Castle jazz, horror cinema, and Shakespeare: Prague's July culture fix

July in Prague is all about supporting the arts in the great outdoors: open-air film, concerts, and even Shakespeare bring a burst of summertime energy to scenic stages and screens. Meanwhile the official echoes of the annual Karlovy Vary Film festival hits Pragues cinemas for thos who can't make it the famed spa town this summer. Music fans are forced to choose between pioneers of the folk and new wave scenes, and taste, see, and hear French culture at Kampa's highly anticipated week-long Bastille Day celebrations.

The Galerie Magnus Art presents an exhibition of contemporary glass artist and designer Rony Plesl, showcasing a private collection that intertwines his own striking glass works with pieces from his personal collection. Known for shaping Czech glass design, from iconic everyday objects to large-scale sculptural works shown internationally in places like Venice and London. (Through Aug. 18)

A new exhibition just launched at the beautiful and intimate Josef Sudek Gallery near Hradčany. Josef Sudek: Iron, Steel Machine explores the famed Czech photographer deep interest and depiction of some of the simplest and most mundane photographic objects elevated, through his work, to the rank of art. Josef Sudek Gallery (June 27-Oct. 4).

The DOX Center for Contemporary Art presents a little gem of an exhibition with Radka Bodzwezicz: FAUST an extensive painting cycle of the young Czech artist inspired by Goethe's very own Doctor Faust. DOX Center for Contemporary Art (June 19-Nov. 8).

Bohemia Jazz Fest 2026 returns to the Royal Garden of Pražský hrad on July 14, transforming one of Prague’s most iconic historic settings into an open-air stage for a full evening of world-class jazz. The Prague edition culminates in a performance by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, all offered free of charge in a relaxed summer atmosphere under the open sky.

From June 30 to Sept. 1, 2026, leading organists from Czechia and abroad take the bench for this summer series (in Czech Svatovítské varhanní večery) that fills the cathedral's monumental interior with masterworks of organ music, marking its 15th edition with a milestone: the long-anticipated new cathedral organ debuts for the first time, adding a fresh sonic dimension to these atmospheric evening concerts on the grounds of Prague Castle.

A procession of music and dance ensembles groups from across Europe, Asia, and Africa fill the streets of Prague's Old Town with folk rhythms, costumes, and live orchestral energy, turning the historic center into a living, breathing stage. The traditional folklore festival is the largest folk dance event in Central Europe. (July 17-18)

A special evening of classical music brings together Ukrainian and Central European traditions in a powerful concert by the Kyiv Camerata ensemble. Presented in the historic setting of Betlémská kaple on July 28 the program weaves works by Ukrainian composers with music by Antonín Dvořák, creating a cross-cultural dialogue that spans time and region.

Brings a curated selection of standout films from the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival to audiences in Prague and Brno. From July 13–19, 2026, catch award-winning and audience-favourite titles as part of the festival’s official echoes, screening at Prague’s Aero Cinema, Světozor Cinema, and Přítomnost Cinema, as well as Brno’s Scala Summer Cinema Janáček.

For the very first year, Edison Filmhub has prepared a special cycle of horror movies - old and new this July bound to appeal to the fans and enthusiasts of the genre. Exit 8, Backrooms, Suspiria, Nope and much more. Come to the boutique cinema to beat the heat with cold drinks and hot scares at the end of the month. Edison Filmhub (July 24-26).

The darling Canadian superstar of world cinema is getting his very own summer cycle at Bio Oko. Every Tuesday from now on until early September, the Letna-based cinema will screen some of Keanu Reeves' most iconic roles and movies, including Point Break, My Own Private Idaho, The Matrix, Dangerous Liaisons, Devil's Advocate and Constantine. Bio Oko (June 30-Sept. 1).

Running for more than 35 years, the Summer Shakespeare Festival brings two English-language performances to Prague Castle this year.

For the Prague Shakespeare Company premiere of Twelfth Night (July 18), a tale of shipwrecks, twins, mistaken identities and love, directors Guy Roberts and Kiara Pipinová have cast multi-national group of actors including American actress Jessica Boone, who will also play Countess Olivia and can also be seen in As You Like It (July 17).

Beyond these performances, there's still plenty of Shakespeare on other summer stages. The Prague Shakespeare Company will continue performing throughout July and August at venues across the city, including Divadlo Bez Zábradlí, Divadlo Na Prádle, and Kampa Park.

A year to celebrate. For the first time since it launched in 2009, the Creepy Teepee alternative and independent music festival is moving from Kutná Hora to Prague with an impressive line-up from all around the world. Štvanice island will definitely be the place to be next weekend. Ostrov Štvanice (July 10-12).

The 18th annual Za dveřmi street theater festival is taking place in two weeks with skillful and goofy performances planned throughout the week on Mariánské Squaure and the Exhibition Grounds. Free entry for all, the talent and good vibes are always there. Multiple locations (July 14-19).

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk return to Prague bringing their signature 3D audiovisual performance to the Forum Karlín. Known for redefining modern music through a precise fusion of man and machine, the group presents a “Gesamtkunstwerk” live experience where electronic soundscapes, robotic aesthetics, and synchronized digital visuals merge into a technically exact, immersive show (July 15).

Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega brings her Flying with Angels tour to Archa+, offering an intimate “up close” performance that spans her four-decade career alongside songs from her critically acclaimed 2025 album Flying with Angels. Known for her clear, emotionally precise storytelling and influential role in the folk revival (July 15).

Francophones and Francophiles from all walks of life will once again gather on Kampa square this month to celebrate Bastille Day and a shared love for anything and everthing French. With an accompanying program of live music and other performances, the French market is back for nearly a whole week to cater to our needs with wine, cheese, oysters, cider, croissants and much more. Kampa park (July 14-19).

Every year, cinema gets an open-air outing with multiple venues all around Prague curating a custom-made selection of screenings under the stars and the night sky. From Kasárna Karlin to MeetFactory, U Keplera or Kinská, visit our dedicated guide below to pick the best, most romantic or incongruous outdoor movie experiences this season. Multiple locations (all summer).