Prague’s top 13 weekend events: F1 thrills, Peruvian bao buns, and an emperor’s welcome

The Red Bull Showrun 2024 is set to take place on August 16-17 at Rohanské nábřeží in Prague 8. The event will showcase exhibition drives of an F1 single-seater along with other racing vehicles and motorcycles. Expected to attract 20,000 spectators, the event will feature a temporary fenced track for exhibition rides, mobile spectator stands, and a designated refreshment and restroom area called the hairdryer zone.

Immerse yourself in the dramatic backdrop of the Prague Spring and Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in the critically-acclaimed new film, Vlny, which had its world premiere at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this year. With an audience award already in tow, the film brings one of the most historic periods of Czech history to life in a story of heroism and the power of media, with director Jiří Mádl at the helm. You can watch it with English subtitles at Edison Filmhub and Kino Aero across the weekend.

Continue your Czech time-warp at Vyšehrad on Aug. 17, where a day-long event filled with ceremonial processions will commemorate the handover of the famous Prague park to the city in 1909-1919. The Welcome of Emperor Franz Josef I will take place in front of the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, followed by a concert by the CK Cadet Music, an equestrian performance by the Štvanci association, and more.

Take a cultural trip across the continent and partake in the Ukrainian Culture Festival at Cross Club on Aug. 18, where a packed program of food, drinks, music, art, workshops, fashion, and more await. Different zones will be set up to explore different facets of Ukrainian culture, running all day and into the evening.

A melting pot of poets, musicians, and artists will come together at Libeň cultural center Velký mlýn on Aug. 17 for the Letní Festival Liter Art: LA fiesta #2. While readings will be performed in Czech, a beautiful mix of Arabic music, violinists, and guitarists will put on a show that transcends language.

As the summer winds down, the Czech capital ushers in an end-of-season tradition: the Letní Letná new circus festival. This annual celebration of homegrown and international circus talent is set to wow audiences from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 in the lush Letenské sady park.

Australia is taking flight to Prague with a visitation of rare plants and exotic birds from the land down under. The Exhibition of Exotic Birds will be on display at the Botanical Garden of the Charles University Science Faculty or its 85th year. Competitive games, quizzes, and bird workshops will be running for children, with refreshments provided in the admission price.

Prague’s famous Pivovar Matuška has been brewing beers for 15 years, and is holding a series of celebrations - this weekend making a pit stop at Dva kohouti on Aug. 17. In the backyard of the Karlín brewery, over 20 types of beer will be flowing from the taps as DJs spin summer-y tunes. The highly-anticipated event will culminate in an evening concert.

Aug. 18 is Pinot Noir Day, and while the wine-growers celebrate around the world, Prague has its own unique offering with the Trojské Vinice sv. Clary’s key and most popular variety of the drink. The cultivation of Pinot Noir in Prague vineyards dates back to the time of Charles IV. At the Botanical Gardens, mini tastings of four samples of the traditional wine will be on offer, including Pinot Noir of the 2018, 2019, and 2021 vintages.

For a drink of the more soothing variety, the Čajomír Fest is bringing tea from all corners of the globe to Malá Lečica, less than 2 hours out of Prague. An eclectic mix of tea makers, musicians and samurai will come together for the festival, held outside of Prague for the first time in the valley of the Kocába river. The area holds cultural significance as one of the oldest tramp settlements in the Czech Republic.

Craving an expertly-made bao bun? In the garden of Dim Sum Spot Anděl, fluffy buns will be packed to the brim with grilled meat and juicy vegetables for the Bao Bun and Peruvian Barbeque on Aug. 17 and 18. Vegan options will be available.

Pleasure your taste buds with more global cuisine at the Summer Street Food festival on Smíchovská náplavka. Smíchovská embankment. Indonesian and African foods will be served up this Sunday, from fresh fish and burgers, to golden-fried donuts, and more.

The fortnightly Wine and Food Festival on Střelecký ostrov will return on Saturday and Sunday, with live music and plenty of fare to fill your belly. Craft beer from the Beránek brewery will also be available for tasting.