Prague in May 2026: A Local’s Guide to Spring Festivals, Open Days & Food Events
My favourite events and places to visit in Prague in May 2026, including travel tips, weather and what to pack when you are heading off to Prague in spring.
I think, spring is an amazing time to spend in Prague as the days are getting warmer, the cherry trees are in full bloom and there are a lot of outdoor events to choose from. I love spending May in Prague, because I get to do a lot of hiking, going on a long day trips and also volunteering as an English guide with the Open House Praha at the end of the month.
Some May events and activities slightly overlap with April and June, so make sure you check my suggestions for those months too.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
PIN TO KEEP FOR LATER
Is May a good month to visit Prague?
Yes, most definitely! The weather in May is much warmer and the days are longer than in previous months.
There is daylight until nearly 8-9 pm, which means you can pack even more things to see into your day.
Even if you have only one day in Prague, you can see the main attractions and walk around the main points of interest.
May is just outside the main tourist season, which means there are fewer people around (and it’s easier to avoid the crowds in the centre) and it should be easier to book your accommodation.
Early May is also a great time to visit as some tourist attractions and places that are not usually open to the public are open for free for the national holidays.
Important Dates in May 2026
There are two dates in May, 1s May – The Labour Day and the 8th May – Day of Victory, that are celebrated as a National Holiday and most people have the day off from work.
Offices, banks and similar types of businesses are very likely to be closed for the public holidays, but shopping centres, restaurants, coffee places and most tourist attractions will remain open.
1st of May
This is an international day of Labour and before 1989 this day was celebrated with processions, concerts and other happenings. You might still see a procession nowadays, but it’s probably more to do with celebrating spring and love, than work!
8th of May
This day celebrates the defeat of the German army in the Czech Republic by Russian and American army.
There are always events to celebrate this, but it’s also a day when a lot of official buildings are open to visitors. Buildings such as the Parliament, State Rooms at the Prague Castle or the Czech Television studios are open for free to visitors.
18 May – International day of museums
It’s worth remembering this day, because many museums (especially the main ones such as the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square) are open for free or have a very symbolic entry fee.
My favourite events & Things to do in Prague in May 2026
První Pivní Máj – Craft Beer Festival (1 May 2026)
If you fancy a pivo (beer) to celebrate May Day, head over to the beautiful grounds of the Břevnov Monastery. This festival focuses on smaller craft breweries, so you won’t just find the usual beers here. There are usually around 20 different breweries serving about 80 types of beer.
It’s a very local, laid-back vibe with plenty of food stalls and even some traditional competitions like beer-stein holding!
- Location: Břevnov Monastery (Břevnovský klášter), Prague 6.
- Tickets: Free entry (you just pay for your drinks and food).
Prague Marathon – 3 May 2026
Prague Marathon is held usually the first weekend in May. The route is similar to the half-marathon which is held in April.
You’ll run through the historical parts of Prague, including Prague historic bridges, Old Town Square and the Kings route. Whether you are taking part or not, be aware that the Prague Marathon is very popular and accommodation gets booked up very quickly.
It’s also worth remembering that during the Marathon, some areas, especially the centre will be closed for traffic and access to tourist attractions, restaurants and other places in the centre will be limited, with some roads closed from early morning.
United Islands of Prague Music festival 30 April -2 May 2026
The United Islands of Prague is a pretty cool annual music festival that takes place on the river Vltava islands in Prague, including the Stvanice, Kampa and Shooter’s Island.
The festival was first held in 2004 and has since become one of the most popular music events in the city. There is always an amazing lineup of local and international artists, with performances across multiple stages and genres, including indie rock, electronic, hip hop and more.
Apart from the live music, there are also plenty of stalls with food and drinks, as well as children activities and other entertainment. I like that the festival has a laid-back atmosphere and the entrance to the festival is completely free of charge.
Government Buildings Open Day – 8 May 2026
To celebrate the end of the 2WW the Czech government opens some of their buildings to the public. Each year, there are slightly different buildings opened, but this year, you can visit the Lichtenstein Palace (on Kampa Island), Goverment State building (Snemovni Street, close to Lesser Town Square), Czech Senate, (Wallenstein Palace – entrance through the Wallenstein Garden) and Kolowrat’s Palace (next to Wallenstein Garden).
You can only visit each building as part of a tour, which is usually led by one of the staff working there. The tours usually start every 15-20 minutes and they take small to medium size groups (depending on each building) so you might need to wait a bit for your turn. The tours are only in Czech language, but it’s often the only way how you can see these buildings inside, so I think it’s still worth it.
- Location: Various places (see above)
- Opening Times: 9-4 pm depending on each location
- Tickets: Free
Show Jump Events at Horse Racing Stadium at Chuchle – 30 April – 3 May 2026 (Memorial of Jana Hola)
The horse racing stadium at Chuchle has a long history – it was originally opened in 1906 and it’s one of the famous horse racing stadiums in the Czech Republic. The stadium runs races days through the main season (Spring-Autumn), which cost about 200 – 300 CZK to enter, but the Show Jump Events, which are a little more laid back are completely free to enter.
Chuchle is really easy to get to from central Prague – just head to Smichov Train Station and then take the local bus or any slow train towards Beroun or Revnice.
- Location: Velka Chuchle (one stop (5 min) from Smichov Train Station by train or few stops by a local bus (about 10 min) from Smichov Train Station – Prague 90 min tickets (or multi day tickets) are valid for the whole journey)
- Open Times: 8 am – 6 pm each day
- Tickets: Free
Other May Racedays at Chuchle
If you are more into traditional flat racing with fancy hats, betting and you are happy to pay for your ticket, you might like to head over to Chuchle on these Sunday dates in May 2026:
- 10 May: 105th Conseq Czech 2000 Guineas (A major classic race)
- 17 May: 77th May Stakes
- 31 May: Family Raceday (June Stakes)
Navalis – St. John’s Celebrations – 15 May 2026
This is one of the most magical and quintessentially Prague events you can experience. It’s a huge Baroque water festival on the Vltava River that honours St. John of Nepomuk (the saint you’ll see on Charles Bridge).
The atmosphere is incredible, with decorated boats, folk music, and even cold-water swimmers. The highlight is the evening Baroque concert performed on a floating stage right under the arches of Charles Bridge, it’s absolutely breathtaking!
Since this event is getting super popular each year, it gets also very busy to the point that you can’t really move on the Charles Bridge.
After several years, I find it best to attend the mass at St. Vitus Cathedral and then walk down to the Charles Bridge with the procession (or wait for them at the top of Nerudova Street, where you get the chance to see them without too many people). After that to watch the evening show and listen to the music I usually to to Cibulka Park or Kampa Island river banks. Alternatively, you can take up your position on the bridge and wait for the procession there, but I’d suggest you get there super early to get the best spot.
- Location: Hradčanské Square (for the mass/procession) and the Vltava River near Charles Bridge.
- Tickets: Free to watch from the riverbanks and the bridge.
Craft Fair at Shooter’s Island – 16-17 May 2026
The garden restaurant hall at the Shooter’s Island will be hosting a craft fair with about 20 makers and artists displaying their work, including hand-poured candles, ceramics, jewellery or original illustrations.
It’s always lovely to browse through the stalls and fab way to pick a special gift or a souvenir to remember Prague (and support local craft makers at the same time).
- Location: Shooters Island (close to National Theatre)
- Opening Times: 1 pm – 6 pm
- Tickets: Free
Prague Dragon Boat Festival – 15 – 17 May 2026
This is the oldest dragon boat festival in the Czech Republic founded 28 years ago and every year there are teams from all over Europe as well as local teams taking part. You can watch the races from the Yellow River Spa at Vltava and the entrance is free.
- Location: Zlute Lazne, Prague 4, tram stop ‘Dvorce’, tram line 2, 3, 17, 27
Pink May (Růžový máj) – 16 May 2026
If you love a glass of rosé, you cannot miss this! “Pink May” is a festival dedicated entirely to rosé wines and clarets from Czech and Moravian winemakers. It takes place right on the Smichovska Náplavka riverbank, which is already the place to be on a Saturday.
You can stroll along the river with a tasting glass, listen to live jazz and swing and nibble on some great food-pairing snacks like grilled fish or artisan cheeses. It’s the perfect way to soak up the spring sun.
- Location: Náplavka (Rašínovo nábřeží), Prague 2.
- Tickets: Free entry (you buy a tasting glass and tokens for the wine).
Spring Wine Festival – 15–17 May 2026
This little festival is set up in front of the beautiful Písek Gate (Písecká brána) in Prague 6 and I like how cosy it feels. It is much smaller than markets in the city centre, but you can still taste a good selection of Czech and Moravian vines here.
- Location: Písecká brána (Písek Gate), K Brusce 5, Prague 6.
- Tickets: Free entry (tasting glasses available to purchase on-site).
Visit museums and galleries for free – 18 May 2026
On the 18th of May museums and my favourite art galleries in Prague celebrate the International Day of museums by opening their doors for free or reduced entry fee. It’s a great opportunity to visit some of the well known museums in Prague completely free of charge.
Even if you are not that interested in the exhibitions inside, most museums are hosted in beautiful buildings, which are worth visiting on their own.
- The National Museum >>
- The Museum of Music
- House of a Golden Ring >>
- Podskalska celnice (the toll house)
- Folk Museum >>
- Naprstek’s Museum
- Dvorak Museum
- Smetana Museum
- Farming Museum
- Police Museum
- Technical Museum (reduced entry fee)
- The National Gallery – Schwarzenbersk’s Palace
- The National Gallery – Sternbersk’s Palace
- St. Ann’s Monastery – Medieval Art
- Trade Fair Palace Gallery – Modern Art
Open House Prague – 17 &18 May 2026
In addition to the museums opening their doors for free, there are also other buildings in Prague that are open for free during the last weekend in May.
I always visit as many buildings as I can each year and it’s always been a great experience to see buildings that are normally not open to the public. This year like the few years before, I’m super excited to attend the event, because I’ll be volunteering and helping with the English guided tours again.
The event will include historic buildings that are normally not open to the public, so it’s worth adding this to your Prague travel itinerary if you are visiting in the middle of May.
Most buildings will either have a ‘free flow’ access, so you can visit them any time, but some will be open only with a guide. Most of the tours are in Czech language (you are still welcome to attend), but around 11 buildings will also have guided tours in English.
Some of the buildings opened this year include: Auto Club Prague (opposite main Train Station), Adria Palace, Komercni Bank Branch (Smichov), Branik Brewery, Masaryk Train Station (New Train Museum), The Prague Holesovice Slaughterhouse Market, Former Buildings of Electrical Companies in Holesovice, Clam Gallas Palace, Church of St. Anne (and many other beautiful churches in Prague), The Prague City Mayor’s Residence, Czernin Palace, Dablice Observatory, various Charles University Faculties Buildings, Prague historic cemetaries and hospitals including General University Hospital Ceramic Lounge.
Rumfest – 23 May 2026
For something a bit more tropical, Rumfest brings a bit of Caribbean sunshine to the industrial heart of Holešovice. It’s actually one of the largest rum festivals in Central Europe.
You can taste hundreds of different rums from all over the world, attend seminars, and enjoy live Latin music. It’s held in a really cool venue that perfectly suits the fun and of course educational style of the day.
- Location: Vnitroblock, Holešovice, Prague 7.
- Tickets: Paid (usually around 400-600 CZK depending on how early you book).
Beer & Burger Festival – 24 May 2026
Following on from the rum, the Sunday sees Karlín Square turn into a haven for foodies. This is exactly what it says on the tin: the best craft beers from Bohemia and Moravia paired with some of the city’s most legendary burger stalls.
Karlín is one of my favourite trendy neighbourhoods and when the square is full of people enjoying the spring sun with a burger in hand, there’s no better place to be.
- Location: Karlínské náměstí (Karlín Square), Prague 8.
- Tickets: Free entry (you pay for a tasting glass and your food).
Night of Churches (Noc kostelů) – 29 May 2026
This is one of my absolute favourite evenings in Prague. For one night only, dozens of churches, chapels, and monasteries—some of which are usually strictly off-limits, open their doors to the public for free.
It’s not just about the religion; it’s about the architecture, the history and the music. Many places host organ concerts, choir performances, or guided tours of hidden crypts and bell towers. The atmosphere, with hundreds of candles lit in the twilight, is simply magical.
- Location: Over 100 churches across Prague (look for the “Noc kostelů” banners).
- Tickets: Free
Metro B – Line Experience – The Prague Underground – 30 May 2026
The Prague Metro is having an another open day and this time it’s to let people experience the line B tunnels from a special metro train.
On route you will see the ‘blind’ tunnel branch behind Stodůlky station, which was originally intended as a future line extension, briefly stop inside the bridge tube over Nepomucký Pond and the train will also visit the reversing tracks at Smíchovské Nádraží. This used to be a maintenance station for the old 81-71 train sets, where they underwent basic inspections during daily operation.
The journey continues with a look at the massive flood pressure doors before Anděl station and turn around at Florenc station. This is the same journey of the original ‘I.B’ section, which launched the very first operations of Line B on 2 November 1985.
Throughout the entire event, you’ll be looked after by expert guides from the ranks of the Transport Company’s. The tunnels along Line B will be fully illuminated for the duration of the excursion and you can even enjoy all the fascinating sights from the perspective of the metro driver. The total tour is expected to last approximately 170 minutes.
- Location: Zlicin Underground Depo (Prague 5, Underground line B)
- Tickets: Free (but tickets have to be booked in advance)
See the cherry blossom & Walk in the park
Now that the weather is warmer, Prague gardens, which were closed for winter are starting open their gates. May is the perfect month to see flowering lilac trees, cherry trees or late magnolia trees which are pretty much everywhere in Prague.
Most gardens and parks are free to enter, but there is one particular one I love and I’m always happy to pay the entrance. The Vrtba Gardens are hidden behind wall houses, just a short walk from the Malostranske Namesti – Square and on the tram no 22 route.
It’s an amazing baroque garden built into the slopes of the Petrin Hill, where you can also find the Hunger Wall. It’s not a big garden, but the views are amazing. The garden is open from April to October, every day from 10 am to 6 pm and tickets are 150 Kc.
PARKS WITH CHERRY, ALMOND, MAGNOLIA OR APPLE BLOSSOMS IN PRAGUE
Lesser Town Market (Malostranské trhy) – Tuesdays & Thursdays
If you want to feel like a true local, skip the hotel breakfast and head to Malostranské náměstí. This charming market is right in the heart of Lesser Town, just a stone’s throw from Charles Bridge. It’s not just a place to buy your veg; it’s a lovely community hub where you can grab a fresh coffee, a sweet pastry, or even a glass of local wine in the afternoon.
It’s perfect for picking up some Czech seasonal fruit, cakes, cheese or other artisan snacks to fuel your walk up to the Castle!
- Location: Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square), Prague 1 – right by the tram stop.
- Opening Times: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout May).
- Tickets: Free entry.
Prague Spring – Classical Music Festival – 12 May – 2 June 2026
The second half of May is always dedicated to the Prague Spring, a festival that celebrates classical music.
During this time, you’ll be able to hear classical music from around the globe. Tickets are available for individual concerts, which means that you can pick and choose your favourite musician or style of music.
The ticket prices vary from £3 to £120 and you can get VIP tickets as well as discounted tickets for young visitors under 26. Each venue also sells budget tickets (usually at the back row or standing ticket) which are very affordable.
And if you want to experience classical music, without dressing up, you can take a picnic rug (and sandwiches!) to Kampa Island, where you can watch the opening of the festival on the big screen. Personally, I prefer the last option since I don’t have to wear my high heels and the entry is free!
Prague Fringe Festival 22 – 30 May – 2026
The Prague Fringe Festival started in 2002 and it’s getting better and bigger ever year. It’s still a very relaxed festival, which never feels too overcrowded, although last year there were over 6000 visitors. The festival is a great mix of comedy, dance, theatre, music and art which is being held in different venues around the Lesser Town in Prague.
Most performances are held in English or are ‘non-verbal’ (music, dance, visual art performance), which makes this festival the perfect addition to your Prague visit itinerary.
Location: Various venues around Lesser Town (Malá Strana), including Malostranská Beseda, Divadlo Inspirace, and the Museum of Alchemists.
Tickets:
- Individual shows: Around 250–300 CZK.
- Fringe Pass: A great way to save—usually around 1,100 CZK for 5 shows.
- Where to buy: Online via the official Prague Fringe website or at the central box office in Malostranská Beseda.
This blog post was originally written on 4 February 2021 and last updated on 8 May 2026
