This weekend in Prague: Enjoy a prosecco and Vietnamese-food picnic in the park

Young art|From 13 May to 2 June, the 17th national exhibition of children's and youth's artworks Near and Far 2023 is at the National Gallery in Prague's Korzo Veletržní palác. The show is not a competition but instead emphasizes the conceptual and long-term work of the art teacher.

Nature photography|Starting this week and until Sep. 3, the Czech Photo Center gallery will exhibit selected entries from the 2023 Czech Nature Photo Competition as well as other award-winning photographs. Over 250 photographers from Czechia and Slovakia entered the competition, and an expert international jury chose the winner out of 2,400 other photos. Read more in our article.

Pictures of New York| Screening on May 12, Everybody Street is a documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of iconic street photographers inspired by New York at the Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning (CAMP). It presents the essence of American street photography from the perspective of Bruce Davidson, Mary Ellen Mark, Elliott Erwitt, and Martha Cooper, just to name a few of the artists in the movie.

Matrix redux|The Matrix Trilogy Marathon at Kino Aero on May 13 brings viewers The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions. Follow the white rabbit and dive into the movies that gave rise to a cultural phenomenon two decades ago and had an enduring impact on pop culture.

Hitchcock marathon| Come to Kino Kavalírka between May 12 and 14 for several masterpieces of English director Alfred Hitchcock, such as Birds, Strangers on a Train, Psycho, Rear Window, Dial M for Murder, and Vertigo. 

Classic music festival|Between May 12 and June 2, Prague Spring features classical music throughout the month at various venues, starting as always with Smetana's "Má vlast." Its lineup includes renowned artists such as Isabelle Faust, Oksana Lyniv, John Adams, and Daniel Harding.

Rave collage|Club scene pioneer James Holden will be at MeetFactory with his club-inspired sounds on May 13. More than two decades since the release of his first album, the British artist returns with a fourth studio album, the mystic-sounding Imagine This Is A High Dimensional Space of All Possibilities.

Romantic music|Michelle Gurevich returns to the Czech Republic with a performance on May 13 at the Palac Akropolis. Her works have been compared to that of Leonard Cohen, and reviewers describe her romantic and melancholic recordings as slow rock or lo-fi pop. Gurevich's music reaches into the deep corners of human perception, and her work is often used by directors and producers of TV commercials. [Later edit: the concert was postponed to October.]

Groundbreaking ballet|La Sylphide is considered a gem of 19th-century Romantic ballet. The State Opera is launching a new production, which premieres May 11 and 12, and plays several times throughout the month.

French drama|Dangerous Liaisons will be performed in Czech (with English surtitles) at The Estates Theatre on May 11 and 12. The drama, which is set in the period leading up to the French Revolution, is adapted from the novel by Choderlos de Laclos that talks about the redeeming and destructive power of love, and the nature of social relations in that era.

Vietnam and prosecco picnic| Piki – Prosecco & Vietnam in the Park takes place on May 12 and 13 in the park near the Břevnov Monastery. Expect a picnic with live music, over 20 brands of prosecco, and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Given that seating is limited, bring a blanket or borrow one from the organizers.

Birthday party|Wish The Monkey Bar a happy first birthday on May 13, and get your VIP ticket for its birthday. The ticket gives you access to unlimited signature cocktails, a light monkey buffet, an ice cream corner in partnership with Angelato, a special surprise, and a giveaway.

Flower fair|On May 13, flower enthusiasts can head to the Ctěnice Castle flower fair, the perfect opportunity to pick up some beautiful blooms and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the castle. Shop a wide range of flowers, perennials, annuals, herbs, and cacti. Entry to the outdoor event is free.

Art and food festival|The UMTRH That’s Amore Festival takes place on 13 and 14 May in front of Rudolfinum, with a market of works from skilled Czech artists, street food goodies, draught beers from Medved and selected French wines, homemade lemonades, coffee, and many more surprises. Students from the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory will provide the musical background.

Pottery and crafts|The Beroun Pottery and Craft Markets are taking place in the town of Beroun on May 13 and 14, as well as in June.  The exhibitors will be different every time at both markets, so both spring markets are worth visiting. In addition to artisanal ceramics and porcelain, you can admire and buy wooden sculptures, and sample the food stalls.

Charity and beer|The Animal Beer Festival at Troja Castle on May 13 promises to be a fun-filled event. With a wide selection of microbreweries named for animals and local food trucks serving up tasty treats, the event is organized by the Prague Zoo in support of endangered animals.

Cold war history|Come and see one of the largest civil protection shelters in Prague at Folimanka. The tour takes place on May 13, 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.