Guide to Summer Events and Festivals in Pilsen

Summer months in Pilsen, which celebrates 730 years since its foundation this year, will be marked by a varied cultural offer. Both locals and visitors of Pilsen can look forward to favourite events packed with art, sports and gastronomy. Which events shouldn’t you miss during the summer? Check out our guide. For more tips, visit the Events section on the Visit Pilsen website. Every week, we prepare regular weekend programmes for you.

Historical Celebrations (31^st May – 1^st June)

At the turn of the month, Pilsen will commemorate 730 years since its foundation. During the historical celebrations, the city centre will be full of dancing parades and jugglers, swordsmen, wizards, dancers and musicians as well as craftsmen at the period market. Even the founder of the city, King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia and the Queen Judith of Habsburg with their royal retinue will come to Pilsen, and they will watch a grand knightly tournament on Republic Square. The celebrations will include, for example, a fire show, demonstrations of crafts, horseback falconry, a children’s scene with historically themed activities and a medieval camp.

Metalfest (6^th – 8^th June)

The holiday for all dedicated fans of metal music will take place traditionally at the beginning of June in Pilsen. Every year, Metalfest can boast a top programme in which world-class bands appear. Music icons from both Czechia and abroad will perform in attractive surroundings of the Lochotín amphitheatre, which is located within a pleasant commuting distance from the city centre and at the same time in the locality of the Pilsen Zoo.

International Folklore Festival CIOFF (11^th – 15^th June)

Colourful folklore costumes, folk music, dance and singing will return to Pilsen at the International Folklore Festival CIOFF. Aside from local folklore groups, guests from abroad, this year from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia, and even from distant Easter Islands and Ecuador, will show you an original and in many ways surprising concept of folklore. The old Bohemian market, public dance event, or performances in the Ethnographic Museum of the Pilsen Region are also worth your visit.

CO.CON – Sci-fi and Fantasy Festival (14^th June)

The largest sci-fi and fantasy festival in West Bohemia, nicknamed the Pilsen Comic-Con, offers a real feast for lovers of both genres. A rich world of comics, films, series, books and also games will come alive for one day at the cultural zone DEPO2015. A variety of games, from computer games to board and card games, as well as arcade and retro titles, will keep you entertained all day. There will also be lectures of inspiring personalities, workshops, stalls and virtual reality. An integral part of CO.CON is represented by the art of cosplay, featuring a cosplay contest for individuals and groups.

WALLZ – Pilsen Street Art Festival (21^st – 27^th June) 

The entire city becomes a painting canvas at the WALLZ Street Art Festival – facades of houses, subways, garages or technical objects and even streets themselves. The main aim of this festival is the cultivation of public space. Neglected or faded places in various locations will be enhanced by leading street art artists. Passers-by can watch the fascinating process of creating these large-scale paintings, also called murals, live. One of them will be created in the historical heart of the city in the so-called Proluka this year, near the remains of former city walls. It should serve as a reminder of rich city history and also of the year 2015 when Pilsen was the holder of the title European Capital of Culture.

Night with Opera (27^th June)

The Lochotín amphitheatre will be dominated by an exceptional stage show of the Pilsen JK Tyl Theatre – a special performance of Franz Lehár’s operetta The Merry Widow. The open-air opera event, which concludes the theatre season, is renowned not only for its unique atmosphere, but also for its first-class cast of singers, dazzling dance numbers, and impressive stage setting, complete with technical effects.

Inspiral Garden (4th – 9^th August)

An oasis of culture and inspiration will grow for six August days in the centre of Pilsen in Šafaříkovy Sady park. On hot days, the contemporary open-air city festival Inspiral Garden will refresh visitors with the alternative and progressive music scene including silent DJs, theatre and international meals. Your walk through city parks will be livened up by the market with local fashion and accessories MINT Market. A part of the programme is tailored to families with children.

Festival on the Street (15^th – 23^rd August)

The popular event in Pilsen, which enjoys a high attendance, will once again make the most of the summer. Under the summer sky, Festival on the Street promises an unforgettable show featuring Czech bands and performers. Fans of different music styles will be guided directly to several music stages, located in the heart of the city and its immediate surroundings. Authentic concerts and club parties are usually accompanied by, for example, dance performances and activities for children.

Sportmania (16^th – 24^th August)

The festival of sport and movement is the largest sports event for the public throughout the year. In a multifunctional sports complex, children and adults can try various traditional and lesser-known sports at dozens of stations. The main motivation for little enthusiasts is mainly a medal for their participation. A pleasant atmosphere is complemented by numerous performances, competitions, public group workouts and also talks with professional athletes.

Pilsen Busking Fest (4^th – 7^th September)

The beginning of September belongs to street artists in Pilsen. There will be a colourful busker showcase, consisting of dozens of musicians, dancers, actors, magicians, acrobats, comedians, painters and many other performers of both professional and beginner level on Republic Square as well as adjacent streets and city parks around the square. Anyone from the general public who is interested can try busking in the area of so-called free zones. The audience can show their appreciation by dropping a contribution into the hat.

Pilsen in Light (“Plzeň v záři”, 12^th – 14^th September)

A multi-genre show called Pilsen in Light (Plzeň v záři) will become the highlight of the summer cultural season and celebrations of the 10^th jubilee since gaining the title of European Capital of Culture. These main celebrations will include acrobatics, music, theatre and light effects in three days. In addition to Pilsen cultural scene, the event attracts visitors to a performance of the Belgian band The Rackers, a street parade by the French theatre company Picto Facto and primarily to a spectacular acrobatic performance of the Spanish group Voalá Station. The new circus comedy Muaré Experience accompanied by the music band Duchamp Pilot will bring to the audience a truly unique experience. Twelve artists from the 21-member ensemble will flow through the air on cranes during their acrobatic tricks.