Discover the Flavors of Czech Cuisine: A Guide to Festivals and Culinary Delights!

Experience Regional Specialties

Gastronomic festivals in various regions typically highlight one local delicacy that exemplifies the area’s culinary traditions. For instance, in Ivančice, located in Moravia, you can partake in the annual Asparagus and Wine Festival (16–18 May), which celebrates a rich history of asparagus cultivation. Attendees can enjoy a variety of delectable asparagus dishes paired with exquisite wines. This festival also features an engaging cooking demonstration along with a vibrant cultural program.

Another delightful culinary event can be found in Borovany, nestled in Southern Bohemia. The region hosts the celebrated Borůvkobraní festival (12-13 July), where the enticing aroma of treats made from blueberries fills the air. The local monastery grounds are turned into a craft fair, showcasing unique traditional products that you won’t find anywhere else.

In the renowned town of Znojmo, also located in southeastern Moravia, you can experience the famous Cucumber Festival (1 August). This annual event features farmers’ markets along with captivating cooking demonstrations. For those with a taste for something stronger, the Trnkobraní festival (22-24 August) is a must-visit. Set in the picturesque Moravian town of Vizovice at the Rudolf Jelínek Liqueur Company, this festival celebrates the production of slivovice. You can indulge in plum-based specialties ranging from dumplings and pies to the spirited slivovice itself.

For meat enthusiasts, don’t miss the Goose Festival held in the charming Moravian town of Boskovice (27–28 September). This event pays homage to the historical fame of Boskovice geese, which were once served at the tables of Austrian emperors in Vienna. Throughout the weekend, local eateries will present an array of mouthwatering goose dishes, and the local chateau’s greenhouse will transform into an expansive dining venue.

Must-Attend Food and Drink Festivals

The highly anticipated festival that delights all food lovers is making its return! This year, the Fresh Festival welcomes visitors in Plzeň (24–25 May), Brno (25-26 May), and Pardubice (21–22 June), showcasing culinary talents and the latest trends in gastronomy! The Gastronomic Festival of M. D. Rettigová (24–25 May) takes place in Litomyšl to honor the famed author of the first Czech cookbooks. To this day, the traditional dishes inspired by her recipes grace the tables of Czech homes and restaurants. If you’re eager to explore a distinctive region of the Czech Republic, be sure to attend the Chodsko Festivities (8–10 August) in Domažlice, located in Western Bohemia.

Beer Festivals That Are Unmissable

To fully immerse yourself in Czech culture, tasting our beer—our golden nectar—is essential. Beer festivals provide the perfect opportunity to sample this cherished drink. Each large brewery traditionally hosts a festival at least once a year. What can you expect at these events? Delightful beer choices, specialty beer-infused dishes featuring various grilled meats and cheeses, and live musical performances along with surprise activities to entertain guests.

For instance, the Bernard Fest (19–21 June) takes place in Humpolec, nestled in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Then there’s the CLOCK/DAYS (25-26 July) in the eastern Bohemian village of Potštejn, not to mention the iconic Radegast Day (August) at the Radegast Brewery in Nošovice. These events not only feature delicious beer and food but also include captivating cultural and musical programs to enrich your festival experience.

Another highlight is the Dočesná which takes place in Žatec (5–6 September). This event fuses the elements of both a beer festival and a music festival. The town, renowned for being the birthplace of the highest-quality hop variety, offers a rich musical line-up alongside tastings of over 100 different beer varieties.

If you crave the best of several breweries in one spot, head to Karlín in Prague, where you can indulge in the Beer & Burger Festival (18 May). This event showcases local craft breweries from Bohemia and Moravia, complemented by delicious burgers. Finally, don’t miss the Minibrewery Festival (13-14 June) at the illustrious Prague Castle. It features the top 66 Czech and Moravian minibreweries along with three international guests, making it a highlight in the Czech festival calendar.

Explore Wine-Centric Destinations

The finest wines in the Czech Republic are predominantly cultivated in Moravia. The vintage season is traditionally celebrated in autumn, marking the conclusion of grape harvesting before the first frost sets in. Southern Moravia transforms into a vibrant wine haven throughout September and part of October! The Znojmo Vintage (12-14 September) is especially popular, filling the historic center of Znojmo with spirited festivities.

The Pálava Vintage (12–14 September) in Mikulov promises not only delightful local wine but also an engaging program filled with folklore and history. The main hall of Mikulov Castle hosts the prestigious exhibition of the National Wine Contest, where you can sample over 500 varieties of white, rosé, and red wines from the Mikulov Wine Subregion.

If your travels bring you to Prague on the weekend of 13–14 September, don’t miss the Troja Vintage at the St Clara vineyard within the Botanical Garden. Celebrations will present local wines and burčák, a lightly fermented grape must, for guests to taste.

In Český Krumlov, located in Southern Bohemia, the Wine Festival (3 October – 22 November) celebrates both Czech and international wines as well as local culinary specialties against the backdrop of this stunningly picturesque town.

Finally, we invite you to attend the remarkable Festival Mezi sklepy (20–21 June) in Mutěnice, southern Moravia. This unique experience opens up around 40 wine cellars to the public, allowing visitors to taste wines directly from their casks, ensuring they are at the ideal temperature and imbued with exceptional flavor.