What to do this weekend in Prague: Best events for May 1–4

The National Gallery Prague invites you into a poignant exploration of history and nature, seen through the eyes of Lenka, Czechoslovakia's first giraffe. Captured in Kenya in 1954 and brought to Prague, Lenka's journey continues to resonate, now through sound, sculpture, and storytelling. This exhibit, on display until July, brings her fragmented afterlife into vivid focus, allowing us to reflect on her story and reconsider our relationship with the natural world.

Eat pasta, run fasta! Whether you’re celebrating your Prague Marathon finish or just craving carbs after a morning of cheering, Sugo Pasta Bar is throwing a Pasta (After)Party with a 20 percent discount on all bills—no medal required. Enjoy fresh pasta, tiramisu, natural wines, and negronis on their sunny outdoor terrace, all soundtracked by a live DJ.

Things are heating up at Cross Club! The second annual Red Hot Chili Festival returns with the latest in peppers, fiery products, and bold flavors. Explore everything from chili seedlings and sauces to mouth-watering food stalls. With tastings, competitions, and a fun-filled program, it’s the perfect event to spice up your weekend.

Ready for three full days of music at Prague's largest music festival? Over 100 Czech and European music artists will hit the stage across Štvanice Island and surrounding neighborhood venues in Karlín and Holešovice. In addition to diverse music performances, this entirely free festival will also host engaging workshops, lectures, live podcasts, and sports activities. Don't miss the highlight of Friday’s program, the Symphony for Humanity concert, which is dedicated to opposing xenophobia and celebrating unity.

Get lost in the soundscapes of shoegaze pioneers Ride, who return to Prague with their signature hypnotic guitars, layered vocals, and '90s nostalgia. Celebrating the release of their latest album "Interplay," expect a setlist that blends new sonic experiments with iconic tracks like "Vapour Trail" and "Leave Them All Behind."

Also at Lucerna Music Bar this weekend is the beloved cult favorite, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, who bring their trademark mix of dreamy psychedelia and raw, rebellious energy to Prague. Led by the ever-unpredictable Anton Newcombe, their live shows are legendary for being wild and full of surprises.

It’s opening weekend for Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz thanks to its all-star cast (featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell) and its dark-for-Disney storyline. The film follows a ragtag group of antiheroes who must team up for a high-stakes mission, facing off against their pasts while grappling with their unlikely alliance.

If you’re looking for something romantic to do on Labor Day, which is also Lovers Day, swap cherry blossoms for chilled rosé at the vineyard below Prague Castle. The annual Rosé Wine Festival at Villa Richter features over 100 Czech and Moravian rosé wines, including sparkling varieties, with 20 wineries pouring tastings all day. Whether you're toasting with someone special or simply treating yourself, sip, savor, and soak up panoramic views in one of the city’s most beautiful springtime settings.

One of the largest European open-air vegan festivals will take over Náplavka this Labor Day. This bi-annual market features a wide variety of plant-based delicacies, eco-conscious products, and animal-friendly brands. Explore live tastings, discover new vegan brands, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere filled with diverse food options and sustainable lifestyle offerings.

Butterflies are back at the Prague Botanical Gardens, but not for too much longer! You have one more month to see the Butterflies: The Magic of Attraction exhibition at the Fata Morgana greenhouse. While here, surrounded yourself with hundreds of vibrant tropical and European butterfly species and explore the accompanying exhibit, Secrets of Butterfly Life, where you can learn about butterfly anatomy and more. Plus, weekend creative workshops, perfect for all ages, will let your imagination take flight with butterfly-inspired crafts.

Marathon season is in full swing. But you don’t have to be one of the 10,000 runners racing this Sunday for the 30th ORLEN Prague Marathon to get in on the action. Before race day, check out the Marathon Expo. Explore the latest in sports gear, nutrition, and recovery products from top brands, like Adidas, Garmin, and Vidix. Once you’ve stocked up on gear and expert advice, stake out your spot to watch the fastest elites and friends complete this World Athletics Elite labelled road race through Prague’s historic center.