Top 5 open-air theatre recommendations: films, plays and more

The end-of-summer blues is setting upon the citizens of Prague. Festival season is over, the holidays are coming to an end, but there are still films and plays aplenty! Here are our top tips to fill your end-of-summer programme in Prague.

1. Letní Letná: International Festival of Contemporary Circus and Theatre

The 23rd International Festival of Contemporary Circus and Theatre brings together performers from Czechia and abroad, this year’s international star is Circa, hailing all the way from Australia.

Set in Letná Park, the festival transforms the space into a magical world of its own, performances take place under whimsical circus tents or beneath the late-summer sky. This festival is a summer highlight for many Prague 6 and 7 residents, it offers cultural experience as well as food and drink stalls and a special programme for children. The festival runs from the 12th of August to the 31st and the program can be found here.

2. MeetFactory: Open-air cinema, art and more

MeetFactory is a centre for contemporary art opened by renowned Czech artist David Černý in 2001. The centre itself occupies a former industrial glass factory. Today, the centre has a diverse programme of exhibitions, music events, workshops, plays and, of course, a summer cinema.

The open-air cinema offers a mixture of films throughout the summer, it is the perfect place to catch a film while also experiencing one of Prague’s more unusual cultural spaces. In August, visitors can also look forward to a flea market or a soiree offering a glimpse into the ateliers of resident artists. Find out more.

3. Prague Summer Shakespeare Festival

Shakespeare’s legendary plays take on a new light in the courtyards of Prague Castle. You can go and watch iconic Czech actors perform plays such as The Merry Wives of Windsor or The Winter’s Tale, surrounded by historic architecture in Prague’s most recognisable landmark. The two main stages are located in the upper castle complex as well as the campus of HAMU (the Academy of Performing Arts), both are stunning open-air venues. Find the programme here.

4. Summer Cinema Kasárna Karlín

Situated in the courtyard of the old barracks in Karlín, the Summer Cinema offers a breadth of local and international films. From the 2000s chick flick Mean Girls to the 1969 Czechoslovak New Wave psychological horror The Cremator, there is something for all cinematic tastes.

Kasárna Karlín is a cultural hub for locals; an animated courtyard that is the embodiment of a city space for people, offering debates, quizzes, knitting nights and yoga classes. You can find the full August programme here.

5. Prague Symphony in the Wallenstein Garden

The Prague Symphony is offering a free open air concert in the beautiful Wallenstein Gardens just beneath Prague castle. The programme celebrates the three pillars of the Prague Symphony Orchestra – Film, Opera and Concert (FOK). Visitors will enjoy music from films such as The Magnificent Seven, Titanic, Out of Africa, Cirkus Humberto and West Side Story.

The concerts will take place on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August 2026, from 17:00. And, perhaps best of all, admission is free.

While summer may be packing its bags, Prague’s cultural calendar is never quite ready to say goodbye.