18 things to do in Prague this week – from Day of the Dead to Arsenal football

Prague kicks off November with a week that spans everything from international football to Mexican street food. Slavia Prague welcomes English giants Arsenal for a Champions League showdown, while Holešovice Market transforms into a colorful celebration of Día de Muertos, complete with mariachi music, traditional food and family activities.

Elsewhere, the city's museums, galleries and theaters offer unusual experiences, from free science demonstrations to an after-dark visit to one of Prague's most beautiful Baroque gardens.

British indie rock, experimental dance, contemporary art and a festival devoted to whisky round out a busy week before the weekend brings more family-friendly celebrations. Here's what's worth putting on your calendar this week:

The Czech Academy of Sciences Week begins Monday, opening research laboratories, libraries and scientific institutions to the public through Sunday. More than 300 free events are planned across Czechia, including lectures, experiments and behind-the-scenes tours. Prague's opening celebration takes place at the Spořilov research campus, where visitors can discover work in astronomy, geophysics and atmospheric science from 4 p.m. Some programs require advance registration, and language accessibility varies.

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra performs Benjamin Britten's monumental War Requiem at the Municipal House Monday at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Lukáš Vasilek, the concert brings together the orchestra, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Czech Radio Children's Choir and three international soloists. The program opens with Arvo Pärt's meditative Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, creating an evening devoted to remembrance, peace and humanity.

The BOO International Short Film Festival returns Monday, bringing more than 100 short films, industry discussions and special events to Prague cinemas through Nov. 8. The second edition features international competition programs, animation, family-friendly screenings and selections from the Cannes Film Festival. Monday's highlights include a free screening of Cannes Critics' Week shorts at Kino Ponrepo and an unusual evening cinema walk through Prague's streets.

FotoŠkoda Fest transforms the historic Langhans Palace into a meeting place for photography enthusiasts, with workshops and demonstrations running all week. Tuesday offers a particularly tempting session with photographer Sandra Wija, who teaches participants how to capture desserts using professional lighting and composition techniques. The 90-minute food-photography workshops begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with separate registration costing CZK 650.

British rock band Razorlight returns to Prague Tuesday with a concert at Roxy celebrating two decades of its breakthrough success. Led by frontman Johnny Borrell, the band helped define the British indie-rock sound of the 2000s with hits including "America," "In the Morning" and "Golden Touch." Fellow British rockers The K's provide support, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and tickets starting at CZK 660.

Lenka Vagnerová & Company brings Apartment 24 to ARCHA+ Tuesday at 9 p.m. The contemporary dance production uses movement, theatrical imagery and physical performance to explore the relationships and tensions that emerge within shared spaces. Listed by the venue as English-friendly, the performance offers a more experimental alternative to conventional theater.

Award-winning British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé returns to Prague Tuesday for a concert at O2 universum, performing favorites including "Next to Me," "Read All About It," "Heaven" and "Clown." Sandé will be joined by special guest ADONXS, who represented Czechia at Eurovision 2025. A special two-for-one ticket offer is available through Ticketmaster using the code JARO for a 50 percent discount when purchasing two tickets.

English Premier League giants Arsenal visit Fortuna Arena Wednesday for a UEFA Champions League clash against Slavia Prague. The match kicks off at 9 p.m., bringing one of European football's biggest clubs to the Czech capital. Tickets are being sold through Slavia's official channels, with purchases limited to verified club accounts. Even for neutral supporters, the match promises one of the week's biggest sporting occasions.

The Přelet nad loutkářským hnízdem festival opens Wednesday, celebrating the creativity and traditions of Czech puppet theater. The 36th edition brings performances, workshops and discussions to venues including Alfred ve dvoře and Divadlo Minor through Sunday. Wednesday's opening program features productions for children and adults, from imaginative puppet adventures to experimental performances exploring contemporary themes. Most productions are in Czech, but the visual storytelling has broader appeal.

Prague Music Week begins Wednesday at Výstaviště, bringing together musicians, producers, promoters and industry professionals for three days of concerts, workshops and discussions. This year's theme, Women Shaping the Industry, highlights the role of women in contemporary music, while the program also explores artificial intelligence, digital marketing and new approaches to live entertainment. Several sessions are held in English, and the event continues through Friday.

Holešovice Market transforms into a colorful celebration of Día de Muertos Thursday, bringing Mexican food, music, traditions and family entertainment to Prague. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with food stalls serving tacos, quesadillas, churros and traditional drinks. A Mexican market, mariachi musicians, a parade and a traditional ofrenda altar add to the atmosphere, while a special children's carnival offers crafts, dancing and games. The food market and most activities are free, with the children's program costing CZK 100 per person.

The Vrtba Garden opens for a rare evening event Thursday, allowing visitors to explore its Baroque terraces after dark. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., special lighting will illuminate the sculptures, staircases and architectural details of the historic garden, creating dramatic views over Malá Strana and Prague Castle. Normally closed to visitors at night, the garden offers an especially atmospheric setting for an autumn evening.

The Mezipatra Queer Film Festival opens its 27th edition Thursday, bringing contemporary LGBTQ+ films, documentaries, discussions and parties to Prague cinemas through Nov. 12. Kino Lucerna hosts the opening ceremony and screening, followed by a festival party at Café Lucerna. The program includes international features, shorts and filmmaker discussions, with English-friendly screenings throughout the festival.

The National Ballet presents Who Cares? at the State Opera Thursday at 7 p.m. The double bill celebrates George Balanchine, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, through his Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet and Who Cares? The latter uses music by George Gershwin to evoke the energy and glamour of New York. The performance runs approximately one hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission, and is accessible without knowledge of Czech.

Roxy and Galerie NoD launch the 19th edition of Roxy Visuals – Contemporary Art at Night Thursday, turning the legendary Prague club into a gallery of site-specific installations. The free evening begins at Galerie NoD at 7 p.m. with a live painting performance and a concert by hardcore band SCOOP, before moving downstairs to Roxy for the exhibition opening at 8:30 p.m. Featured artists include Vladimír 518, Vladimír Skrepl and Epos 257.

Whisky Life! Prague returns to New Town Hall Friday for its 13th edition, bringing hundreds of whiskies from around the world to the historic venue on Karlovo náměstí. Visitors can sample more than 400 varieties, including rare bottles and new releases, while exploring different styles through guided tastings and conversations with whisky specialists. The festival runs Friday and Saturday, with opportunities for both experienced enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

Czech painter Klára Sedlo opens How to Wake Up From Nightmares – Jessica Fogbow's Guide at New Town Hall Friday. The exhibition presents more than 50 paintings, drawings, collages and installations exploring the imaginary world of Jessica Fogbow, the artist's fictional London-based psychic. Expect colorful, unsettling and occasionally humorous visions of demons, chaos and the end of the world. The exhibition runs through Nov. 29, with admission included in the CZK 100 ticket to the tower.

The international Doll Prague exhibition opens Friday at Palác Lucerna, bringing together artists and collectors specializing in handmade dolls, teddy bears, puppets and miniature artworks. The three-day event showcases intricate creations ranging from traditional collectible figures to contemporary sculptural pieces, with opportunities to meet makers and purchase original works. Friday's exhibition is open from noon to 7 p.m., with further visiting hours Saturday and Sunday.

MOON Club celebrates the start of November's nightlife calendar with its themed New Moon party Friday. The venue's distinctive moon-inspired interiors provide the setting for an evening of R&B, urban music and immersive lighting effects, with doors opening at 7 p.m. The event continues the following night, making it an option for those seeking a late-night party after the week's cultural events.