Ahoj, Monday! 5 things you need to know this week in Czechia

The Perseid meteor shower, active from July 17 to Aug. 24, will peak on the nights of Aug. 12-13, offering up to 80 meteors per hour in optimal conditions. Observers should head to dark, rural areas away from city lights for the best viewing experience, as the Moon will be in its first quarter and set early in the night. This year's shower will be complemented by a rare conjunction of Jupiter and Mars. Ideal viewing times are between midnight and 4 a.m., when meteors will be most visible. Favorable weather conditions, with clear skies, are in the forecast in Czechia.

Director Jiří Mádl's new film Vlny (Waves), a political thriller set during the Warsaw Pact Invasion of Czechoslovakia, opens on Aug. 15 to coincide with the 55th anniversary of the events it depicts. The film immerses viewers in 1960s Prague, highlighting student revolts and rock and roll. In the Czechoslovak Radio newsroom, led by Milan Weiner, young Tomáš navigates the dangers of secret services. You can catch the movie with English subtitles at Kino Světozor and Edison Filmhub in Prague.

With summer slowly winding down, it’s time to stock up on big-name retailers’ enticing end-of-season deals. Summer sales in Czechia typically reach a fever pitch in August with discounts reaching up to 70 percent (make sure, however, that that deal is legit!). Now is the time to hit the shops for everything from camping gear and luggage to shorts, sandals, and swimwear. Fashion Arena Prague Outlet holds its Final Summer Sales from Aug. 15-18.

The annual Letní Letná festival will feature two Czech premieres and celebrate the anniversaries of Cirk La Putyka and Losers Cirque Company from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 in Prague. Highlights include La Putyka’s legendary show and Losers’ unique edition performance. New acts by Jan Jirák and Ivana Kolcunová will debut. The festival also offers a family program and free open-air shows.

On Aug. 17, the Red Bull Showrun will transform Prague’s Rohanské nábřeží into a motorsports arena. This event will showcase Red Bull Racing’s 2011 RB7 Formula 1 car, driven by past champions, and feature drifting exhibitions by the Driftbrothers with their 1,000-horsepower BMWs. Renowned stuntman Arūnas Gibieža will perform with his KTM 990 DUKE, including wheelies and burnouts. The show, presented by foodora, promises high-octane excitement and performances.