Skateboards on the screen, disappearing magicians and hairy men. November has arrived with a shiver but don’t hunker down yet. Step out to try some of the new St. Martin’s wine, discover Iranian music, or start your Christmas shopping early.
Contemplus, November 1-15 Enough with this classic and baroque stuff, let’s get some contemporary music in here! That’s the goal of Contemplus, an annual contemporary music festival. Get a taste of the cutting-edge of the international music scene which organizers hope will serve as inspiration to local musicians as well. Yo La Tengo, November 6 American Lo-fi indie legends Yo La Tengo bring their legnthy catalogue of sprawling, ambient noise-rock and classic cover songs to Prague’s premiere small venue, Palace Akropolis.
Music of Persia, November 6-7 The first Iranian symphonic music concert in Prague is playing this month at Obecní dům. Led by renowned Iranian composer Shahrdad Rohani the evening should be a beautiful intro to Iranian music.
Film, theater, art
International Skateboard Film Festival, November 1-3 Skateboarding comes to the big screen at Veletržní palac with screenings of new films, workshops, a photography competition and more.
The Travel Sketchbook #draw #collage #explore, November 8 The newly reopened |art|SPACE of the Anglo-American University you to participate in a public workshop as part of its Dreaming in the Light exhibit. A local artists will lead you through the sketching and collaging of your own travel story.
Buenos Aires, final destination!, November 9, 10, 22, 25 This silent play shares the stories of European emigrants to Argentina in the first half of the 20th century. The series of short stories is performed by dancers and teachers from the Buenos Aires Tango School. Book tickets early; past performances have sold out.
David Černý | Über ego, through December 6 Czech bad boy artist David Černý is best known for his outdoor installations (the babies on the Žižkov TV Tower, St. Wenceslas in the Lucerna pasaz), but this solo exhibit at gallery dvorak sec contemporary is featuring new work. There’s also a new outdoor piece, displayed near the gallery on Dlouhá Street.
Karel Prager – Architect, Builder, Visionary, through January 5 One of the most important figures of Czech architecture in the second half of the 20th century, Prager’s legacy can still be seen throughout Prague, in the former Federal Assembly and the National Theatre’s New Building to name just two of his notable structures. This exhibition at Veletržní Palac primarily consists of the architect’s plans and models, but also current photos of his buildings today.
Movember, all month long Hey guys, join Gen Mo this month, skip the daily shave and help bring awareness to men’s health issues. The global movement is alive and growing in the Czech Republic and you can get involved on your own, through work or school. Just register at their website. Ladies, don’t feel left out, there’s a Mo sistas group as well.
Mezipatra, November 7-15 Now in its 14th year, the country’s annual queer film festival brings gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer related films to Prague and Brno.
The Illusionists, November 9 Now you see it, now you don’t. Lovers of magic, sleight of hand and high drama won’t want to miss this show at O2 Arena featuring seven renowned illusionists.
Theatre Night, November 16 Theaters across the Czech Republic have chosen to participate in the Czech Republic’s first European Theatre Night. Theaters will open their doors for performances, workshops, film screenings and backstage tours. Participating Prague theaters include Divadlo Na zábradlí, La Fabrika, MeetFactory and Národní divadlo. Programs are most likely not English friendly but you still should get an interesting insight into theater life.
Peter Pan on Ice, November 16 Skate your way to Neverland. Technically, you’ll watch some professionals do it as this ice show flies into the Czech Republic for the first time. Russian skating stars have brought the British fairy tale to life complete with twirls, tosses, fabulous costumes and scenery. Show dates in Brno and Ostrava as well.
Groovy Weekend, November 22-24 Toe-tapper alert! Get your groove going with this crazy three-day event filled with parties and dance workshops featuring lessons in Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Solo Blues and Boogie Woogie.
AcroYoga Workshop, November 24 This day-long event will combine a variety of features of AcroYoga including asana, Thai massage and core-strengthening drills.
St. Martin’s, November 11 Celebrate the new wine season by ceremoniously opening a bottle of St. Martin’s wine at 11am on November 11. Venues throughout the country will be offering special St. Martin’s wine, plus many restaurants will also prepare goose specialties around this time. The Czech equivalent of Beaujolais nouveau, the old vintner’s house in the St. Claire’s Vineyard, part of the Troja Botanic Garden, will host a tasting on November 11.
Invasion of the Lobsters, November 15 Not a bad B horror movie (unless you are a lobster) but a crustacean feast like no other. The traditional event at the Corinthia hotel offers a lobster and seafood buffet, sushi bar, oyster bar, king crab legs, seafood paella, lobster cakes and other oceanic delights. Limited capacity, reserve tickets in advance.
Invasion of the Lobsters at Corinthia Hotel
Antique Fair, November 21-24 Get a jump on your Christmas shopping or pick up some new lovelies for your home. Porcelain, jewelry, designer furniture and Art Nouveau glass are just a few of the objects on offer from some of the best antique shops across the country.
IWAP Christmas Market, Nov 23 The International Women’s Association of Prague will host it’s annual holiday market fundraiser from 10:00-16:00 at the Diplomat Hotel in Dejvice. Browse handicrafts, baked goods, books, jewelry, and wine; proceeds go to two different charities.