From Pilsen’s Liberation to a UNESCO-listed royal ride: the Czech Republic offers a stunning cultural calendar for May 2026.
Pilsen relives liberation with tanks and swing
From May 1 to 6, Pilsen becomes the historical heart of the Czech Republic. The Celebration of Freedom marks the anniversary of West Bohemia’s liberation by American forces, supported by the Belgian army, at the close of World War II. A grand military parade brings together hundreds of historic vehicles, tanks, and wartime equipment, alongside live demonstrations that transport visitors back to the 1940s.
The cultural program runs across multiple stages throughout the city, featuring swing bands evoking the sounds of the forties, contemporary music of various genres, themed exhibitions, and screenings of historical films and documentaries at the Czech Television Cinema Café. Family activities and guided tours of recreated historic military camps round out the experience.
Tropical butterflies take over Prague
In the capital, the Fata Morgana Greenhouse — part of the Prague Botanical Garden — hosts the exhibition Art of Survival: Tropical Butterflies through May 17. The 2026 theme explores how these fragile creatures have survived for millions of years on every continent except Antarctica. Open Tuesday through Sunday and on public holidays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ostrava raises a glass to four countries
On May 16, the National Agriculture Museum in Ostrava hosts the 9th Annual Ostrava Wine Festival, themed Ostrava Lives with Wine for 2026. From noon to 10 p.m., visitors can sample wines from Moravia, Austria, Georgia, and Portugal. At the Wine Gallery, professional tasters lead guided evaluations that teach guests how to assess each bottle with expert precision.
Regional Moravian-Silesian cuisine adds flavor to the event, with food stalls set up both indoors and outdoors. The entire festival is accompanied by a live dulcimer band, a regional folk ensemble, and performances by young Czech musicians. The venue is located at Vítkovice 3033, in the Vítkovice district of Ostrava.
Karlovy Vary runs through living history
Also on May 16, the elegant spa town of Karlovy Vary — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — hosts the Mattoni Half Marathon Festival 2026. Part of the RunCzech League, the race is celebrated for its scenic route passing the city’s most iconic historic landmarks. Events include the half marathon (21.0975 km), relay race, the 10 km Varyáda, Family Mile, and children’s races. Start and finish lines are near the Hotel Thermal, with live music and entertainment along the course.
Vlčnov’s king who must not speak
May closes with a one-of-a-kind spectacle: on the 30th and 31st, the small village of Vlčnov, near Uherské Hradiště in the Zlín district, hosts The Ride of the Kings. This two-century-old tradition is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At its heart is the parade of the future king — a boy aged 10 to 12, dressed in women’s clothing and holding a rose in his mouth to symbolize innocence — accompanied by an escort of unmarried young men under 18, known in legend as legruts.
The festivities fill the streets and the village amphitheater, with folk groups, traditional craft fairs, and stalls offering local dishes and wines. The area is also internationally renowned for its white wines, including Zahrada Věžky and Floria Kroměříž, which give Vlčnov global recognition well beyond its folklore.
Event Info
- Celebration of Freedom — May 1–6 | Pilsen, various venues | https://lnk.sk/aaj78
- Art of Survival: Tropical Butterflies — May 1–17 | Fata Morgana Greenhouse, Prague Botanical Garden | Tue–Sun & holidays, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | https://lnk.sk/hmsjx
- 9th Annual Ostrava Wine Festival — May 16 | National Agriculture Museum, Vítkovice 3033, Ostrava | Noon–10 p.m. | https://lnk.sk/avyqz
- Mattoni Half Marathon Festival 2026 — May 16 | Karlovy Vary, start near Hotel Thermal | https://lnk.sk/mszg3
- The Ride of the Kings — May 30–31 | Village of Vlčnov, near Uherské Hradiště, Zlín district | https://lnk.sk/delb9
- More information: visitczechia.com | destinochequia.com
