Discover the Flavors of Czech Cuisine: Your Ultimate Guide to Festivals and Local Delicacies!

Discover Regional Specialties

Local gastronomic festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate specific dishes that are emblematic of various regions. For instance, in Ivančice, located in Moravia, the age-old tradition of asparagus cultivation is honored annually at the Asparagus and Wine Festival (16–18 May). Here, you can indulge in scrumptious asparagus dishes paired with delectable wines. The festival also features a captivating cooking demonstration and a variety of cultural events.

In Borovany, situated in Southern Bohemia, the vibrant gastronomic and cultural festival known as Borůvkobraní (12-13 July) draws visitors eager to enjoy treats made from bilberries, complemented by a craft fair that showcases unique local products you won’t find anywhere else.

Another noteworthy celebration occurs in Znojmo, in southern Moravia, where they are celebrated for their cucumbers. The annual Cucumber Festival (1 August) features lively farmers’ markets and cooking demonstrations.

For those who appreciate something a bit more spirited, the Trnkobraní festival (22-24 August) is not to be missed. This event takes place at the renowned Rudolf Jelínek Liqueur Company in Vizovice, a town famous for its slivovice (plum brandy). This weekend, plums will take center stage, appearing in dumplings, pies, and in the much-loved slivovice itself.

Lastly, for meat enthusiasts, we recommend the Goose Festival held in the Moravian town of Boskovice (27–28 September). This festival celebrates the historic reputation of Boskovice geese, which were once served at tables in Vienna for Austrian emperors. Over the weekend, local eateries will showcase a variety of goose dishes, and the town’s chateau greenhouse will transform into a large dining venue.

Highlights of Food and Drink Festivals

Excitement is in the air as the popular festival catering to food lovers is returning after a year-long hiatus! This year, the Fresh Festival will unfold in Plzeň (24–25 May), Brno (31 May- 1 June), and Pardubice (21–22 June) showcasing renowned culinary stars and the latest trends in gastronomy.

The Gastronomic Festival of M. D. Rettigová (24–25 May) takes place regularly in Litomyšl, honoring the author of the first Czech cookbooks. Her recipes are still cherished and replicated in many Czech households and restaurants.

For a unique experience, don’t miss the Chodsko Festivities (8–10 August) in Domažlice, located in Western Bohemia.

Must-Visit Beer Festivals

To truly understand Czechia, sampling our world-renowned beer—a golden treasure of which we are immensely proud—is essential. Beer festivals provide an excellent opportunity to savor this beloved beverage. Each sizable brewery typically hosts its own festival annually. What can you expect? A delightful array of beers, gourmet grilled meats, and cheeses, all set to the backdrop of musical performances and unexpected delights.

Consider visiting the Bernard Fest (19–21 June) in Humpolec, nestled in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, the CLOCK/DAYS (25-26 July) in the Eastern Bohemian village of Potštejn, or the Radegast Day (August) at the Radegast Brewery in Nošovice. These events not only highlight beer and food but also boast a wonderful lineup of cultural and musical entertainment.

Another exciting event is the Dočesná festival in Žatec (5–6 September), combining the best elements of both beer and music festivals. This town, renowned for its superior hop variety, has planned an exquisite musical program alongside tastings of over 100 beer styles.

If you’re keen on sampling the finest brews all in one location, the Beer & Burger Festival (18 May) in Karlín, Prague will feature a display from various craft breweries, complemented by scrumptious burgers. Lastly, don’t miss the Minibrewery Festival (13-14 June) at Prague Castle, a highlight featuring 66 top Czech and Moravian minibreweries along with three from abroad.

Explore Wine-Centric Destinations

The finest wines in the Czech Republic primarily originate from Moravia. Wine harvest time is traditionally celebrated in autumn, marking the completion of grape picking before the first frost. Southern Moravia becomes a hub of wine activity throughout September and part of October! One beloved event is the Znojmo Vintage (12-14 September), which transforms the historic center of Znojmo into a lively celebration.

Another significant event is the Pálava Vintage (12–14 September) in Mikulov, where visitors can enjoy not only exquisite local wines but also a rich program filled with folklore and historical performances. The prestigious National Wine Contest exhibition takes place at Mikulov Castle, showcasing more than 500 samples of white, rosé, and red wines sourced from the Mikulov Wine Subregion.

If your travels lead you to Prague during the weekend of 13–14 September, make sure to attend the Troja Vintage at St. Clara vineyard in the Botanical Garden. This event will showcase local wine, along with visits to wine cellars, where you can indulge in tastings of wine and burčák, a fresh, partially fermented grape must.

In southern Bohemia, specifically in Český Krumlov, the Wine Festival (3 October – 22 November) showcases both Czech and international wines alongside local culinary delights, all set in the stunning scenery of this historic town.

Additionally, we cordially invite you to a unique celebration—the Festival Mezi sklepy (20–21 June) in Mutěnice, Southern Moravia. This event opens up around 40 wine cellars that are seldom accessible to the public, giving attendees the exceptional chance to taste wines among the barrels where they are best stored and tasting at the optimal temperature.