Prague’s top 10 weekend events: Signal Festival, pumpkins on display, and guilty-pleasure eats

Put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes and rug up this weekend as Prague hosts the 12th edition of the Signal Festival. From Oct. 10-13, the city will showcase 22 light installations along two major routes. For the first time, a route near Prague Castle will turn the historic landmark into a vibrant hub of contemporary art, featuring pieces by acclaimed Czech and international artists. The second route winds through Prague’s Old Town, where modern light displays merge with the city’s breathtaking architecture. Read more about how to make the most of Signal Festival here.

With its history of filmmaking and legacy of leveraging the press in the face of repression, the Czech Republic is the perfect destination for a festival dedicated to journalism in film. Press Play Prague is running from Oct. 8-12 at Kino Atlas, screening over 20 films and six feature-length and six short documentaries across two competition categories. Accompanied by five classic feature films centred around journalism—including the 1952 noir classic Deadline USA, starring Humphrey Bogart—the line-up includes Vigilantes Inc., an investigation into voter suppression in the U.S., and Trust Me, a discomfiting look into the manipulative tactics used on social media.

Film-lovers are treated to a second festival this weekend with the 13th Argentine Film Festival at Prague’s Lucerna Palace showcasing six feature films and two shorts, opening with Blackmail starring Guillermo Francella. The festival, held from Oct. 10-15, celebrates 100 years of diplomatic relations between Argentina and the Czech Republic and will be rounded off with tango performances and wine tastings.

With Halloween fast approaching, the Botanical Gardens are exhibiting a unique pumpkin display inspired by Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. From Oct. 11 to Nov. 3 you can view the colorfully decorated range of pumpkins and participate in creative workshops this Saturday and Sunday, in which children can craft paper masks and spooky collages.

As the approaching wintertime makes it harder and harder to haul yourself out of bed in the morning, caffeine addicts and lovers alike can stock their cupboards with the very best roasts on sale at the Prague Coffee Festival on Oct. 12 and 13. A ticket will grant you unlimited coffee tastings, access to lectures and workshops, and a rich food zone that can be washed down with a quality cup of joe, all at the Holešovice Market.

Pig out with pride at the aptly named Prasárna: Guilty Pleasure Food Festival at Cross Club this Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., lard, gluten, bacon, carbs, and all things gluttonous will be on offer outside the club in Holešovice. Overflowing chocolate fountains, philly cheese steaks, belgian fries, beef burritos, and so much more will certainly help you fatten up for winter!

For a completely different flavor of food fest taking place across the river, head to the Náplavka riverbank for the highly anticipated Veggie Náplavka on Sunday. Try the latest in plant-based gastronomy with expert commentary, including alternatives to plant-based ribs and tasty fermented nut cheeses.

The student-loved bar and club Chapeau Rouge is celebrating its whopping 105th birthday on Friday night, meaning the space will be packed out with bands, DJs, and special decorations. Spanning all three floors, you can look forward to free entry to rap, pop, alternative, techno, and house artists.

After more than 20 years since its closure due to devastating floods in 2002, Prague's iconic Spiral Theatre, rebranded as Nová Spirála (New Spiral), has reopened—and this weekend, a musical show called Resurrection Spiral will be taking to the stage. Tunes from hit musicals Jesus Christ Superstar and the Greatest Showman will entertain audiences on Saturday night in the newly renovated space.

One of the biggest fashion outlets in Prague is celebrating their 17th anniversary with a series of events from Oct. 11 to 13, including a live baking show with master pastry chef Josef Maršálek, live music, stilt walkers, and—of course—discounts on luxury brands. Head to Fashion Arena Prague Outlet in Štěrboholy to make the most of the offers.