Open-air cinemas return to Prague for summer 2020 season

Following the lifting of most anti-coronavirus measures in the Czech Republic, along with some heavy rainstorms that have cancelled most outdoor events over the past weeks, open-air cinemas are returning to Prague as we head into summer 2020.

It’s still unknown, however, if patrons are ready to return to movie theaters – in enclosed spaces with close proximity to others – following the coronavirus pandemic. While most smaller cinemas have re-opened, crowd sizes have been low, and the Czech Republic’s largest multiplex chain, Cinema City, remains closed.

Given the outdoor locations, natural social distancing possibilities, and ability to consume refreshments, Prague’s open-air cinemas could be big hit this summer, and a viable alternative to traditional venues for many patrons.

Prague’s open-air summer cinema screenings are (of course) weather permitting, and likely to be cancelled in case of rain. Movies generally start at dusk, which is around 21:00-21:30 in June and July and 20:00-20:30 in August and September.

Here’s where to catch a movie under the stars in Prague this summer:

Prague 6 cultural hotspot Klubovna has resumed open-air summer screenings in recent weeks, with twice-weekly showtimes on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Prague’s “beachfront” venue by the Vltava river makes for an ideal locale to catch a movie under the stars; Žluté lázně requires a 50 CZK entry fee, but the films are screened for free.

The Smíchov branch of Prague’s popular foodie market screens a weekly outdoor film for free every Wednesday.

Prague 5 art space, event and cultural venue MeetFactory has resumed their annual outdoor summer cinema screenings for 2020.

Florenc hangout Kasárna Karlín has weekly open-air cinema screenings planned for Thursdays and Saturdays, but also check other dates. In case of inclement weather, screenings may be moved to an an indoor hall.

Every Wednesday, Prague’s French language and cultural institute is screening a free episode of the popular French series Call My Agent with English subtitles.

From June 29, Prague Public Transportation will resume weekday screenings around the outskirts of the city from their mobile Kinobus; keep an eye on the event schedule for dates and locations.

Pool & sauna venue Biotop Radotín introduced weekly open-air screenings in May, with hits like Aquaman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; future screenings TBA.

Unfortunately, some popular Prague summer cinemas have confirmed they will not be running in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis or other concerns; these include the boat terrace on U Bukanýra, Karlínské filmové léto by Radio Regina, Gauč ve Stromovce, the summer cinema at Střelecký ostrov, and the summer cinema on the roof of the Černý most shopping center.

Other Prague summer cinemas have yet to announce their opening dates and schedules, but are likely to do so in the coming weeks.

The above summer cinemas have confirmed their operation for 2020, but is not a complete list; have we missed any open-air cinemas in Prague for this year? Let us know in the comments below!