Classical Music Without Borders in Czechia
One of the most significant cultural events will be the SMETANOVA LITOMYŠL festival. It was in Litomyšl, in the château brewery, that Bedřich Smetana was born on 2 March 1824. In 2024, the Czech Republic dedicated the Year of Czech Music to this world-renowned composer.
A visit to Smetanova Litomyšl, the largest classical music festival outside Prague, held from 12 June to 5 July 2026, offers an extraordinary experience thanks not only to its exceptional programme and artistic performances. The town itself boasts a unique genius loci, and the festival takes place in the stunning setting of a château listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the theme "Nature," the programme promises top-tier performers and global stars, all within the enchanting surroundings of a modern concert hall.
The programme of the INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL LEOŠ JANÁČEK in Ostrava, taking place from 1 June to 3 July 2026, promises first-class experiences not only for fans of Leoš Janáček. The festival will open with Pablo Ferrández and the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK.
The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice (NOSPR) will perform with the outstanding Opava-born pianist Lukáš Vondráček under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop. A crossover concert featuring Thom Artway and the Police Symphony Orchestra will bring youthful energy to Hukvaldy. The festival will traditionally conclude at the Hukvaldy Amphitheatre with a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Another festival dedicated to the music of Leoš Janáček will take place in Brno, celebrating his legacy and masterpieces.The Janáček Brno 2026 (13. 10. – 17. 11. 2026) celebrates the music of Leoš Janáček with premieres, acclaimed guests, and emotional farewells. Over four evenings, four of Janáček’s pivotal works will take their final bows, offering a unique opportunity to experience these productions one last time. Highlights include Destiny (October 13, 2026), Jenůfa (November 7, 2026), The Makropulos Affair (November 15, 2026), and a double finale with From the House of the Dead and Glagolitic Mass (November 17, 2026).
A Musical Feast in Prague and Český Krumlov
One of the highlights of the musical year in Czechia will be the PRAGUE SPRING festival, held in the historic heart of the Czech capital. Its 80th anniversary edition, running from 12 May to 4 June 2026, will feature elite orchestras, the return of renowned figures and ensembles, fresh new faces, and world premieres.
In the baroque château gardens of the southern Bohemian gem, the FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC ČESKÝ KRUMLOV 2025 (17 July to 8 August, 2026) will begin with Ravel’s sensual songs, in which Scheherazade will be voiced by the star Egyptian soprano Fatma Said. The opening weekend will feature, among other things, a performance by Lukáš Vondráček, one of today’s most prominent pianists.
The programme also includes opera and vocal projects, chamber music with the Pavel Haas Quartet, and crossover performances. The festival will conclude with a gala concert featuring Danielle de Niese, Ester Pavlů and Pavel Černoch, accompanied by the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK conducted by Tomáš Netopil.
A tribute to the Czech genius Antonín Dvořák, who composed his most famous symphony From the New World while in America, will take place from 5 to 23 September 2026 during the DVOŘÁK PRAGUE festival. This showcase will bring together top soloists, conductors, and internationally acclaimed orchestras to honour his legacy.
Colours Festival: Four Days of World-Class Music
In July, the city of Ostrava transforms into the mecca of summer music festivals, with its globally unique industrial site, Dolní Vítkovice, offering a setting that feels straight out of a sci-fi film. From 15 to 18 July 2026, you can party at COLOURS OF OSTRAVA, one of Europe’s largest and best multi-genre festivals, featuring stars like Moby, Twenty One Pilots, Bennet, Teddy Swims and Lorde. Music fans also have 1–4 July 2026 marked in their calendars for BEATS FOR LOVE, the largest dance music festival in Central Europe.
Rock for People: Europe’s Ultimate Music Festival
Rock music fans should not miss Rock for People 2026, where from 10 to 14 June 2026, bands like Gorillaz, Limp Bizkit, Bring Me The Horizon, Halsey, Iron Maiden and many more will take the stage.
From 15 to 18 October 2026, Prague will burst into colour. One of the Czech Republic’s biggest cultural events, the SIGNAL FESTIVAL, features a stunning light show that transforms the city’s streets, public spaces, iconic historical landmarks, and hidden corners with vibrant projections created by Czech and international masters of light design.
Follow Hollywood Stars and Relax at Karlovy Vary Spas
You don’t need to travel to Cannes to experience the atmosphere of an INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL with A-list film stars (in past years, these have included Michael Douglas, Clive Owen, Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Robert Redford, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and many more) gracing the red carpet, film premieres, and parties where champagne flows freely. Plan your visit from 3 to 11 July 2026 in Karlovy Vary, the UNESCO-protected spa town!
World Treasures: Dance and a Boy in Women’s Clothing
How about visiting the largest and oldest INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL in Europe and witnessing the dancers of the wild Verbuňk, traditional male dance, which is even protected by UNESCO? Mark your calendars from 25 to 28 June 2026 and head to the open-air museum in Strážnice.
Add one more folklore tradition from the UNESCO list to verbuňk. You can enjoy a colourful medley of masks with a proper feast full of pork, doughnuts and plum brandy during the SHROVETIDE FESTIVAL. The exuberant celebrations before Lent starts have been taking place all around the country since time immemorial; however, only the Hlinsko festival bears the mark of world heritage.
The RIDE OF THE KINGS also has long roots in the Czech culture. A procession led by the king and his entourage on dressed up horses... It may sound simple for heritage inscribed by UNESCO. But the king is a small boy with a rose between his lips, wearing a ladies’ dress! This year, the King will ride out to meet his subjects on 30 and 31 May 2026.
