What to do this weekend in Prague: Best events for May 23–25

Celebrate the 90th birthday of renowned Czech photographer Jan Saudek at the 'Destiny' exhibition. This retrospective showcases Saudek's iconic photographs, album covers, and, for the first time, his bronze reliefs that reflect on themes of time, desire, and beauty. Visitors can also view a selection of his paintings and purchase limited-edition signed catalogs.

Immerse yourself in Latin American culture at the 12th annual Merkádo Festival. This free-entry event features over 50 stalls offering authentic crafts, textiles, and culinary delights from countries like Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Enjoy traditional dishes such as Argentine parrilla, Colombian empanadas, and Peruvian anticuchos, complemented by regional drinks like mezcal, cachaça, and South American wines. The festival also includes live music, dance performances, a salsa party, and family-friendly activities including piñatas and creative workshops.

Get ready for an unforgettable daytime rave at Komiks Open Air on Saturday, set in the lush gardens of Veleslavín Chateau. The event features three distinct stages: the Komiks Stage with house music under a psychedelic tree canopy, the Sanatorium Stage offering techno and acid beats in an abandoned sanatorium, and the Barn Stage showcasing UK garage, grime, and rap in a rustic wooden shed. Headliners include Berlin's Alex Kassian, Czech favorites Fatty M and PSJ, and a live set by Issa Me Mario & Humla. An afterparty kicks off at 10:00 p.m. at Altenburg, featuring an international headliner and a lineup of DJs to keep the energy going.

The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship final is set for Sunday, and Prague offers several vibrant venues for fans to catch the action. Riegrovy Sady's fan zone features two five-meter screens, enhanced sound, and appearances by Czech hockey legend Jakub Voráček. In Karlín, Rohan Island transforms into a mega fan zone with three large LED screens, 13 beer taps, and a spacious tented area. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Žluté lázně in Podolí offers free, first-come, first-served seating by the riverside. If the Czech team reaches the final, a large screen will be set up in Old Town Square to broadcast the game.

Experience the pre-premiere of Bolero, a captivating biographical drama directed by Anne Fontaine, at Edison Filmhub this weekend. Set in 1928 Paris, the film follows choreographer Ida Rubinstein as she commissions composer Maurice Ravel to create a bold and sensual ballet score. Struggling with inspiration, Ravel revisits his past, leading to the creation of his masterpiece, Bolero. The screening has Czech and English subtitles.

Experience the vibrant culture of Israel at the third annual Izrael na Vltavě festival on Sunday at Štvanice Island in Prague. This free, family-friendly event offers a rich program featuring Israeli music, dance, workshops, and culinary delights. Highlights include performances by the Lauder School Choir and Dance Group, a traditional Israeli dance workshop by Besamim, a Krav Maga demonstration, and concerts by Israeli Prague Allstars, DUO Flora, and Quarter to Africa. Enjoy authentic Israeli cuisine, play traditional games like matkot and backgammon, and relax in the picnic zones.

Celebrate Children's Day at Prague Castle on Saturday, with a day full of fun and educational activities in the Royal Garden and Deer Moat. Organized by children's clubs and non-profit organizations, the event features interactive stations where kids can explore traditional crafts, enjoy fairy tale theatre performances, and meet historical figures like Emperor Rudolf II. Highlights include vintage wooden carousels, sausage roasting, and a chance to see the Castle Guard's equipment up close.

On Friday, Prague will host the 17th annual Night of Churches (Noc kostelů), a citywide event where over 7,300 programs will take place across more than 1,800 churches and sacred spaces throughout the Czech Republic. In Prague, visitors can explore historic churches, chapels, and monasteries after hours, enjoying free concerts, guided tours, silent meditations, and exhibitions. Highlights include an organ and soprano concert at St. Giles Church and a candlelit tour of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows.