Visiting the Czech Republic is a pleasure in any year, but this year will be exceptional. In 2018, the Czech Republic will celebrate 100 years since its foundation! And it is clear that such an event requires pompous celebrations. However, there are also other interesting events taking place in 2018, such as music or film festivals and sports events. We have prepared a list of the best events for you.
Czech and Slovak Republic Celebrate 100 Years of Existence
The year 2018 is especially important for the Czech Republic – a hundred years ago, on 28 October 1918, independent Czechoslovakia was founded. It is no surprise that the year will bring a lot of celebrations, exhibitions and interesting events, many of which will take place in Prague. In October, the Czech and Slovak Exhibition will arrive in Prague straight from Bratislava Castle (where the exhibition opens in spring); it is dedicated to the joint history of both countries and to all significant events that have taken place in their territories. The whole event is called Established in 1918 and items of great value will be on display, such as the Golden Bull of Sicily and the Letter of Majesty.The National Gallery has prepared a series of exhibitions on the First Republic and the National Technical Museum will also offer an interesting programme: in October, the exhibition Made in Czechoslovakia, or What Industry Gave to the World will open, mapping the technical and industrial development of the independent Czechoslovak state throughout its existence.
Brno is also planning grand celebrations. The foundation of Czechoslovakia as well as the ninety years of the existence of the Brno Trade Fairs will be celebrated between 1-17 June 2018 through the project of Re:publika 1918-2018, with the subheading of BRNO.PEOPLE.CENTURY. You can look forward to two exhibitions. The first one, entitled 100 Years of Re:publika (1918-2018) will follow the exhibition of 1928 that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia. On the other hand, the Avant-garde Exhibition will show visitors the world of contemporary architecture, design and crafts.
Ostrava is also planning to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia. The celebrations will start in May and culminate with a huge event on 28 October. The City will publish a book and several ceremonies will also take place. Moreover, the Museum of Ostrava is preparing an exhibition dedicated to the life in Ostrava between 1918 and 2018.
Liberec is planning to organise an exhibition of all honourable citizens of the city. Also, a thematic day is being prepared for 28 October in Liberec.
Plzeň is also preparing a cycle of interesting events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the foundation of independent Czechoslovakia in 2018. The important anniversary will be reflected in the dramaturgy of traditional events of the City, culminating in October 2018 when the two-day celebrations of the foundation of the Republic will take place in Plzeň.
Sport
There is no more famous race in the Czech Republic than Jizerská 50 (16-18 February). The initial race took place in 1968, so this year is the 51st opportunity for you to set off and follow the “white track”. The main standard technique event races on a track that is 50 kilometres long, leading through the Jizerské Mountains along the Jizerská Trail.The Prague Sportisimo ½ Marathon (7 April) will be run for the twentieth time this year. The race is very popular thanks to the breath-taking views and the participants – from awe-inspiring Kenyans and Ethiopians to complete beginners. The running season in the Czech Republic peaks with the Prague Marathon (5-6 May) that starts and finishes at the Old Town Square.
The Czech Republic Motorcycle Grand Prix in Brno (3-5 August) at the Masaryk Circuit in Brno has been one of the largest and most visited sports events in the Czech Republic in the last few years. It is a part of the series of races in the World Motorcycle Championship (MotoGP). This year, there will be the Czech Republic Grand Prix – World Championship Flat Track Speedway Grand Prix (26 May). The Markéta Stadium will not only host the experienced world flat-track aces, but also the rising stars of this sport.
The Golden Spike in Ostrava (13 June) is a traditional and prestigious international athletic meeting, regularly attended by the best athletes in the world. It is historically the oldest meeting in Europe, and this year it celebrates its 57th anniversary
Music
The Prague Spring (12 May – 3 June), an international festival of classical music, will make life better for all fans of classical music all over Prague throughout the month of May. If you prefer other music genres, you should definitely visit the multi-genre international music festival Colours of Ostrava (18-21 July) with great music as well as an interesting venue, Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrava. Another festival is Smetana’s Litomyšl (14 June – 7 July), which is one of the largest regular festivals in the Czech Republic. This year’s 60th festival offers both an excellent music experience and rich accompanying programme. Not only classical concerts in the premises of the Český Krumlov Castle and Chateau will be traditionally offered by the International Music Festival in Český Krumlov (20 July – 11 August).The year 2018 will also be full of great concerts. In April, you can enjoy Metallica (2 April), Imagine Dragons (16 April), Gregory Porter (23 April) in Prague, or two concerts by the legendary Roger Waters (27 and 28 April). On 8 May, Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias will celebrate his 43rd birthday in Prague. Legendary Bobby McFerrin will perform in the Prague Karlín Forum on 9 May and in Ostrava the following day. American singer Anastacia (12 May) will also perform on a smaller scale in the Karlín Forum. Ringo Starr will perform in the Prague Congress Centre (19 June), Ozzy Osbourne backed by the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry) will put on a show at the Letňany Airport (13 June), where Iron Maiden will play a week later.
Film
The International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary (29 June – 7 July) is a true film gem in the Czech Republic. This year, the elite from all over the country will meet in Karlovy Vary to enjoy great movies as well as the exceptional atmosphere, for which this film festival is famous all over the world.If you prefer documentary films, do not miss the International Documentary Film Festival in Jihlava (25-30 October). You might also like the summer film and music festival Slavonice fest (1-5 August) or the Summer Film School in Uherské hradiště (27 July – 5 August).
