Prague Entertainment

Prague is seeing a vast increase in the number of performances, exhibitions and concerts throughout the city. The city’s oldest tradition is classical music and most concerts still pack out the concert halls. The English-language newspaper, The Prague-Post, has listings of cultural and entertainment events. Prague also sees a lively and exciting nightlife that is developing every year.

Nightlife

Bars catering to the younger generation’s needs have started to open in the city. There is a fairly wide selection, such as themed bars, gay bars and live music venues, matching the choice available in most major cities. While most of the drinking takes place in traditional pubs, which are located throughout the city, non-traditional nightspots have managed to edge their way in and continue to thrive. Many locals can be seen having noisy discussions over vast quantities of beer in the pubs. You will also find some excellent jazz clubs dotted around the city. Rock, jazz and dance clubs are packed out nightly. Jazz was seen as a subtle rebellion during the communist era and has grown in popularity considerably since then.

Theatre and Music

Pubs and bars are not the only thriving venues in Prague, but the arts and theatre scenes are also becoming increasingly popular among visitors and Czechs. There are about 12 professional theatre companies that tour the city’s theatres, performing a mixture of traditional theatre alongside a mixture of mime, video and stage-trickery. It is common for young playwrights to stage their own works, while poetry readings are immensely popular. Operas are almost always sung in Czech, although it is possible to see Italian opera.
Classical ensembles and concerts are held all across the city in a variety of locations including churches and palaces. The Czech Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras also hold concerts throughout the year, which shouldn’t be missed as performances can be magnificent.

Festivals

Prague has a number of unique and highly entertaining festivals throughout the year. Some of the major festivals include:

• Witches’ Night, which celebrates the end of winter and the start of summer with bonfires held throughout the city (April).
• Khamoro, Festival of Roma, this is a festival to celebrate the gypsy culture, featuring films, music, dancing and theatre shows held at various venues throughout the city (May). 
• Vokaliza International Jazz Festival, held in the Lucerna Music Bar and celebrating the genre of jazz music (October).
• International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music, Christmas carol concerts held in various venues throughout the city, with a final concert of all choirs held in the Old Town Square (November/December).
• Bohuslav Martinu Festival, this is a music festival dedicated to the 20th century Czech composer, with festivities including competitions and concerts.