This weekend in Prague: Check out spring fashion and design markets

Focus on the essential|The retrospective Jitka Svobodová: Beyond the Edge of the Visible opens on April 14 at GHMP, where it is open to the public until August 20. In her paintings and drawings, the renowned Czech artist "touched upon fundamental issues related to both creation itself and the process of knowledge."

Photographing the Zeitgeist|Until June 4, photographer Milan Jaroš' works are at 400 ASA Gallery. Jaroš has been capturing on camera the contemporary Czech Republic for over 20 years, photographing small and large events that focus on the Czech landscape and people. The exhibition only captures a small section from the last four years.

Pop culture history|Watch Basic Instinct at Kino Aero on April 14, as part of the cinema's Legend series. One of Paul Verhoeven's best works sees Sharon Stone play a seductive novelist who manipulates the detectives investigating a murder.

French comedy|The film Bloody Oranges is at Edison Filmhub on April 16 (with English and Czech subtitles). Presented as part of a midnight screening at the Cannes Film Festival, the comedy directed by Jean-Christophe Meurisse builds bridges between souls living in a fractured society.

Final e-shop sale|Browse discounted vintage and high-end clothing brands, as well as accessories and plants, at Pop Up / finální edice / Přestupní stanice on April 15 at prostě tam, a cafe and creative studio offering music and a cozy backdrop for the event.

Fashion week|The Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week FW23 is back from April 15 to 20, presenting the best Czech and Slovak design talent. As the largest fashion event in the Czech Republic, MBPFW is a must-attend for anyone looking for an extraordinary spectacle of style. Read more in our article.

Spring cleanout|Swap unwanted goods, such as clothes, accessories, jewelry, small items, and household items at Vzlet on April 15 and 16. In exchange, you can take up to 20 items with you for free (the event comes with an entry fee). The items you bring must be in good condition and functional. Register online in advance.

One-of-a-kind objects|More than a hundred creators and designers from all over the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine will be at Mint Market Praha Jaro on April 16 at Rašínovo nábřeží with handmade items bringing together design and craftsmanship. Admire and shop the selection of handsewn handbags, handmade jewelry, organic cosmetics, candles, original stationery, macramé, porcelain, children's toys, and much more, coming with a free entry.

Special event|The Czech capital's inaugural Restaurant Week festival will run from April 12 to 23, offering memorable meals in exceptional restaurants at fixed prices that won’t eat into your budget. For those not familiar with the concept, during Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer a signature prix fixe (fixed price) menu allowing diners to sit down to three-course menus specially designed for the event.

Friday music and drinks|Unwind at the end of the week on April 14 with a Friday Piano Evening at Manifesto Anděl. You can welcome spring with three special G'Vine Gin & Tonics at the SOOT bar, which features G'vine Floraison, Peche, and Poire for fruity vibes.

Barbecue fest|Kick off the grilling season with Grill Fest at Smíchovská naplavka on April 15. Taste classics like grilled piglet on a spit, steaks, burgers, ribs; and Peruvian, Cuban, and Georgian specialties. The event is also vegetarian-friendly, with a choice of grilled cheese, vegetables, or veggie burgers. 

Another taste of Easter|Millions of people in the Balkans celebrate Orthodox Easter this weekend, and if you want to try traditional Easter dishes from Serbia, head to Jelica Restaurant, which has prepared a special menu for April 15 and 16. Saturday is devoted to those who are still fasting or love fish and seafood, while Easter Sunday is all about lamb.

For coffeeholics|Taste new brews at Karlínský festival kávy on April 16 at Karlín Market. The event is also a chance to explore coffee rituals or classic and alternative methods of roasting the beans, while also sampling the delicious selection of dishes available on the spot.

Electronic beats|Lunchmeat and MeetFactory are reuniting on April 14 for Canadian musician Tim Hecker's No Highs, a new project of explorative electronic music that blurs "the lines between gloomy ambient, raw noise, and sweeping electro-acoustic compositions." The artists Dash, Freddie Hudson, and Never Sol will play live during the evening.

For pet lovers|If you have a dog, cat, or any other pets in your life, don’t miss the 13th edition of the FOR PETS trade fair between April 13 and 16 at PVA Expo Praha - Výstaviště Letňany. The trade fair focuses on the needs of domestic animals and offers different types of food, toys, and gadgets, plus an interesting accompanying program with competitions and lectures (in Czech). 

Cold war history|Come and see one of the largest civil protection shelters in Prague at Folimanka. The tour takes place on April 15, is free of charge, and is suitable for children and seniors. The municipal staff and volunteers are available on-site to answer your questions about the shelter and its history in Czech, English, and Russian.