect boundary-pushing movement and big emotional swings.
- Refufest – A multicultural festival celebrating refugee communities in Prague. Food, music, and storytelling come together in a powerful, joyful show of solidarity.
Pro Tip: June fills up. Check dates early, especially for anything with reserved seating. And bring a backup battery between photos, maps, and checking lineups, your phone won’t make it to sunset.
July – Mid-Summer Celebrations
By July, Prague feels like it’s running on pure sunshine. Parks turn into stages, squares into dance floors, and every weekend is booked solid with music, movement, and open-air everything.
- Bohemia Jazz Fest – World-class jazz, completely free. Stages pop up in historic squares and fill the air with saxophones, swing, and soul. Bring a blanket and settle in. bohemiajazzfest.cz
- Musica Orbis Festival – A blend of choral and orchestral performances featuring youth and university ensembles from around the world. It’s uplifting, community-driven, and perfect for catching rising talent.
- Summer Festivities of Early Music – Baroque, medieval, and renaissance music played on period instruments in atmospheric venues. One night it’s a candlelit chapel, the next a Gothic hall, it’s haunting in the best way.
- Czech Ukulele Festival – A quirky, joy-packed event held in the garden of Prague Castle. Workshops, jam sessions, and dozens of performers turning a humble instrument into something unforgettable.
- Prague Folklore Days – Folk groups from across Europe descend on Prague with costumes, music, and traditional dance. There’s a parade through Old Town, then stages with nonstop performances.
- Letní Letná (Preview Events) – The full festival hits in August, but teaser shows often kick off in late July. Acrobatics, circus arts, and street theater designed to make you look twice.
- Outdoor Cinema Series – Not a formal festival, but every park seems to screen something. Classic films, indie darlings, and Czech favorites light up inflatable screens as the sun sets.
Pro Tip: Keep a portable seat or mat in your bag, there’s a lot of grass sitting and cobblestone leaning in July. And don’t skip the jazz fest, it’s one of the few world-class concerts where front row is free.
August – Color and Pride
August hits like a technicolor wave. The city is at its warmest, boldest, and most playful parades, pop-ups, and world-class circus acts take over parks and plazas.
- Letní Letná – Prague’s circus arts crown jewel. For three weeks, Letná Park becomes a tented village of acrobats, fire breathers, and mind-bending theater. It’s weird, magical, and deeply creative. letniletna.cz
- Prague Pride – A citywide celebration of LGBTQ+ life and rights. The rainbow parade brings thousands to the streets, but the full week includes films, lectures, concerts, and rooftop parties. Joyful, defiant, and necessary.
- Summer Folklore Festival – More folk, more flags, more flair. Ensembles from Europe and beyond bring traditional dance, live music, and handmade costumes to open-air stages across Prague.
- Harley Days – Yes, the roar you hear is a thousand Harleys. Riders roll in from all over Europe, parking their chrome beasts at Exhibition Grounds for concerts, beer, and burnout shows. It’s loud in every sense.
- Prague International Organ Festival – A slower, grander contrast to the outdoor mayhem. Cathedral acoustics, candlelight, and centuries-old instruments in the hands of masters. Spiritual, even if you’re not.
- Barevná Devítka – A multicultural fest hosted in Prague 9 that’s all food stalls, dance troupes, and global rhythms. It’s low-key, local, and perfect for discovering what Prague’s immigrant communities bring to the table.
- Žižkovská Noc (Summer Edition) – Multi-venue, all-genre chaos. Bars, galleries, basements, rooftops music spills out of all of them. Genres mix, crowds shift, and sleep can wait.
Pro Tip: Don’t overbook. August rewards the flexible. Plan to attend one big event, then let the rest of the day find you.
September – Music, Wine, and Design
September is Prague’s cultural sweet spot. The weather’s still warm, the pace slows slightly, and the city leans into wine, art, and world-class music.
- Dvořák Prague Festival – A tribute to one of the Czech Republic’s greatest composers. Expect sweeping symphonies, intimate chamber concerts, and soaring choral works in elegant halls. Classical music done properly, but never stiff. dvorakovapraha.cz
- Vinobraní (Wine Harvest Festivals) – Wine flows, sausages sizzle, and folk music fills the air. These harvest festivals pop up all over Prague—especially at Grébovka (Havlíčkovy Sady) and Troja Château.
- Czech Design Week – A showcase of emerging and established designers across product, fashion, and visual art. Installations and exhibitions take over galleries and storefronts. Thoughtful, stylish, and very photogenic. czechdesignweek.com
- Literature Night – Actors perform short literary works in unexpected locations—courtyards, cafés, back alleys. Each stop is a new voice, a new mood. Great for Czech learners and literary wanderers. nocliteratury.cz
- Lunchmeat Festival (preview events) – A taste of Prague’s progressive audiovisual scene. While the main event lands in October, late September often sees teaser shows, panel talks, and experimental visuals around town. lunchmeat.cz
- Street Food Festival at Naplavka – The riverside fills with international dishes, craft beer, and live music. You can walk the length of the fest with a taco in one hand and an Aperol in the other. facebook.com/NaplavkaStreetFood
- Prague Biennale Project – Contemporary art with edge. Installations, performances, and interventions scattered across urban spaces. It’s cerebral, but accessible—ideal for curious minds. praguebiennale.cz
Pro Tip: September is packed, but not frantic. Book your big-ticket concerts early, then leave space to follow your nose—especially if it leads to a grill and a band.
October – Lights and Arts
October flips the switch, literally. As days grow shorter, Prague glows with projection art, deep jazz, and cool-weather creativity.
- Signal Festival – Prague’s buildings become canvases. Light, video, and augmented reality installations transform landmarks into jaw-dropping nightscapes. It’s free, it’s all over the city, and it gets better every year. signalfestival.com
- Designblok – The city’s biggest design fair, mixing fashion, furniture, tech, and fine art. Venues range from industrial halls to palaces. If you love good form and smart function, clear your calendar. designblok.cz
- Prague International Jazz Festival – Deep grooves in historic clubs. Reduta, JazzDock, and Ungelt host global legends and local innovators. It’s smoky, smart, and best heard with a glass of something strong.
- Autumn Book Fair – Publishers, authors, and lit fans converge for readings, signings, and book launches. It’s a smaller crowd than spring’s fair but the talks go deep.
- Prague Coffee Festival – Beans, brews, and barista battles. Taste, compare, learn then bounce off the walls. A love letter to Prague’s café culture and third-wave coffee scene. praguecoffeefestival.cz
- Czech Press Photo Exhibition (launch) – The annual showcase of the country’s best photojournalism typically opens this month. It’s raw, moving, and eye-opening.
- Autumn Open Studios – Artists across Prague crack open their workspaces for one weekend. A rare peek into creative corners, expect sketches, chats, and maybe a glass of homemade wine.
Pro Tip: Dress for walking and lingering, most October events are spread out. Keep an eye on pop-up galleries and use Signal Festival’s map to avoid the worst crowds.
November – Wine and Culture
November slows the tempo, but not the spirit. It’s the season for introspection, deep flavors, and events that feel more like rituals than spectacles.
- St. Martin’s Day (Svatomartinské slavnosti) – A Czech wine holiday celebrating the release of young wine, or burčák. Restaurants and wine bars serve roast goose with red cabbage, and local vineyards pour their latest vintages. svatomartinskevino.cz
- Czech Press Photo Exhibition – The full exhibit opens in Prague Castle’s riding hall. Award-winning photojournalism from Czech and international photographers; honest, human, and often haunting. czechpressphoto.cz
- Mezipatra Queer Film Festival – A showcase of LGBTQ+ cinema, from intimate indie films to hard-hitting documentaries. Screenings, panels, and parties create a welcoming, smart space. mezipatra.cz
- Jazz November – An extended spin-off of the main jazz festival. Small venues host soloists and experimental sets. Think smoky cellars, tight crowds, and musicians playing just a few feet away.
- Prague International Bluenight Festival – Focused on blues, soul, and roots music. It’s a smaller affair, but the artists go deep, and the sets run late.
- Independent Publishers Book Fair – A weekend market where indie presses, zines, and micro-publishers lay out their best. Talks, readings, and a sense of literary discovery fill the space.
- Early Christmas Markets – A few squares light up in late November, giving a first taste of trdelník, mulled wine, and handcrafted ornaments. Smaller crowds, same charm.
Pro Tip: November is for pacing yourself. Book dinners and events in advance, and balance indoor exhibits with long, misty walks between venues.
December – Christmas Magic
December in Prague is built for wonder. Lights drape the city, markets glow, and every corner smells like cinnamon, sausage, or mulled wine.
- Old Town Square Christmas Market – The postcard version. A towering tree, wooden stalls, and carolers singing beneath the Astronomical Clock. It’s touristy, yes, but also genuinely charming. pragueexperience.com
- Wenceslas Square Market – Bigger, busier, and more local-focused than Old Town. Food stands dominate sausages, spit-roasted hams, and deep-fried treats for the win.
- Advent Concerts – Held in churches, halls, and palaces across the city. Expect choirs, chamber groups, and candlelight. No gimmicks, just beautiful sound in beautiful spaces.
- Design Markets – Czech creatives set up shop in industrial spaces and galleries. Think ceramics, textiles, prints, and small-batch everything. Perfect for holiday gifts without the kitsch.
- Lucerna Christmas Ball – A nostalgic dance party held in one of Prague’s most iconic venues. Big bands, formalwear, and a little swing in your step.
- New Year’s Eve – Fireworks over the river, packed clubs, and champagne corks flying in every square. The Charles Bridge crowds are intense, but if you want quiet, find a hill and watch it all from above.
- Ice Rinks Across the City – From Letná Park to Ovocný trh, Prague sets up public ice skating rinks. Rent skates, grab a hot drink, and do your best not to fall in front of a date.
Pro Tip: December’s crowds peak fast weekdays are your friend. Hit the markets early, and book concerts ahead. The magic is real, but so are the queues.
That’s Your Year in Prague
From frost-kissed January to the warm glow of December, Prague never runs out of reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re here for the jazz, the wine, the design, or the dance, there’s always something waiting around the next corner.
Use this guide to plan your visit or better yet, plan to come back.
The festivals may change, but the city’s rhythm never skips a beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to visit Prague for festivals?
A: May and September offer the most variety—music, food, wine, and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Q: Are Prague’s festivals suitable for families?
A: Absolutely. Many events like Letní Letná, Easter Markets, and the Ice Cream Festival are designed with kids and families in mind.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: For major events like Prague Spring, Signal Festival tours, and Christmas concerts—yes. Others, like outdoor markets or food festivals, are walk-up friendly.
Q: What if I don’t speak Czech?
A: You’ll be fine. Most festivals are multilingual or visual, and signs and staff often use English. Cultural experiences here speak their own language.
Q: What should I pack for festival season?
A: Comfortable shoes, a light waterproof layer, and cash for food stalls. In winter, bundle up—most December events are outdoors.
Q: Can I experience festivals on a budget?
A: Definitely. Many of Prague’s best events are free—like Signal Festival, Bohemia Jazz Fest, and Open House Prague. Bring a reusable water bottle and enjoy the city’s public spaces.
Q: Are festivals accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Larger festivals often provide accessibility info online. Venues like Rudolfinum and National Theatre have ramps and adapted seating. Smaller or historic locations may require advance inquiry.
Q: How far in advance should I plan my trip around a festival?
A: For major events like Prague Spring or Christmas Markets, book 2–3 months ahead for the best hotels and tickets. For shoulder-season events, a few weeks usually does the trick.