Your Outdoor Guide to Prague’s Spring Festivals, Markets

Spring has arrived in Prague, and with it comes a plethora of colourful and lively festivals that attract visitors from all over the world.

Here are some of the best and most interesting upcoming festivals.

 

Prague Spring International Music Festival (12 May 2023 to 3 June 2024)
Where: Various venues, including the Rudolfinum, the National Theatre, and the Prague Concert Hall.

The 79th Prague Spring International Music Festival will be opened with Smetana’s My Country by the Berliner Philharmoniker and its chief conductor Kirill Petrenko on May 12 2024.

On 16 May at the Rudolfinum, listen to Schumann’s famous song cycle for soprano and piano, Woman’s love and life, combined with songs by Scandinavian composers in a uniquely conceived programme by soprano singer Miah Persson, who has been invited to the MET and Salzburg.

At the concert on 17 May at the Rudolfinum you will hear music by Italian masters of the Renaissance and Baroque performed by the icon of historically informed interpretation, Phillip Herreweghe with the Collegio Vocale Gent.

On 27 May, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under the baton of Mikko Franck will perform works by the musical impressionist Maurice Ravel at the Rudolfinum. And the world premiere of Kryštof Mařatka‘s violin concerto inspired by prehistoric cave paintings, performed by violinist Amaury Coeytaux, conducted by the composer himself.

Prague Witches’ Night (When: 30 April)
Where: All over Prague

On April 30th every year, Czechs celebrate Witches night and the star attraction is of course, the witch. Bonfire is an important part of the tradition as the fire was believed to protect against evil forces and illnesses. Even today people gather, lit bonfires and celebrate.

Erected in small towns and villages, maypoles, a maple or birch tree decorated with ribbons and spring flowers are traditional symbols of the awakening of nature, abundance and new life.

Festival of Blooming Lilacs (When: May)
Where: Prague 8

The Lilac Blossom Festival (Festival kvetoucích šeříků) in Prague is a colourful festival held every May when the lilacs are in full bloom. Visitors can indulge in traditional Czech dishes, including cakes and drinks made from lilac blossoms. The festival offers a variety of activities, including concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances. The festival culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display.

 

Ride of the Kings in Vlcnov (When: May 25-26)

And there’s another UNESCO happening! This unique Czech carnival has been around for more than 200 years, when several villages in the east of Czechia immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere. You’ll be taken back by the traditional costumes, local specialties, and cheerful tones of the cimbalom and brass instruments!

 

Strážnice International Folklore Festival (June 27-30)

Have you heard about Verbuňk – a Czech dance inscribed on the UNESCO list? You can see the very best Verbuňk dancers at the largest and oldest folklore festival in Europe, which takes place not only in the park around the castle and the vineyards but also in the Strážnice open-air museum. You can look forward to folk songs, dances, and costumes from all over the world!