Two garden parties, one weekend: Prague’s summer social scene blossoms

This weekend, Prague’s garden party scene splits into two very different experiences: one steeped in historic elegance with food, wine, and live music at Prague Castle, the other a wild, offbeat celebration of meat-eating plants and carnivorous cuisine at the Botanical Garden.

No need to pick sides between baroque and burgers—both events promise plenty to chew on as Prague’s summer social calendar kicks into high gear.

When President Petr Pavel took office in 2023, he vowed to open up Prague Castle beyond its role as a seat of power, transforming it into a living symbol of civic life.

Since then, the Castle has reopened its deer moat, participated in the Signal Festival, and expanded public access to the Czech crown jewels. Last year’s inaugural Prague Castle Garden Party was a visible sign of this shift, drawing thousands for an open-air celebration.

This weekend, the festival returns with an expanded program of live music, food, and garden experiences across the Royal Gardens.

“Last year’s premiere was very well received, and we’re happy to see the festival becoming part of Prague’s summer cultural calendar,” said organizer Thomas Bouton.

From June 20–22, visitors can explore the lush Royal Gardens, including Queen Anne’s Summer Palace colonnade, the Singing Fountain, and the Belvedere terrace, which offers sweeping city views.

More than 30 food and drink stalls will line the gardens, offering everything from seafood and grilled meats to French pastries, empanadas, ice cream, and cider.

Vendors include Fransyr, Greek Delikatessy, Bistro Manquian, Klobáskárna, Santé, Château Šafaříkova, PrimeWine, and Oliviers & Co., alongside both boutique and well-known breweries.

Live music completes the experience, with performances ranging from flamenco (Flamenkeria) and jazz (Pragason) to swing (Sophia Lamos Swing Band). The highlight is a performance by the acclaimed choir Cancioneta Praga in the Summer Palace courtyard. The program also includes concerts and surprises for children.

The festival runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets cost 150 CZK per day; children under 15 enter free. A three-day pass is 350 CZK. Read more here.

For a garden party with a wild twist, head to Carnivorous, a weekend celebration of meat-eating plants and carnivore cuisine at the Prague Botanical Garden, tied to their annual exhibition of carnivorous flora.

The Carnivores: Deadly Lure exhibition showcases over 100 species of meat-eating plants from around the globe; think sticky sundews and swamp-dwelling bladderworts to towering pitcher plants that trap prey with nectar-filled deception.

“Carnivorous plants attract not only insects but also us, their observers and growers. They are biological curiosities and striking examples of adaptation to harsh environments,” says garden director Bohumil Černý.

The exhibition includes interactive panels and a plant sale, complete with expert advice for growing your own green predator at home. Families and plant enthusiasts can join free hourly guided tours (12 p.m.–6 p.m., leaving from the Exhibition Hall) or participate in creative workshops like making carnivorous plant terrariums. The Fata Morgana greenhouse and outdoor bog displays offer a chance to see resident carnivores thriving in natural settings.

Complementing the killer plants is a themed food festival for actual carnivores. Expect a feast of meat specialties—from hot dogs and grilled chickens to Hakl’s famous piglet, chili-spiced pastries, exotic langoustines, and low-carb desserts.

Beverage options include cocktails, lemonades, coffee, and locally brewed Muflon beer.

Live music keeps the atmosphere lively, with acoustic bands, jazz ensembles, and a headlining performance by František Nedvěd. Top Czech chefs from the Association of Chefs and Confectioners will also host cooking demos throughout the weekend.

Entry to the festival is included with standard Botanical Garden admission (CZK 150 online; CZK 180 on the spot). Read more here.