Czechia is a central European country with a rich cultural heritage and scenic, historic towns like Prague, known for its well-preserved medieval core, Baroque architecture and historic Charles Bridge. The Czech Republic's capital, Prague, is home to Prague Castle, dating back to the 9th century. Other places to visit in Czechia include Český Krumlov, a 13th-century town with a hilltop castle and Karlovy Vary, a storied spa town. Czechia hosts many acclaimed festivals showcasing music, film, food and more.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is one of Europe's oldest film festivals, taking place each July in the spa town of Karlovy Vary. For 10 days, it premieres films and hosts industry events, red carpets and parties. The music festival Colours of Ostrava takes place in an industrial setting in Ostrava and features diverse genres across multiple stages. Prague Proms is a summer-long classical music festival hosting concerts in Prague's historic venues. One of the largest food festivals is the 4-day Prague Food Festival in May, featuring cuisine from around the world alongside competitions and tastings. These festivals represent the spectrum of cultural events that have given Czechia a reputation as a European capital of culture.
Listed below are the top festivals to attend in Czechia for 2024.
- The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the largest in Central and Eastern Europe, taking place annually in July in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The 2024 edition will run from June 30 to July 8. KVIFF has a prestigious 70+ year history and premieres around 200 films worldwide. The 2024 lineup features stars like Isabelle Huppert and Park Chan-wook. The festival utilizes 14 venues centered around Hotel Thermal. It features competitive and non-competitive sections. Karlovy Vary is accessible by train/bus from Prague or plane to Prague then bus. Lodging ranges from luxury hotels to affordable options. Festival passes offer access to films, talks and events. The informal vibe allows mingling between filmmakers and fans in the spa setting.
- Color of Ostrava. Colors of Ostrava is a multi-genre music festival held annually since 2002 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The 2024 edition will take place July 17-20 at the Dolní Vítkovice industrial complex. It draws 50,000 attendees over 4 days. The lineup blends top international artists with Czech acts across 14 venues, including 4 large outdoor stages. The 2024 lineup includes OneRepublic, Rosalía and Macklemore. Other attractions include discussions, workshops and activities. Ostrava is reachable by plane/train/bus with diverse lodging options. The colors of Ostrava bring an eclectic mix of music, art and culture against an industrial backdrop.
- Prague Pride. Prague Pride is the largest LGBTQ event in Central Europe, held annually in August in Prague to celebrate diversity and advocate for rights. It began in 2011 with 2,500 participants and now draws over 100,000. The week-long event features performances, exhibitions, screenings, parties and the Pride parade/party. International pop artists and DJs often perform. There are 6 stages, including the main one at Letná Park. Lodging ranges from hotels to Airbnbs. Prague Pride celebrates diversity in an exciting atmosphere against the beautiful Prague backdrop.
- Pálava Wine Harvest Festival. The Pálava Wine Harvest Festival is an annual wine, gastronomy and culture festival held in Mikulov, Czech Republic, since 1947. The 2024 edition will take place September 8-10. It draws over 50,000 visitors to celebrate the Pálava winemaking region. It features 500+ wine tastings, concerts, markets, activities, parades and fireworks. Major Czech bands have performed in recent years. Mikulov is accessible by direct bus from Prague/Brno. Accommodations range from hotels to private rooms. The festival offers hospitality and celebrated wines in a convivial atmosphere.
- Pilsner Fest. Pilsner Fest is an annual beer festival held at the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, Czech Republic, since 1993. The 2024 edition will take place October 4-7. It draws 100,000+ visitors to celebrate Plzeň's brewing heritage. It features fresh Pilsner Urquell, brewery tours, demonstrations, concerts, food and more. The music lineup blends top Czech and international acts over two stages. Plzeň is accessible by train/bus from Prague. Lodging ranges from hotels to pensions. Attendees use a cashless NFC bracelet. Pilsner Fest celebrates Czech brewing heritage and the original pilsner in a festive atmosphere.
1. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is the largest and most prestigious film festival in Central and Eastern Europe, taking place annually in July in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Karlovy Vary is 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Prague, the Czech capital. The 58th edition of KVIFF will run from June 30 to July 8, 2024.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has a rich history dating back to 1946 when the first non-competitive festival featuring films from 7 countries was held in Mariánské Lázně and Karlovy Vary. It permanently moved to Karlovy Vary in 1948 and began having an international competition judged by a jury. Despite political pressures under socialist Czechoslovakia, KVIFF spent decades building prestige, earning top Category A classification in 1956 on par with Cannes and Venice. The festival draws 700 journalists and 1,100 film industry professionals, including distributors, sales agents, producers and programmers. It also attracts thousands of filmmakers and fans, amounting to 13,000 audience members and 140,000 tickets sold. KVIFF premieres 70 films as world, international or European debuts and presents 200 films worldwide.
The 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival lineup welcomes stars like Isabelle Huppert, Cate Blanchett, Colin Farrell, Ana de Armas, Paul Schrader and Park Chan-wook. The festival utilizes 14 venues centered around the main hub, Hotel Thermal, which hosts many screenings and industry events. KVIFF features competitive sections like the Crystal Globe competition, showcasing international premieres and the Proxima competition, highlighting daring works by up-and-coming directors and renowned auteurs. Non-competitive sections include Special Screenings, Horizons, Imagina, Future Frames student films, Midnight Screenings, retrospectives and tributes.
Attendees can reach the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival by train or bus from Prague or by flying into Prague and taking direct buses. Accommodations range from upscale hotels like Grandhotel Pupp and Thermal to affordable pensions and hostels near festival venues. Parking garages are also available. Festival passes offer access to films, talks and events. Individual tickets have normal and discounted tiers. Prices range from €2 ($2, £1) and above per screening. Popular screenings tend to sell out quickly, so booking early online or lining up is key to scoring tickets.
2. Colors of Ostrava
Colors of Ostrava is an annual multi-genre music festival in Ostrava, Czech Republic, since 2002. Ostrava is in northeast Czechia, 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Prague. Colors of Ostrava has its roots in a small local festival launched in 2002 by a local bar owner to showcase world music. It quickly grew to incorporate more genres and venues, earning top status by 2006. The festival will occur from July 17-20, 2024, in Dolní Vítkovice – a former coal mining and ironworks complex.
The Colors of Ostrava draws 50,000 attendees across its 4 days. The lineup blends top international acts with the best of the local scene. Past stars have included The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Imagine Dragons, Jessie J, James Blake, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Rudimental, ZAZ and more. The 2024 edition will feature OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, Twenty-One Pilots, Rosalía, Lewis Capaldi, Niall Horan, Burna Boy and Macklemore. The festival utilizes 14 venues, including 4 large outdoor stages. Other attractions span discussions, theater, workshops, galleries and activities like yoga.
Attendees can reach the Colors of Ostrava by flying into Prague or Ostrava airports and then taking trains, buses or taxis onward. The city offers diverse lodging, from hotels to hostels and apartments. Parking is available at garages like Nábřeží Jana Palacha near venues. Festival passes offer access to all events over 4 days. Single-day tickets are not sold. Tickets come in normal and discounted tiers for students, disabled persons, etc. Prices range from €54 ($60, £47). The Colors of Ostrava bring an eclectic, international mix of music, art and culture against the backdrop of Ostrava’s industrial heritage.
3. Prague Pride Festival
The Prague Pride Festival is the largest LGBTQ event in Central Europe, held annually in Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is the nearest major city to the festival. Prague Pride began in 2011 to celebrate diversity and advocate for LGBTQ rights. The first edition saw around 2,500 participants march through central Prague. It will occur in the city's historic center from August 5-11, 2024.
The 2019 Prague Pride Festival drew over 30,000 people for the Pride parade and over 100,000 attendees. The week-long event features cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, boat parties and the popular Pride Village in Letná Park. The highlight is the Pride parade winding through the streets of Prague. Participants wear colorful costumes and outfits, wave rainbow flags and enjoy music from performers riding floats and trucks. The parade ends in a massive open-air party at Střelecký Island. Past musical guests have included big international names like Melanie C of the Spice Girls, Jake Shears and Kelis. The 2024 lineup has not yet been announced but will likely feature well-known pop artists and DJs. There are six stages at various venues, including the main one at Letná Park.
Prague Pride Festival is pedestrian-friendly and the city center venues are easily accessible. Many lodging options, from hotels to Airbnb are available near festival locations. Public transportation like the metro, trams and buses provide affordable and convenient ways to reach Pride events. Parking garages and lots are also available but fill up fast. Tickets grant access to the Pride Village and other events. Week-long passes cost €52 ($56, £44). Parade participation is free. Merchandise, food and drinks cost extra. Prague Pride celebrates diversity while advocating for equal rights.
4. Pálava Wine Harvest Festival
The Pálava Wine Harvest Festival (Pálavské vinobraní) is an annual wine, gastronomy and culture festival held in the town of Mikulov in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Mikulov is 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Prague and 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of Brno. The nearest major city is Brno. The festival will take place from September 8-10, 2024.
The festival has a long history dating back to 1947 when the first edition under the name “Pálava Vine Harvest” was held. It honors the winemaking traditions of the Pálava protected landscape area, a unique ecosystem known for viticulture. It has become one of the most popular harvest celebrations nationwide. The 3-day event draws over 50,000 visitors to Mikulov. It features tastings from over 500 wines, gastronomic specialties, concerts, artisan markets, children's activities and more. The cultural program includes brass bands, dulcimer music, dance ensembles in folk costumes, historical reenactments, parades and fireworks. Major Czech bands like Chinaski, Divokej Bill and Anna K. have performed in recent years alongside local acts. The 2024 music lineup has not yet been announced. There are open-air stages at the chateau and the amphitheater and performances at venues around town.
Mikulov and the Pálava Wine Harvest Festival is easily accessible by direct buses from Prague and Brno. Accommodations range from hotels to private rooms and pensions. Parking is available at public garages like Nábřeží Jana Palacha. Tickets grant access to all events of the Pálava Wine Harvest Festival. Weekend passes cost €40 ($44, £36). Discounted tickets for seniors, students and disabled visitors are also available. Prices for food, drinks and merchandise are additional. The Pálava Wine Harvest Festival offers South Moravian hospitality and the region's celebrated wines.
5. Pilsner Fest
The Pilsner Fest is an annual beer festival held at the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, Czech Republic. Plzeň is 90 kilometers (55. 9 miles) southwest of Prague. The festival commemorates the first batch of Pilsner Urquell beer brewed on October 5, 1842, which launched the Pilsner style. The Pilser Fest will take place from October 4-7, 2024 Pilsner Fest began in 1993 and has grown into a major Czech cultural event drawing over 100,000 visitors. The 3-day event celebrates Plzeň's brewing heritage with fresh tanks of unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell, special brewery tours, pouring demonstrations, music concerts, food stalls and more. Visitors can taste rare, unfiltered versions only available at Pilsner Fest.
The music lineup blends top Czech bands with international stars. Past performers have included Lucie, Chinaski, Mig 21, Vypsaná Fixa and foreign acts like The Subways. The 2024 edition will feature Kryštof, Čechomor, J.A.R. and others across two stages at the brewery.
The Pilsner Fest utilizes indoor and outdoor venues at the Pilsner Urquell complex. Attendees can reach Plzeň via direct trains and buses from Prague. Lodging ranges from hotels like Vienna House Easy Pilsen to pensions. Parking garages are available but limited. Tickets grant entry plus a food/drink voucher. One-day tickets cost €28 ($31, £24). Discounts are offered for seniors, students and disabled visitors. Visitors receive a cashless NFC bracelet that can be topped up with credit. Food, drinks and merchandise require using this system rather than cash. Unused credit can be refunded up to 14 days after the festival.
The Pilsner Fest and Pilsen Urquell Brewery have security checks at entrances and do not allow large bags or umbrellas. Attendees must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult. The brewery recommends arranging childcare and not bringing pets. The iconic brewery complex centers around the Hotel Prazdroj, with its grand courtyard used for the main stage and beer taps. A second stage sits nearby, with other events spread throughout brewery buildings. Centrally located hotels often sell out far in advance during the fest. Public transport or taxis help visitors reach the brewery area, a 15-minute from Plzeň train and bus stations. Parking garages also serve the festival site. Pilsner Fest celebrates Czech brewing heritage and the world's original pilsner.
6. Janáček Brno Festival
The Janáček Brno Festival is an international opera and music festival devoted to celebrating the life and works of Czech composer Leoš Janáček. It occurs in Brno, Czech Republic, where Janáček lived and worked for over 50 years. The 2024 edition will run from November 1-24, spanning almost the entire month. Brno is the nearest major city to the festival venues.
Janáček Brno Festival has its origins in 2004, which marked the 150th anniversary of Janáček's birth. To honor the composer, the city presented performances of all his operas that year. This inspired the launch of a regular biennial festival showcasing Janáček's oeuvre starting in 2008. Over its history, the festival has grown into one of Europe's major classical music events, drawing international opera stars, renowned conductors, orchestras and directors. It typically attracts over 10,000 visitors during its 3-week span.
The 2024 lineup for the Janáček Brno Festival features top talents like soprano Karita Mattila, conductor Jakub Hrůša leading the Bamberger Symphoniker, director Robert Carsen and the Pavel Haas Quartet. The program will present over 200 music, opera, theater and film events utilizing venues across Brno. Highlights include performances of Janáček classics like Jenůfa, Kat’a Kabanová and The Cunning Little Vixen, plus world premieres and original versions of the composer's works. The festival also offers concerts, talks, exhibitions and activities related to Czech music for all ages.
Brno and Janáček Brno Festival is conveniently accessible by train or bus from Prague and Vienna. It offers abundant hotels, pensions and hostels, with many lodging options near the historic city center and the main festival hub at the National Theater Brno. Parking garages and lots are also available near venues. Festival passes offer access to all festival events over the 24 days. Discounted ticket tiers exist for students, seniors and the disabled. The Janáček Brno Festival promises to be a world-class celebration of Czech culture and music.
7. Let It Roll Winter
Let It Roll Winter is an annual drum and bass music festival in Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is the nearest major city, with the festival grounds located in the city center 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from Old Town Square. Let It Roll launched in 2013 as a winter edition to complement their main summer festival Let It Roll, which focuses on drum and bass, jungle, liquid funk and other EDM genres. The 2024 edition will take place from February 16-17 at the Prague Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice.
The first Let It Roll Winter was held in 2014, evolving from successful summer events. It has steadily grown to attract 15,000 attendees annually across 3 days. The festival features top international DJs, producers and the best of the central European drum and bass scene. The 2024 lineup includes names like Camo & Krooked, Wilkinson, Netsky and Culture Shock. Other acts range from up-and-comers to underground legends spanning subgenres like neurofunk, jump-up, liquid and more. There are 4 stages, including the Main Arena, Gallery, Oriental Tent and Back2Jungle.
The Let It Roll Winter at the Prague Exhibition Grounds are easily accessible using trams, metro and buses. Many lodging options exist in the walkable city center, from hotels and hostels to private apartments. Parking is available on-site in designated lots. Tickets grant access for one day or the whole weekend. Single-day tickets are €28 ($31, £24). Let It Roll Winter offers indoor and outdoor chill zones to relax, food stalls with cuisine worldwide, a merchandise shop, competitions and meet and greets with artists.
8. Rock for People
Rock for People (RfP) is one of the largest open-air summer music festivals in the Czech Republic, known for showcasing contemporary rock, metal, punk, indie and other guitar-driven genres. It is celebrated in Hradec Králové, 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Prague. The 2024 edition will take place from June 12-15 at Festival Park, a former military airport in Hradec Králové.
Rock for People RfP has a long history dating back to 1995 when it began as a small local festival in Český Brod, garnering just 1,100 attendees. It moved to the larger Festival Park site in Hradec Králové in 2007 to accommodate its growth. RfP draws around 30,000 music fans each year. The 2024 lineup features major international acts like Slipknot, Parkway Drive, Avril Lavigne, Pendulum, YUNGBLUD and local stars such as J.A.R. and Aneta Langerová across 4 festival days.Over 150 bands will perform across 7 stages, including the massive open-air Main Stage, the indoor Hangar, the atmospheric Oriental Tent and the Back2Jungle drum’n'bass arena. Past festival headliners have included the likes of Green Day, Muse, The Killers, Blink-182, Limp Bizkit, Sum 41, Billy Talent and more top bands in alternative music.
Attendees of the Rock for People can reach Hradec Králové by direct trains or buses from Prague. The festival offers secured parking lots and various camping options, from bring-your-own and furnished glamping tents. Tickets grant access for a single day or the whole weekend. Full weekend passes cost €161 ($177, £139). RfP offers amenities like gourmet food stalls, artisan markets, sports competitions, afterparties and on-site stores.
9. Metronome Festival
The Metronome Festival (Metronome Prague) is an annual multi-genre music and arts festival in Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is the nearest major city to the Metronome Festival grounds, 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the city center. The 2024 edition will take place from June 20-22 at the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště Praha) in the Holešovice district.
Metronome Festival launched in 2015 to establish a world-class metropolitan music festival in Prague, blending top international talents across genres with the best local scene. It is organized by the team behind Rock for People, one of the country's largest rock festivals. After some early growing pains, Metronome hit its stride in 2019 when it moved to the spacious Prague Exhibition Grounds, allowing for more stages, attendees and an enhanced experience. The 2022 edition drew 15,000 visitors daily.
Past Metronome Festival lineups have featured stars like Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Underworld, Iggy Pop, The Chemical Brothers, Beck and leading Czech artists like Lucie, Chinaski and Mig 21.The 2024 roster will also present a diverse mix of genres ranging from rock, pop and electronica to indie, hip hop and more. Headliners include Jamiroquai, M83, ZAZ, Aurora and famous Czech bands like J.A.R., Mig 21 and Tata Bojs. Over 50 acts will be performed on 7 stages in total.
The festival grounds for the Metronome Festival are easily accessible using Prague's metro, tram and bus systems. Attendees can also take direct trains and buses from other Czech cities. Accommodation options span hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and more, concentrated around the city center. Parking is available on-site and at nearby garages. Tickets grant access for one day or the whole weekend. Single-day tickets run from €54 ($60, £47) and above. VIP packages with amenities and access to exclusive areas. Metronome offers gourmet food, chill-out spaces, arts and more, all set against the unique post-industrial backdrop of the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
10. Mighty Sounds Festival
Mighty Sounds Festival Mighty Sounds is an annual multi-genre music festival held near Tábor in the Czech Republic, 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Prague. The 2024 edition will take place from June 28-30 at the Tábor Airport. The 3-day event features over 120 bands on 4 live and 2 DJ stages spanning punk, metal, rock, indie, hardcore and more. Over 80% of acts hail from outside the Czech Republic. The festival is known for its high energy, lively mosh pits and crowd surfing.
Mighty Sounds launched in 2005, focused on punk, ska, rockabilly, reggae and related genres. It started small with a couple thousand attendees but grew quickly, moving to the larger Tábor Airport site in 2010. The festival draws over 15,000 music fans each year. Past lineups have showcased elite talent in alternative genres, including names like Dropkick Murphys, Gogol Bordello, Anti-Flag, Madball, Turbonegro, Dubioza Kolektiv and hundreds more. The 2024 artist lineup has not yet been announced but will likely feature similar punk rock royalty.
Mighty Sounds offers skateboarding and BMX competitions, theater performances, workshops, sports tournaments and afterparties. There are chill-out areas, food stalls with healthy vegetarian/vegan options, premium Czech beer for cheap and an eco-friendly waste management system. Attendees can reach Tábor by direct trains and buses from Prague. The festival site at Tábor Airport is a 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the city center. Nearby lodging in Tábor includes hotels, hostels, pensions and apartments. Parking is available on-site, with camper vans and RVs also able to park in designated lots.
Tickets to Mighty Sounds offer single-day, 3-day and 4-day passes. Prices often start €100($109, £86) for the full event. VIP packages, parking and camping tickets are sold separately. Mighty Sounds has earned a reputation as one of Europe's best alternative music festivals. Its 2024 edition promises another epic gathering of top bands and passionate fans.
11. Bohemia Jazz Fest
The Bohemia Jazz Fest is an annual multi-city jazz festival held across historic town squares in the Czech Republic during the month of July. The festival tours different cities, the nearest major city fluctuates. When the festival is in Prague, the capital is the main hub. Other hosting cities like Plzeň and Brno also act as central locations when Bohemia Jazz Fest performs there. The 18th edition of Bohemia Jazz Fest will occur from July 10-18, 2024.
Bohemia Jazz Fest was founded in 2005 by acclaimed Czech-American jazz guitarist Rudy Linka to bring world-class jazz to his home country. The first non-competitive festival featured performances in Mariánské Lázně and Karlovy Vary. By 2010, it had grown into one of Europe's largest summer jazz festivals, drawing over 70,000 attendees. Bohemia Jazz Fest continues to be a major mid-summer event, attracting approximately 80,000 jazz fans annually across its 8-9-day run. Concerts occur in the historic main squares each night in a different city, transforming these iconic public spaces into lively jazz venues under the open sky.
The Bohemia Jazz Fest has featured legendary talents like Roy Haynes, Kenny Garrett, McCoy Tyner and Czech stars like Emil Viklický. The 2024 line-up will showcase artists like the Julian Lage Trio, Dagadana and more jazz greats worldwide. Stages are temporarily constructed on the hosting squares. Host cities are easily reached by train or bus. Accommodations span hotels, pensions and apartments. Some public parking is available but fills up fast, so arriving early is recommended.
All concerts at Bohemia Jazz Fest are free and open to the public, thanks to sponsorship support. In its nearly 20-year history, the festival has become a beloved summer tradition for Czech and international jazz devotees while exposing new audiences to the genre through its accessible, public format. Bohemia Jazz Fest maintains a relaxed vibe and authentic atmosphere as it pays tribute to jazz history across Bohemian backdrops year after year. Its open-air concerts allow visitors to soak in world-class performances against the beautiful Czech squares and architectural backdrop.
12. Obscene Extreme Festival
Obscene Extreme Festival (OEF) is an annual extreme metal music festival held in Trutnov, Czech Republic since 1999. The open-air event occurs every July at the Na Bojišti “Battlefield” grounds. Trutnov is 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Prague. The festival will be held from July 3-7, 2024.
Obscene Extreme Festival (OEF) was founded by Miloslav “Čurby” Urbanec as a birthday celebration of the Czech extreme music scene. It quickly grew thanks to its friendly, communal atmosphere and diverse lineup spanning grindcore, death metal, punk and more. Today, OEF draws over 10,000 attendees each year. The very first edition in 1999 hosted 33 bands across 3 days. Early lineups featured leading Czech acts and legends like Napalm Death, Regurgitate and Ingrowing. OEF welcomed international icons such as Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Brujeria and Vader plus hundreds of underground artists. A second stage was added in the 2000s and the festival expanded to 4 days.
The 2024 lineup for the Obscene Extreme Festival has not yet been announced but will likely feature over 70 bands across death metal, grindcore, punk, thrash and other extreme genres. Past lineups have included diverse legends like Cattle Decapitation, Rotten Sound, Benighted, Wormrot and Birdflesh. A few Czech bands generally anchor each lineup. OEF utilizes 2 outdoor stages at opposite ends of the battlefield grounds. The Main and Second stages host continuous music throughout the 4 days. The fest also programs freak shows, competitions, tattoo artists, vegan food stalls and the Grind Market merch area on site.
Fans travel to Trutnov from across Europe and overseas. The Obscene Extreme Festival offers affordable tickets with weekend passes of €40 ($44, £36). Camping and parking passes can also be purchased. Accommodations in Trutnov range from hotels to hostels, pensions and apartments. Public transport and taxis help visitors reach the Battlefield grounds 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the train and bus stations. OEF celebrates the global extreme music community with a diverse, forward-thinking ethos and friendly vibe. Its beautiful wooded setting and stunning Czech backdrop make it a beloved destination for underground music fans.
13. MetalGate Czech Death Fest OpenAir
MetalGate Czech Death Fest OpenAir (MGCDF) is an annual open-air extreme metal music festival held at Camp Brodský near the town of Červený Kostelec in the Czech Republic. Červený Kostelec ist 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Prague. MGCDF, launched in 2010, focuses on death metal, grindcore and other extreme subgenres. It was founded by the Czech promoter MetalGate along with the death metal band Tortharry. The 2024 MGCDF will take place from June 13-15.
MetalGate Czech Death Fest OpenAir has become one of Europe's premier extreme metal events. Recent editions have drawn over 5,000 attendees each day. The festival showcases leading international extreme metal acts alongside the best of the Czech/Slovak scene. Past MGCDF lineups have featured legends like Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, Suffocation, Napalm Death, Entombed A.D., Asphyx, Benighted and over 150 more bands worldwide. The 2024 roster has not yet been announced but will likely include legends and rising stars across death metal, black metal, grindcore and related genres.
MetalGate Czech Death Fest OpenAirl features multiple outdoor stages at Camp Brodský, utilizing the campground and lakeside beach area. Attendees can reach Červený Kostelec via direct trains and buses from Prague. The campground offers tents, camper/RV parking, glamping options and basic cabins. Additional hotels and pensions are available in the town center. Tickets offer single-day passes or full weekend access. Pre-sale weekend passes usually start at €77 ($84, £66). Discounted tickets are also available for seniors, students and disabled visitors. Cashless RFID wristbands are used for all transactions during the fest. MGCDF offers food/drink vendors, chill-out zones, afterparties, merchandise, tattooing and regular eco-initiatives like trash sorting. Its beautiful wooded lakeside location and stunning backdrops of Gothic chapels and castle ruins provide an ideal extreme metal retreat.
14. Prague Beerfest
The Prague Beerfest is an annual beer festival in Prague, Czech Republic celebrating domestic and international craft beers. The event is held in Prague, the capital city and is the nearest major city to the festival grounds. Prague Beerfest was launched in 2019 to showcase Czech and global craft beer culture through tastings, workshops and lectures. It is organized by the team behind the Prague Craft Beer Week events. It will occur from April 12-13, 2024 at the Holešovice Market Hall and surrounding areas in Prague 7 district.
The 2024 edition of Prague Beerfest will welcome breweries from over 17 countries spanning Europe, the UK and the USA. Over 50 breweries will be participating, pouring over 200 beer varieties. The festival utilizes the industrial backdrop of the Holešovice Market halls and open areas, transforming the location into a beer village. Past Prague Beerfests have attracted over 5,000 attendees across the two days. Visitors can meet and interact with brewmasters while exploring new beer styles and expanding their palates. In addition to tastings, the event offers a full program of live music, food stalls with cuisine to pair with beers, homebrewing workshops and more.
The festival is conveniently located by the Vltavska metro station for easy transport access. Attendees can also take direct trams or buses from elsewhere in Prague. Lodging options span hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and more clustered around downtown Prague and Holešovice.
The Prague Beerfest is a cashless event. Tickets include contactless RFID wristbands that can be topped up with credit to purchase drinks, food and merchandise at vendor stalls. Weekend passes offer the best value. One-day tickets are €12 ($13, £10). The family-friendly festival has a relaxed, informal vibe where brewers, beer geeks and novices can equally enjoy learning about and sampling innovative beers from around the world against the post-industrial backdrop of Holešovice Market. The Prague Beerfest offers a world-class beer experience in an iconic Czech locale.
15. Brutal Assault Festival
Brutal Assault is an extreme metal music festival held annually in early August in the 18th-century Josefov Fortress in Jaroměř, Czech Republic. Jaroměř is 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Prague, the nearest major city. Brutal Assault debuted in 1996 as a small, Czech-focused metal festival before expanding into one of Europe's premier extreme metal events. The Brutal Assault will take place from August 7-10, 2024. It is a 4-day open-air international festival drawing over 20,000 fans.
Brutal Assault spans multiple metal genres like death metal, black metal, grindcore, metalcore, thrash and more. The festival features both underground and famous bands on 5 stages. Headliners over the years have included Sepultura, Soulfly, Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom, Behemoth and hundreds more metal icons. The 2024 edition promises over 100 bands with headliners like Mercyful Fate, Emperor, Mayhem and Testament. The stunning Josefov Fortress provides a dramatic backdrop, with many events utilizing the underground tunnels and open-air spaces surrounded by historic walls and bastions.
Attendees can reach Jaroměř via direct trains and buses from Prague. The festival offers diverse lodging from hotels to pensions in town and secured campgrounds on site. Parking lots and garages are also available near the fortress venue. Tickets offer single-day passes or full 4-day weekend access. Pre-sale weekend passes usually start €183 ($200, £157). Discounted tickets for seniors, students and disabled visitors are also offered. Brutal Assault provides food/drink stalls, horror cinema, extreme theater, arts, workshops, chill-out spaces and more for a fully immersive metal experience against the striking Josefov backdrop. Brutal Assault offers a world-class gathering for metalheads of all types each year. Its 2024 edition is set to be one of its biggest yet.
16. Hip Hop Kemp
Hip Hop Kemp is one of Europe's largest hip-hop music festivals, held annually in August in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. Hradec Králové is located 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Prague, the Czech capital and nearest major city. Hip Hop Kemp will take place from August 17-19 at the Festival Park venue.
Hip Hop Kemp began in 2002 as a small local Czech hip-hop festival, but quickly expanded into a major European event drawing fans globally. It moved to the larger Festival Park site in 2005 to accommodate growth. Hip Hop Kemp spans 4 days and 6 stages, showcasing over 500 artists. It welcomes 25,000 hip-hop fans yearly with its reputation for high-energy shows and a fun, friendly vibe. The festival celebrates all elements of hip-hop culture – music, DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and beatbox battles. Past lineups have featured hip-hop icons like Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, Onyx and leading Czech stars like Vladimír 518. The 2024 artist roster will showcase top international talents alongside Czech stars like Paulie Garand, Rest and Pio Squad.
Attendees of the Hip Hop Kemp can reach Hradec Králové via direct trains and buses from Prague. The festival site at the airport offers camping options from bring-your-own tents to furnished RVs. Parking lots are also available. Tickets grant access for one or multiple days. Single-day tickets run €54 ($60, £47). VIP packages with amenities and access to exclusive areas are also offered. Hip Hop Kemp has graffiti walls, sports tournaments, tattooing, streetwear vendors, gourmet food stalls and chill-out areas. Hip Hop Kemp provides a one-of-a-kind festival experience.
What are the best summer festivals in Czechia?
Listed below are the best summer festivals in Czechia.
- Colors of Ostrava. Colours of Ostrava (July 17-20, 2024) is one of Europe's largest multi-genre summer music festivals. It takes place in the industrial city of Ostrava, in the northeastern Czech Republic close to the borders with Poland and Slovakia. The festival venue is the unique post-industrial landscape of Dolní Vítkovice, a former coal mining and ironworks complex. The massive grounds feature over 20 outdoor and indoor stages set amongst old blast furnaces, pipelines and factory buildings. The summer celebration attracts over 40,000 local and international music fans each year, making it one of the top music festivals in Central Europe and a ca n't-miss event on the European summer festival circuit.
- Rock for People. Rock for People (June 12-15, 2024) is one of the largest summer rock music festivals in the Czech Republic, taking place at the old Věkoše military airport in the city of Hradec Králové in northeastern Czechia. The outdoor festival venue features multiple stages on the grounds of the retired air base, surrounded by grassy areas and woodlands for camping. The 2024 edition will feature major acts like The Offspring, Bring Me The Horizon and Avril Lavigne. The diverse rock lineup includes punk, metal, indie, alternative, reggae and electronic rock across the festival's several themed stages.
- Prague Proms. Prague Proms (June 21, 2024 to September 27, 2024), spanning two summer months is a classical music festival that hosts over 15 concerts in venues like the Prague Castle and the art Nouveau Municipal House, showcasing renowned Czech and global orchestras and musicians across genres from chamber music to opera. The festival starts in June with various concerts and culminates with a performance from the Prague Proms Festival Orchestra and Choir in early July.
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival June 28 to July 6, 2024). The Karlovy Vary film festival is one of the oldest in the world, taking place annually for 10 days each July summer in the spa town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic's Bohemian region. The festival screens over 200 independent, arthouse and award-winning films worldwide, becoming a prestigious platform for global filmmakers, with thousands attending the red carpet premieres and events.
- Bohemia Jazz Fest. Bohemia Jazz Fest (July 2024), originates in Prague’s Old Town Square. The month-long summer Bohemia Jazz Fest travels across Czech cities like Brno, Olomouc and České Budějovice, featuring free concerts from local and international jazz stars in scenic public squares and concert halls. Spanning genres from blues to funk to swing, the traveling festival promotes Czech and global jazz talent for over 30 summer days.
What are the best music festivals in Czechia?
Listed below are the best music festivals in Czechia.
- Colors of Ostrava. Color of Ostrava (July 17-20, 2024) is one of Europe's premier multi-genre summer music festivals, renowned for its diverse music programming. The festival takes place at a post-industrial venue in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The festival features over 350 music performances spanning rock, pop, jazz, classical, hip hop, world music and more across over 20 unique outdoor and indoor stages. This summer music celebration brings together over 40,000 fans to discover major international acts and emerging talent.
- Rock for People. Rock for People (June 12-15, 2024) has become one of the Czech Republic's staple summer rock music festivals. The festival is at an outdoor venue on the grounds of a former airport in Hradec Králové. The long-running event showcases a mix of homegrown Czech rock bands along with internationally renowned headliners like The Offspring, Bring Me The Horizon and Avril Lavigne. Rock for People offers 4 days of punk, metal, alternative, reggae and electronic rock each summer for over 20,000 music lovers.
- Prague Spring International Music Festival. The Prague Spring International Music Festival (May 12-June 3, 2024) is one of the most renowned classical music festivals in Europe, taking place every year in May and early June across concert halls, churches and historic venues in Prague, Czech Republic. The festival spans over three weeks, starting annually on May 12th to honor Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. Major venues hosting performances include the stunning art nouveau Municipal House, the neo-Renaissance Rudolfinum with its impressive Dvořák Hall, the Liechtenstein Palace and unique concert settings like the Prague Castle's Basilica of St. George and some of Prague's ornate Baroque churches. Renowned Czech and international orchestras, conductors, soloists and chamber music ensembles are invited to perform works by famous composers like Mozart, Dvořák, Smetana and Mahler.
- Metronome Festival. Metronome Festival (June 20-22, 2024) is held annually in June at Prague's Exhibition Grounds along the Vltava River. Metronome Festival is one of the Czech Republic's largest multi-genre music and arts events, spanning 3 days and nights as tens of thousands flock to see major Czech and global talents across rock, pop, hip hop, electronic and world music on over 10 themed stages. Metronome Festival has become a cannot miss summer music experience, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities.
- Bohemia Jazz Fest. Bohemia Jazz Fest (July 2024). Originating each July in the iconic Old Town Square, the month-long Bohemia Jazz Fest travels across Czech cities like Brno, Olomouc and České Budějovice, staging free jazz concerts in scenic public squares and music venues. Promoting domestic and international jazz stars spanning styles from swing to funk and blues, the roving summer festival is staged in different Czech towns for over 30 days, allowing music fans to discover rising talent and jazz legends in a relaxed, communal atmosphere against the backdrop of the country's most picturesque public gathering places.
What are the best food festivals in Czechia?
Listed below are the best food festivals in Czechia.
- Prague Food Festival. The Prague Food Festival (May 11-14, 2024) is held in Prague's Holešovice Exhibition Grounds. The Prague Food Festival is one of Europe's largest international food events, featuring over 300 vendors serving global cuisine, cooking shows, demonstrations, competitions, wine tastings, children's activities and live music across 4 days. This festival offers traditional Czech dishes and ingredients alongside global cuisines, such as braised beef goulash, roast pork with bread dumplings, potato pancakes (bramboráky), garlic soup (česnečka) and sweet treats like fruit dumplings and Czech honey cake. Goulash is also one of the traditional Czechia foods to eat.
- Olomouc Cheese Festival. Olomouc Cheese Festival (June 1-2, 2024) is held in the city of Olomouc in eastern Czechia and hosts its annual Olomouc Cheese Festival dedicated to cheese and dairy. Visitors can sample and purchase artisanal cheeses paired with wines and craft beers, attend educational workshops about cheesemaking and watch professional cooking demonstrations using cheese in sweet and savory dishes. Traditional Czech cheeses like Olomouc tvarůžky – a ripened soft cheese, sheep's cheese (ovčí sýr) and smoked cheese (uzený sýr). These would be used in cooking demonstrations for Czech dishes like smažený sýr – fried cheese, sweet cheese dumplings (tvarohové knedlíky) and Bryndza spread. Dairy products like sour cream, yogurt and butter will also be displayed
- Prague Beerfest. The Prague Beerfest (August 18-20, 2024) is spread across 5 stages at the Letňany Exhibition Grounds. Beerfest Prague brings together over 70 top Czech breweries to offer visitors unlimited tastings of Czech beer alongside traditional pub food like pork knuckle and sausages. This beer festival offers traditional Czech pub food to pair with the many Czech beers being tasted. This includes dishes like pork knuckle (vepřové koleno), goulash (guláš), fried cheese (smažený sýr), potato pancakes (bramboráky) and kielbasa sausages.
- Pierogi Festival. Pierogi Festival (September 9-10, 2024) is a 2-day Pierogi Festival that takes over Prague's Stromovka Park on September 9th and 10th celebrating Eastern European dumplings, with street food stalls serving different types of pierogi as well as other sweet and savory international dumplings alongside live music and entertainment. This festival in Prague offer some Czech-style dumplings like potato dumplings (bramborové knedlíky), bread dumplings (houskové knedlíky) or sweet fruit dumplings (ovocné knedlíky) for tasting alongside the international options.
- Strasbourg Goose Festival. Strasbourg Goose Festival (October 18-20, 2024) focuses on the Czech autumn tradition of roasting goose, the Strasbourg Goose Festival is a 3-day event held from October 18th-20th in Prague's Lucerna Passage, where restaurants serve special goose dishes paired with Beaujolais nouveau wine just released for the season. This autumn food festival revolves around the Czech tradition of roasting goose for the holiday season. The main dish offered are the classic roasted goose (pečená husa), served alongside typical Czech sides like cabbage (zelí) and potato dumplings (bramborové knedlíky) or bread dumplings (houskové knedlíky).
What are the best fairs or trade festivals in Czechia?
Listed below are the best fairs or trade festivals in Czechia.
- Prague Food Festival. Prague Food Festival (May 11-14, 2024) is one of Europe's largest international food trade events, the 4-day Prague Food Festival hosts over 300 vendors serving global cuisine and features cooking demonstrations, competitions, wine tastings and live music at Prague's Holešovice Exhibition Grounds.
- TechAgro. TechAgro (April 25-29, 2024) showcases the latest machinery and technology for the agricultural sector, the TechAgro International Fair for Agricultural Technology takes place annually in late April at the Brno Exhibition Centre, highlighting innovative equipment and solutions for crop and livestock production across 5 days.
- FOR ARCH. FOR ARCH (September 17-21, 2024) is held biennially in September, the FOR ARCH International Building Trade Fair connects building industry professionals with suppliers of construction materials, architectural solutions and technologies across 5 days at Prague’s Exhibition Grounds.
- Prague Drink Festival. Prague Drink Festival (March 15-18, 2024) is held annually each March at Prague's Exhibition Grounds, the 4-day Prague Drink Festival brings together over 300 exhibitors showcasing beers, wines, spirits, coffees, teas and non-alcoholic beverages from across the Czech Republic and around the world for industry professionals and the public to taste and network.
- SALIMA. SALIMA (February 26 – March 1, 2024) is the largest food and drink trade fair in Central Europe, the annual 5-day SALIMA at the Brno Exhibition Centre connects over 1,500 international exhibitors featuring equipment, ingredients and innovations for the food and beverage industries with 80,000 trade visitors from food production, gastronomy, retail and hospitality.
- ITEP. ITEP (June 5-7, 2024) specializes in environmental protection technologies and sustainability, the 3-day ITEP trade fair held annually in June at Prague's Exhibition Grounds brings together companies, municipalities, universities and other organizations to exhibit and share the latest innovations in waste management, water treatment, air pollution reduction and other green solutions.
What are the best reenactment festivals in Czechia?
Listed below are the best reenactment festivals in Czechia.
- Battle of the Three Emperors. The Battle of the Three Emperors (June 15-17, 2024) is an annual Renaissance fair event near Austerlitz reenacts the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz, a major victory for Napoleon's forces, with over 2,000 participants in meticulously crafted period uniforms using era-specific weaponry to recreate infantry and cavalry maneuvers from the historic battle through live-action roleplaying.
- Siege of Karlštejn Castle. The Siege of Karlštejn Castle (September 21-23, 2024) is a Renaissance fair brings history to life by reenacting the famous 1422 siege of the Gothic Karlštejn Castle located outside of Prague, with actors dressed in medieval costumes participating in battle scenes using swords, pikes, bows and other era-accurate weapons from morning to night to give visitors a firsthand experience of medieval combat.
- Battle of White Mountain. The Battle of White Mountain (October 13-15, 2024) is held annually near Prague every October. This large-scale 3-day Renaissance Fair recreates the pivotal 1620 Battle of White Mountain from the Thirty Years' War through live-action roleplaying, with over 1,500 reenactors in period costumes participating in cavalry charges and infantry volleys using muskets and cannons.
- Battle of Königgrätz. Battle of Königgrätz (July 19-21, 2024) is a Renaissance Fair place every July near Hradec Králové in eastern Czechia. This 3-day festival reenacts the decisive 1866 Battle of Königgrätz between Prussia and Austria through battle scenes and military encampments carried out by reenactors in meticulous historical uniforms maneuvering as Prussian, Austrian and Saxon soldiers from the Austro-Prussian War era.
- Medieval Days at Bouzov Castle. Medieval Days at Bouzov Castle (August 3-5, 2024) is held For 3 days every August, at Bouzov Castle in central Czechia. The Renaissance Fair holds its annual medieval fair transporting visitors back to 14th-century life through knights' tournaments, troubadours, jugglers, falconry displays, craft booths, medieval music and hands-on activities like archery for a fun family-friendly history event.
What are the top places to visit in Czechia during the festivals?
There are several places to visit in Czechia during festivals. Prague, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov and Hradec Králové emerge as premier Czech festival destinations, each offering a unique atmosphere. Firstly, Prague hosts acclaimed events like the Prague Spring International Music Festival in stunning venues such as Prague Castle and the Prague Proms classical concerts at the Municipal House. Secondly, Ostrava's post-industrial setting provides a backdrop for the diverse musical acts of the Colours of Ostrava festival. Thirdly, Karlovy Vary's film festival uses the scenic spa town of Karlovy Vary as its screening venue. Fourthly, Český Krumlov transforms into a medieval fair during the popular Five-Petalled Rose Festival. Lastly, Hradec Králové draws crowds to its Rock for People summer rock music festival at an old airport site. The summer months are the peak season for these major cultural festivals around the Czech Republic that attract locals and an international audience.
How to get around in Czechia during the festivals?
There are a few ways to get around in Czechia during festivals. These are the Czech public transportation, rental car or driving and bicycle. Firstly, public transportation like trains, buses, metro and trams conveniently and affordably connects travelers to festival venues, especially in major cities like Prague. Public transportation in Prague consists of an extensive network of metro lines, trams and buses connecting all city areas. The metro system has three color-coded lines that form the backbone of the public transport network. Trams crisscross the city above ground, while buses reach areas not covered by the trams and metro. This integrated public transport system makes getting around Prague easy for residents and visitors. Stops and stations are close to major attractions, hotels and event venues. The metro trains run frequently, with 2-4 minutes intervals during peak times and no more than 10 minutes during non-peak hours. The entire metro system only takes 30-45 minutes to traverse from one end of the city to the other. Secondly, renting a car allows flexibility for accessing more remote festival locations that public transit cannot reach and transporting bulky camping supplies. Driving in Czechia enables traveling between festival grounds and camping accommodations outside cities. Lastly, cycling emerges as a green alternative for shorter distances, with bike paths linking many Czech towns and festival sites. Combining transport modes optimizes navigating between festival venues and lodging across Czechia.
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