Czechia celebrates 200 years with Bedřich Smetana and the Ice Hockey World Championship takes place in Prague and Ostrava between May 10-26. Check out our selection of the most interesting events in the Czech Republic!
8–11 Feb: Jizerská 50 cross-country skiing race
One of the biggest cross-country competitions in Central Europe takes place in Bedrichov. It is also a very traditional race. It is the third oldest race in the Ski Classics series after Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet.
7–21 Feb: Lent processions in the region of Hlinecko
Start the year in grand style with a UNESCO World Heritage event! Enjoy colorful costumes, songs, and a wide range of delicacies – from traditional cakes and doughnuts, sausages, black pudding to homemade plum brandy that will make you happy.April 6: Prague Half Marathon
The 24th Prague Half Marathon is a great party. Not just because of the views. But because of the runners who come to participate. From the awe-inspiring Kenyans and Ethiopians to Czech schoolchildren. Anyone who enjoys putting on running shoes is welcomed with open arms.May 10–26: Ice Hockey World Championship Prague & Ostrava
It will be a hockey party in the Czech Republic in May 2024 when the Hockey World Championship for men is organized in two cities (Prague and Ostrava). The IIHF has now released important ticket information for the championship.May 12–June 4: Prague Spring International Music Festival
In May, Prague comes alive with a world-famous music festival. Experience performances by some of the world's best musicians, symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. In addition to top-notch concerts such as Smetana's, you will enjoy Prague's historical background of monasteries, churches, and museums.
May 27-28: Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov
Here we offer another UNESCO event! The unique Czech carnival has existed for more than 200 years. Several villages in the eastern Czech Republic immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere. You will be transported back in time with the help of traditional costumes, local specialties and cheerful tones from the harpsichord and wind instruments.
June 8-July 7: Smetana's Litomyšl
The city of Litomyšl, an important place in Smetana's life, will also contribute to the celebration. The organizers of the Smetanova Litomyšl music festival have put together a special program to honor both his 200th anniversary and the 140th anniversary of his passing. The festival will feature performances of lesser-known compositions alongside performances of all his operas.
June 13–15: Rock for People Festival in Hradec Králové
Rock for People (RfP) is a large outdoor festival in the Czech Republic. The festival began in 1995 in the town of Český Brod. In 2007, it was moved to an unused airport in Hradec Králové. Headlining acts have included Muse, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Arctic Monkeys, My Chemical Romance, The Offspring, the Killers, Paramore, and Massive Attack.June 22–25: Strážnice Folklore Festival
Have you heard of Verbuňk – a Czech dance inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List? You can see the very best Verbuňk dancers at the biggest and oldest folklore festival in Europe, which takes place not only in the park around the castle and vineyards, but also in the Strážnice open-air museum. Look forward to folk songs, dances, and costumes from around the world!
June 30–July 8: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
You don't have to go to Cannes to enjoy the atmosphere of a film festival or see movie stars on the red carpet. You can see dozens of premieres and attend a star-studded party in Karlovy Vary, which is also listed as a UNESCO site.July 19–22: Colors of Ostrava
One of the best and biggest multi-genre music festivals in Europe that you must experience at least once in your life! Not only because of the fantastic program, but because the festival takes place in a unique, post-industrial area called Dolní Vítkovice. You will feel like you are in a sci-fi movie!
August 5–11: Prague Pride Festival
The Prague Pride Festival is a week full of cultural and social events, debates, and activities on the banks of the Vltava River. In Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic undoubtedly stands out as the most gay-friendly.September 6-8: Pálava Wine Harvest Festival, Mikulov
Imagine the early autumn air, the mist winding around the vines and cozy walks with a glass of wine in hand. If this is your tune, then come celebrate the grape harvest at one of the Czech Republic's biggest wine festivals in Mikulov, South Moravia. The town hosts a huge 3-day wine celebration every September, also known as Pálavské Vintage Mikulov.
October 1: St. Wenceslas Festival in Český Krumlov
A traditional festival in honor of St. Wenceslas, patron of Bohemia, for brewers and winemakers. The celebration is relaxed and fun, with a focus on good food, drinks, and folklore music.October 5-6: Pilsner Fest, Pilsen
The doors of the Pilsen brewery open again this year for music, culture, good food and everyone who likes beer. Come celebrate the anniversary of brewing the first batch of Pilsner Urquell with us!November 1–24: Janáček Brno Festival Brno
In 2004, as part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Janáček's birth, the Janáček Festival Brno was established, where all the composer's operatic works were performed. Brno hosts the festival every other year, which has been highly regarded since its inception in 2008. Many leading conductors have appeared here, including Sir Charles Mackerras, Tomáš Hanus and Jiří Bělohlávek. The Janáček Brno Festival won the International Opera Awards 2018.