Food Festivals in Prague You Don’t Want to Miss
Summer is just around the corner and the season of food festivals in Prague is about to begin. Get your taste buds ready because from now on, almost every weekend brings a different event devoted to food from all over the world!
Food festivals became really popular in the Czech Republic over the last couple of years. Everything you can think of, we have a festival for it – from burgers to pizza, street food, ice cream, vegan food, raw food, Asian food… we got it all.
Prague becomes a real foodie paradise over the summer. No matter when you visit the city, I’m pretty sure there will be something going on at that time. Let’s check our food festival timeline to make sure you don’t miss a chance to stuff your belly with something amazing while you are here.
May 15: Experience Italy
Where: metro stop Anděl
Start the season off with something fresh! Italian cuisine is not just about pizza. In fact, the Italians are said to be one of the best chefs around the world. Let’s see if there is any truth in this claim. Taking place in the pedestrian zone by the metro station Anděl, this festival can hardly be more centrally located.
May 19: Street Food Jam #1
Where: Cross Club (metro stop Nádraží Holešovice)
Cross Club is one of the places that should be on your bucket list even without a food festival in its front yard. It was listed as one of the best clubs in Central Europe and we know why. Do you want to know why? Go see for yourself, you won’t regret this architectural experience! And once there, make sure to try some street food. If you miss it in May, there will be another chance in June.
May 19: Beer & Burger Festival
Where: Karlínské náměstí, Prague 3
Entry: 70 CZK
Beer and burger? What a lovely couple! Come celebrate this union in the hip neighbourhood of Karlín and you won’t regret it. The entry fee includes a tasting glass, better fill it up. While enjoying a delicious burger and sipping on an ice-cold beer, you will also have the chance to listen to some live Czech music.
May 22: Experience Mexico
Where: metro stop Anděl
Another food event from the series “Experience…” brings us to Mexico, a country renowned for its delicious food. Stop by for some tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and much more! This is no Taco Bell; only the highest quality Mexican food is to be found here.
May 24–26: Italian Food Festival
Where: Prague Exhibition Grounds (tram stop Výstaviště Holešovice)
Did I already mention how good Italian cuisine was? After all, there wouldn’t be so many festivals for it if it was crappy… This is a big one, that’s why it takes over the whole weekend. With no entry fee, you have no excuse not to come around and stuff your belly with some delicious pasta. I know it from personal experience that there is never enough pasta in your life.
May 30–31: Merkádo
Where: metro stop Jiřího z Poděbrad
As the title suggests, Merkádo is chiefly a marketplace with a variety of fresh exotic food and drinks from Latin America. But it’s actually not just about food. The Square of Jiřího z Poděbrad, also known as “Jiřák” among locals, will host various cultural exhibitions, traditional dance performances, and tons of music. Now, that’s something you shouldn’t miss if visiting Prague around this time.
June 2: Prague Ice Cream Festival
Where: Prague Exhibition Grounds (tram stop Výstaviště Holešovice)
Entry: 130 CZK; students, seniors, and children under 120 cm 85 CZK
Who could say “no” to ice cream, especially at the beginning of June? Summer has officially reached Prague by then and the chances are quite high that the weather will ask for some ice cream. No reason to restrain yourself when the Prague Ice Cream Festival is in town. It is the biggest festival of its kind in Central Europe, so you will have something to brag about in front of your friends. They also offer loads of fresh fruit and drinks.
June 6: Experience France
Where: metro stop Anděl
I realize I say this about every country, but I’ve heard France is quite renowned for its cuisine, too. Let’s see what they have to offer. Same spot as the other “Experience…” events, but a bit more croissant-like this time.
June 8: Festival of embassies – Food & Culture
Where: Vítězné Náměstí (metro stop Dejvická)
I dare say you are quite lucky if you happen to be in town around this time. You might not be particularly fond of French food, but what can you say against food in general? Festival of embassies it where it’s at. Food and culture from all over the place; I’m sure you will find something that you like. You might even spot some traditional Czech goodies there!
June 15: Apetit Piknik
Where: Park Grébovka (Havlíčkovy Sady, Prague 2)
I don’t know about you, but picnics might be my favourite kind of leisure. This one is organized by one of the most knowledgable Czech magazines about food, so high quality is guaranteed. It is also a great opportunity to visit this hidden spot in Prague that locals like to refer to as Grébovka. You might as well be the only tourist around.
June 19: Experience Portugal
Where: metro stop Anděl
You don’t get to try Portuguese food every day, do you? This might the best place to start (except for Portugal itself, maybe). A must for all fish-lovers among you, as well as for those who cannot resist some good wine. Give me some port wine and pastéis and I’m the happiest person around.
June 23 – Street Food Jam #2
Where: Cross Club (metro stop Nádraží Holešovice)
Here we go again: delicious street food, good music, and beer on the premises of one of the coolest clubs around. If you missed the first chance, don’t make the same mistake again!
June 22–23: Beer & Food Festival
Where: Střelecký Island (access from the bridge between tram stops Národní Divadlo and Újezd)
No, this is not the same one as Beer & Burger Festival, although I do admit it might be a bit confusing. Beer actually goes well with any kind of food, not just burgers. And with some live music to complement this experience, you might enjoy a very nice afternoon in the very center of Prague.
July 13–14: Prague Picnic
Where: Střelecký Island (access from the bridge between tram stops Národní Divadlo and Újezd)
Entry: before 6 pm 50 CZK; after 6 pm 100 CZK; children and seniors for free
After 3 weeks of food break, Prague Picnic resumes the season with a weekend full of street food and good music on Střelecký Island. Be ready for some real picnic deal. You can rent a blanket or bring your own, a basket is included in the entry fee. With all this equipment at hand, let’s start the food party!
August 3: Raw Food Festival
Where: Cross Club (metro stop Nádraží Holešovice)
And we are back in Cross Club, this time with some delicious raw food around. As well as eating the raw goodies, you will also get the chance to hear interesting lectures about the process of preparing raw food and participate in make-your-own workshops. Hooray to some healthy food, for a change.
August 30–31: Asia Fest
Where: TBA
Entry: TBA
The popularity of Asian food is positively on the rise in Prague. Asia Fest presents the best of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian cuisines, all in one spot (which is yet to be announced). With some traditional music in the background, the experience will be complete. If you want to join us for this unique experience, follow the webpage of the event for information about the location and ticket price.
August 31 – September 1: Foodparade
Where: Troja Palace (next to Prague ZOO, bus stop Zoologická zahrada)
Entry: 300 CZK, children for free
The last couple of days before school resumes for kids in this country are full of unforgettable food events. Foodparade takes place on the premises of the beautiful Troja Palace and is definitely worth visiting even with the rather pricy entry fee. The ticket includes 200 CZK credit for food of your choice, so you better make the best of it.
September 7–8: Burger Fest
Where: Prague Exhibition Ground (tram stop Výstaviště Holešovice)
Entry: 150 CZK
This biggest BBQ event in Prague is a must for all burger-lovers. All the best restaurants in the city and its surroundings are represented at this festival. Go hungry, the sample burgers might look small, but they sure fill you up, especially since you will want to try them all.
September 29–30: Vegefest
Where: Vyšehrad (V Pevnosti 159/5b, Prague 2)
After a season full of burgers, seafood delicacies, and other meaty foods, let’s turn our attention to something vegetarian. Vegefest is not only organically-oriented but also environmentally-friendly, plastic-free and zero-waste. Except for delicious food, there will also be lectures and workshops about a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Do something for yourself and your surroundings and join us for this unique event on the premises of the beautiful Vyšehrad castle.
As you can see, there is something going on in the city almost every week in the summer. Czechs don’t like to stay behind when it comes to food and Prague is one of the best places to enjoy a variety of food experiences. The choice is up to you!
If you want to try something truly Czech during your stay, join us for either of our food-oriented tours, such as the Old Town Traditional Czech Food Tour, Prague Food by Foot or Prague Beer and Czech tapas Tour.
May 13, 2019
