Prague’s Exhibition Grounds are preparing for one of their busiest years in decades, with the long-awaited reopening of the Industrial Palace scheduled for September 2026.

After 18 years of closure and extensive reconstruction, the building will once again host trade fairs, exhibitions and public events, returning to the cultural and economic life of the capital.

The reopening will be accompanied by guided tours for the public. One of the first major events to partially take place in the restored palace will be Designblok in early October.

Organizers say the building’s return marks a turning point for the entire complex, which has undergone gradual modernization while continuing to expand its event program.

The 2026 calendar confirms the site’s role as one of Prague’s main venues for sport, culture and large public gatherings. Among the first major events of the spring will be the Running Expo, scheduled for March 26–27 in the Křižík Pavilions C, D and E. The event is free to attend and will bring together sports brands, technology companies and experts offering lectures and workshops for runners of all levels.

The Marathon Expo will follow on May 1–2 in the Křižík Pavilions B and C, also with free admission. Both expos traditionally serve as meeting points for professional and amateur athletes ahead of Prague’s marathon season.

Cycling fans will gather on April 25–26 for Prague Bike Fest, held outdoors along the Brussels Route within the complex. Now in its fourth year, the event combines bicycle testing, races, exhibitions and meetings with professional riders. Organizers expect strong attendance again in 2026.

Technology and innovation will take center stage on May 9–10 during Maker Faire Prague. The festival, hosted in the Křižík Pavilions, will present projects by designers, engineers, students and technology enthusiasts. Interactive installations and workshops will form the core of the program.

Several open-air events will highlight the summer and autumn months. On June 7, the Family Day will offer music, sports activities and entertainment for children and adults across the park areas of the grounds. On August 21, NeverMore 68 will commemorate the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops through discussions, exhibitions and thematic programs. The event has become a fixed date in the venue’s calendar.

Heroes’ Day on September 26 will focus on the work of integrated rescue system units, presenting demonstrations of emergency services and offering the public a closer look at professions often performed out of sight. The Krampus show, inspired by Alpine traditions, will close the outdoor season on November 21 in front of the Industrial Palace.

The wider 2026 program also includes Matějská pouť until April 19, Dyzajn Market Spring in early March, Prague Bar Show on March 23, Prague Book World in mid-May, Prague Ice Cream Festival in June, Prague Harley Days in early September and several performances and concerts at Nová Spirála, including themed music events and theatre productions.

Organizers say attendance in recent seasons has reached record levels, reflecting renewed interest in large-scale public events in Prague.

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