Summer in the Czech Republic is a magical time. The sun is out, the parks are green, and the music is everywhere. If you love music, food, and culture, this is the place to be. There are many summer festivals in the Czech Republic that you should not miss.
Summer Festivals in the Czech Republic: The Best Events for 2026
From big rock shows to cozy Prague events in summer, here is a guide to the best festivals in 2026.
Rock for People (Hradec Králové)
When: June 10–14, 2026
This is one of the biggest rock festivals in the country. It takes place at a huge airport in Hradec Králové, which is about an hour from Prague. In 2026, you can see legendary bands like Iron Maiden and the famous animated band Gorillaz. The atmosphere is friendly, and there are many places to eat and drink.
Metronome Prague (Prague)
When: June 19–21, 2026
If you want to stay in the capital, this is one of the best Prague events in summer. It happens at Letňany Airport and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The lineup is very special, featuring stars like Sting and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Since it is in the city, you can sleep in a comfortable hotel and use the metro to get to the concerts.
Summer Festivals in the Czech Republic: Colours of Ostrava (Ostrava)
When: July 15–18, 2026
This festival is very unique because it is in an old industrial site with giant metal towers. It is not just about rock music; you can also hear pop, jazz, and world music. This year, the main stars are Moby, Lorde, and Twenty One Pilots. There are also many workshops and debates where you can learn new things.
Karlovy Vary Film Festival (Karlovy Vary)
When: July 3–11, 2026
If you prefer movies over music, go to Karlovy Vary. It is a beautiful spa town in West Bohemia. During the festival, the streets are full of people, and you might even see a Hollywood star! You can buy tickets for many different movies or just enjoy the parties and the beautiful architecture of the city. What to do in Karlovy Vary read here.
Beats for Love (Ostrava)
When: July 1–4, 2026
Do you love electronic music? Beats for Love is the biggest dance festival in Central Europe. It has many stages with DJs playing everything from house to drum and bass. In 2026, you can dance to Marshmello and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. It is a colorful party that lasts all night.
Summer Festivals in the Czech Republic: Useful Tips for Your Trip
- Book early: These summer festivals in the Czech Republic are very popular. Buy your tickets and book your hotel as soon as possible.
- Travel by train: Czech trains are cheap and comfortable. Most festival cities are easy to reach from Prague.
- Try the beer: The Czech Republic is famous for its beer. At festivals, it is usually fresh and very affordable!
Quick Guide: Czech Summer Festivals 2026
| Festival Name | Dates (2026) | Place (City) | What to Expect / Main Stars |
| Rock for People | June 10–14 | Hradec Králové | Giant rock show with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, and Halsey. |
| Metronome Prague | June 19–21 | Prague | City festival with Sting, Nick Cave, and The Flaming Lips. |
| Beats for Love | July 1–4 | Ostrava | Huge dance party with Calvin Harris and Marshmello. |
| KVIFF (Film) | July 3–11 | Karlovy Vary | Movie stars, red carpets, and beautiful historic spa views. |
| Colours of Ostrava | July 15–18 | Ostrava | Unique industrial site with Moby, Lorde, and Twenty One Pilots. |
| Masters of Rock | July 16–19 | Vizovice | Heavy metal and hard rock with headliner Marilyn Manson. |
| Brutal Assault | August 5–8 | Jaroměř | Metal festival inside an 18th-century military fortress. |
| Let It Roll | July 30–Aug 1 | Milovice | The world’s biggest Drum & Bass event with massive stages. |
Why these events are special:
- Unique Venues: Many of these festivals (like Colours of Ostrava and Beats for Love) take place in old factories and coal mines. They look like movie sets!
- Easy Access: You can get to almost all of these cities by train from Prague in 1 to 3 hours.
- Prague Events Summer: If you stay in Prague, Metronome is perfect because you don’t need a tent. You can take the metro directly to the festival gate.
Traveling from Prague to Festival Cities
The main travel hub is Prague. From there, you can reach all festival cities by train or bus. Here is a helpful table to help your readers plan their trip:
| City | Train (Time & Price) | Bus (Time & Price) | Best Choice? |
| Hradec Králové | 1h 15m / ~170–250 CZK | 1h 25m / ~100–200 CZK | Train (it is faster and more comfortable). |
| Ostrava | 3h 10m / ~250–600 CZK | 4h 30m / ~300–500 CZK | Train (much faster; use RegioJet or Leo Express). |
| Karlovy Vary | 3h 20m / ~340–450 CZK | 1h 45m / ~170–250 CZK | Bus (the bus is much faster than the train here). |
| Jaroměř | 2h 00m / ~200–280 CZK | 3h 15m / ~180–250 CZK | Train (usually 1 change in Pardubice). |
| Milovice | 0h 45m / ~80–120 CZK | 1h 10m / ~60–100 CZK | Train (direct and very frequent). |
More about traveling by train read here.
