Prague Streets Come Alive with Neighborhood Festival This Weekend

On Saturday, 21 September, the Czech Republic will host the 19th edition of the beloved “Experience the City Differently” (Zažít město jinak) festival, an annual event that encourages locals to reclaim their streets.

This year’s theme, “Slow Down,” is a gentle reminder to pause and savor both city life and community connections.

Organized by the AutoMat association, the event will transform streets, courtyards, parks, alleys, and squares into welcoming public spaces.

“The Experience the City Differently festival is traditionally held on the third Saturday of September, coinciding with European Mobility Week and International Car-Free Day. It invites residents to explore their familiar streets from a fresh perspective,” explains Barbora Hradečná from AutoMat.

The slogan “Slow Down” not only promotes a break from our fast-paced routines but also highlights the importance of traffic calming in urban areas.

The organizers encourage participants to linger over casual conversations with neighbors, enjoy refreshments, and forge new connections within their communities.

“You can show children what it’s like when streets are theirs to enjoy, free from constant traffic,” Hradečná added. “It’s also an opportunity to think about the barriers that elderly people, or those with disabilities, face in public spaces.”

Here you can find the whole program in Prague.

Floods Affect Event Proceedings

Unfortunately, recent floods have led several cities to cancel their scheduled events. Bílovice nad Svitavou and Ostrava are among the locations that have withdrawn, while Broumov has decided to go ahead with the festivities.

Meanwhile, organizers in Kutná Hora and Nový Jičín plan to donate the proceeds from their events to support flood-affected regions. Other cities may adjust their programs depending on local circumstances.

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