Karlovy Vary Kicks Off Spa Season

The charming city of Karlovy Vary will kick off its 667th spa season on the first weekend of May! From 2 to 4 May 2025, the entire city will be buzzing with excitement for one of the most significant cultural and social events, known as the opening of the 2025 spa season. A vibrant and diverse cultural programme has been organized for both residents and visitors, featuring many distinguished guests from various parts of the globe. Throughout the streets, parks, colonnades, and spa forests, you will encounter musicians, theatre performers, and other artists. Attendees can look forward to the traditional customs that have been a staple of the spa season’s opening for many years, including the blessing of the springs and a formal mass, as well as a procession honoring Charles IV. (scheduled for Saturday at 15:00, starting from the Charles IV Gardens to the Mill Colonnade) and a historical market.

The traditional ceremony called Blessing of the Karlovy Vary Springs will be held on Saturday, starting at 10:00 AM. Smetana’s Gardens and T.G. Masaryk Street will be transformed into a lively craft fair, featuring historical attractions and creative workshops for children. Some star-studded performers and popular hits will entertain on the stage at Smetana Sady. This year’s lineup will include the concert of the artist Lenny, Inflagranti, Roman Vojtek, Martina Pártlová with her band, Kateřina Bodláková & MD Company; Dixieland Planá, and the Gala concert of colonnade melodies performed by the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra’s repertoire.

Open Exhibitions of Karlovy Vary Monuments

Alongside the cultural and social festivities, residents and visitors to Karlovy Vary can take advantage of tours of the exhibitions and permanent displays showcased in the city’s various monuments and museums. The Karlovy Vary Museum invites you to explore the Musical Instruments of the Karlovy Vary Region exhibition, which features historical string, wind, and percussion instruments dating from the 18th to the 20th century. This exhibition includes not only commonly used instruments but also unique curiosities and music-related artifacts. The imaginative presentation titled Springs of Life highlights the rich history of the long-forgotten Sucher family, displayed in the Becher Villa. Furthermore, the new permanent exhibition, Seven Decades, at the Karlovy Vary Art Gallery (1953 – 2023), showcases the extensive collections of 20th-century Czech art, featuring works from notable Czech modernists and contemporary artists—e.g., A. Slavíček, J. Preisler, J. Trampota, J. Zrzavý, J. Čapek, E. Filla, J. Šíma, M. Medek, V. Boštík, K. Nepraš, M. Rittstein, Z. Sýkora, K. Malich, F. Skála, J. Róna, among others.

Don’t miss the beautifully restored Imperial Baths! There will be a family-friendly experiential tour for children and parents available (on May 3 and 4 at 10:00 AM), an exhibition titled Through the Imperial Baths that tells the story of luxury designed for prestigious spa guests, as well as displays on “Great Spa Towns of Europe“. The Karlovy Vary Museum, Castle Tower, Vřídla Underground, Papilonia Butterfly House, and the famous Moser Glassworks are all ready to welcome you.

The first weekend in May 2025 in Karlovy Vary invites you to celebrate the opening of the 667th spa season. A rich cultural and social agenda awaits, alongside a range of sightseeing opportunities.

Opening Weekend

This year’s spa season will be inaugurated from May 2 to May 4, 2025. Join the festivities and be among the first to experience the city’s time-honored spa traditions.

Inaugural Celebration Highlights

• A vibrant cultural programme featuring historical costumes and live music

• Traditional blessing of the springs

• Festive historical fairs

• A grand parade honoring Charles IV’s retinue

• Lively concerts by renowned artists

• Experiential tours and activities designed for children and families

Sightseeing & Attractions

During your stay, take the opportunity to explore:

• The city’s museums and art galleries

• The Papilonia Butterfly House

• The famed Moser Glassworks