12 Things to Do in Prague in September
September in Prague is a month dedicated to art and entertainment: jazz, classical music, opera and wine fairs! In this month there is something for everyone.
View of Prague | ©Jaromír Kavan
September is undoubtedly a fantastic time to visit Prague, a month characterised by pleasant weather; long, sunny days that allow you to enjoy a greater number of activities and attractions. Are you ready for all that the city of Prague has to offer this month? Take a look at this list and make the most of your trip!
1. Music at the iconic Prague Autumn Festival
The International Autumn Music Festival was established in 1991 and since 2008 it has been transformed into the Dvořák International Prague Music Festival. It is considered the second largest classical music festival in Prague and takes place every year: although the performance season officially starts in September, it usually lasts until October in Prague. Throughout its history numerous artists and talents of classical music have graced the stage; the repertoire includes both local and international talent.
Where it takes place
This event takes place in the Rudolfinum, a major neo-Renaissance music hall and art gallery designed by Josef Schulz.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Dvořák Festival website, which explains the step-by-step process you need to go through.
Another concert option
If you wish, you can also book tickets for a concert in the Mozart Hall in Prague, which includes dinner. You will enjoy various Mozart pieces performed by live singers and musicians.
2. Sport, music and food at Ladronka Festival
Dubbed as the largest festival of leisure activities in Central Europe, Ladronka Fest is one of the best things to see and do in Prague in September. The date can vary between the second and third weekend in September.
In addition to live music, stage performances, games and good food, the idea of the event is to introduce participants to certain sports. That's why you'll find badminton, golf and rugby games; but also less conventional activities such as climbing, ski simulators and slackline. There are live martial arts demonstrations, workshops and skills competitions.
Where it takes place
The event takes place every year in Prague's Ladronka Park, for information on the schedule of activities, dates and performances visit the official Ladronka Fest website.
How to buy tickets
You don't need to buy tickets, the event is free and open to the general public.
3. Prague International Organ Festival
Those who enjoy organ music and visit Prague in September should take the opportunity to attend this famous international festival. The festival runs an extensive schedule of performances, which you can view directly on the website, and takes place every year from the beginning of August until the end of September. The event was inaugurated in 1996 and since then the public attends every year to enjoy recitals by solo organists and outstanding organists from Czechoslovakia but also from all over the world.
Where it takes place
The concerts take place in St. James' Basilica, a magnificent work of Baroque architecture located next to the Old Town Square in the Staré Město area. I recommend checking the performance calendar for details on dates, times and performances.
How to buy tickets
If you want to buy tickets for the performances they are usually placed on Czech event ticket portals such as TicketPortal.
4. Experience a unique Czech Opera concert experience
If you like opera music, the capital of the Czech Republic has a lot to offer. Various festivals and concerts are held throughout the year. Summer in Prague is the best time to find such events, and in September you will find the last performances of this kind.
Where is it held
- Divoká Šárka Nature Theatre: A natural amphitheatre with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators is located in the nature reserve of the same name. Since 2005, a free performance has been held here every year on the first Sunday in September. Over the years, plays such as Rusalka, Jacobin, the opera Libuše and many others have been performed here. Details about the performances can be found on the website of the theatre group.
- Czech State Opera House: During the Verdi Festival, the Czech State Opera celebrates the life and work of the famous artist. During three consecutive weekends, starting in August and culminating in the first week of September, performances are held to pay tribute to the life and work of one of the giants of 19th century Italian opera: Giuseppe Verdi. If you are visiting the city on these dates you should take advantage of this opportunity, tickets can be found on the official website of the National Theatre in Prague.
- Black light theatre: Another more contemporary option that you may find interesting in this section dedicated to theatre is to see a black light show. This is an interactive theatre performance where you can enjoy the music, 4D effects and other visual techniques. You will be impressed!
5. Get to know the city on board a cruise
A very different and original way of getting to know the city, as well as perfect for September, is to book a lunch cruise. You will enjoy beautiful views of the capital for 2 hours and get to know some of its most emblematic places. Plus, you'll have a welcome drink, live music along the way and a delicious buffet lunch.
Where it takes place
For 2 hours you will travel along the Vltava River which will take a specific route for its passengers to contemplate some of its most iconic monuments from the water. The Charles Bridge, the Powder Tower, the famous castle, the Dancing House, among others...
How to buy tickets
The price for this plan is around 45€. To book your tickets for this lunch cruise, the best option is to buy them in advance to avoid queues and unwanted waits.
6. Get to know Bohemian handicrafts on a city tour
Bohemia is one of the historical regions of the Czech Republic, well known for its 'Bohemian crystal' handicrafts. In fact, it has several glass factories where you can see how the pieces are made by hand. This excursion also includes a visit to a brewery, another of the area's treasures, where you can learn about the brewing process of one of the country's most famous beers, Pilsen beer. In addition, you will have a typical 3-course lunch with drinks included.
Where the tour takes place
A bus will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Bohemia, and along the way a professional guide will accompany you to tell you all the details of the area, as well as the glass and breweries.
How to buy tickets
The price of this tour is around 120 euros and tickets can be purchased online. If you have finally decided on this plan you can buy your Bohemia tour with a visit to a glassworks and a brewery here.
7. Attend the opening concert of EuroArt Prague
The opening concert of the EuroArt Prague festival takes place in the last days of September. It is a festival focused on the appreciation of chamber music organised by non-profit societies. The festival starts in September and runs until June, each month there is a new performance with renowned artists; the opening performance in September is one of the most eagerly awaited by classical music lovers. To find out more about the programme, the dates of the performances and the artists who will perform, I recommend visiting the official Euro Art Praha website.
Where it takes place
This event takes place in the Martinů Hall in Prague; one of the most beautiful and famous halls of the Liechtenstein Palace in the Malá Strana district.
How to buy tickets
Tickets range in price from 8€ to 18€ and can be purchased by booking by emailing [email protected] or through Czech event ticketing portals such as Prague Ticket Office.
8. See the best of theatre with the Summer Shakespeare Festival
Every year from 28 June to 3 September, the Shakespeare Summer Festival takes place in Prague, so if you're in town during the first few days of the month, make sure you attend. The festival began in the 1990s, and its organisers choose a different play each year to ensure diversity and keep the audience interested.
It is the oldest and most popular open-air theatre festival in the country and although the performances are not performed in the original English of Shakespeare's plays, tourists visiting Prague come to see the strong performances. In addition, the locations they choose for the stage are spectacular.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in two beautiful locations: The Royal Garden located in the Prague Castle complex, Hradčany district and in the gardens of the Liechtenstein Palace in the Malá Strana district. It is also worthwhile to visit the area and book a tour of Prague Castle and the surrounding area- you will be amazed!
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the theatre group's website; ticket prices vary but start at 4.7 euros per person.
9. Join the celebrations for St. Wenceslas' Day
At the end of September, the patron saint of the patron saint of the people, St. Wenceslas, is celebrated throughout the Czech Republic.
Where it takes place
Celebrations take place all over the city; some examples of free events you can enjoy in Prague during this time of year:
- Autumn Market The Autumn Market takes place between 14-28 September in St. Wenceslas Square and Republic Square. Here you can enjoy good food and drink;
and the traditional delicacy of the medieval kings, snails.
- St. Wenceslas Procession The historic procession takes place on St. Wenceslas Square in the Nové Město district on the final day of the festivities, 28 September. Traditionally, it can be enjoyed at two different times: 14:00 and 16:00.
- Sacred music concerts Throughout Prague a variety of Czech churches join in the celebrations with concerts of Orthodox Christian and Jewish church music performed by talented local singers. In addition, works by prominent Czech composers are included.
10. Join the wine festival Vinohradské Vinobraní!
When most people think of Prague they think of beer, although the city is home to some of the best breweries, every year throughout the month of September, wine festivals take place; a date that coincides with the end of the harvest season.
Please note that this is not a single one-off event, but a collection of smaller celebrations that take place all over the city. In addition to tastings of young wine and partially fermented wine (known as "burčák''), there are also tastings of Czech snacks, recommended activities for those visiting Prague with children, music, themed workshops and competitions.
Where it takes place
Some locations where celebrations are traditionally held are:
- Jiriho z Podebrad Square Free admission, the Jiriho Square festival usually lasts two days. It includes live music, a children's area, tastings of all kinds and independent merchants selling exclusive wines.
- Grebovka Wine Festival Held in two locations: Peace Square and Havlíčkovy sady. In addition to tastings it includes entertainment such as concerts with local pop, rock, jazz and folk bands.
- Prague Castle Garden The Castle Gardens serve as the setting for a family and cultural event that includes tastings of Czech and Moravian wines, local food, live music and much more.
- St. Wenceslas' Wine Festival This takes place every year in the Wenceslas vineyard located in the immediate vicinity of the castle. It is the oldest vineyard in Prague.
11. Enjoy jazz and classical music at the Autumn Strings Festival
The international autumn music festival Strings of Autumn takes place in Prague between mid-September and mid-November. The festival came into being in 1996, as part of the initiatives of Marek Vrabec who hoped to start a recurring series of concerts at Prague Castle. In its current version, the programme is divided into three main categories: Inspiration, Crossover and Luminaries.
Where it takes place
For the first eight years the event was held at Prague Castle itself; however, a change withdrew government support. Now Strings of Autumn takes place in different important locations in Prague, such as famous concert halls, theatres and churches. Before your trip visit the official Strings of Autumn website for details of guest artists and locations.
12. Get caught up in the artistic atmosphere at the UMtrh market
The UMtrh market is described as a place for art lovers. It takes place once a month for two days, mainly in the months of good weather. If you visit Prague in September this can be a good way to soak up local craft art and buy highly original travel souvenirs. You will find: new design pieces, paintings, sculptures, photographs, vintage, original fashion, small handicrafts and much more.
Where it takes place
It is a cultural-artistic space organised in open-air modules, usually held on Malostranské Square in Malá Strana.
How to buy tickets
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Prague in September: How to deal with the weather and what to wear in September
The weather in the Czech capital in September can only be described in one word: wonderful. With an average maximum temperature of 19°C and a minimum of 9°C, the mornings are cool and the evenings are quite manageable. You will have an average rainfall of 27 mm so it even rains a little less than in August. In terms of daylight hours, September offers almost 12 hours of sunshine.
While you won't need your winter clothes, it's wise to pack an umbrella and boots for the occasional rain shower. Bring some light warm clothing especially for evening walks.
Prague in September: Tourist crowds.
Both September and October are in the mid-range in terms of tourist numbers. As September progresses, the crowds start to thin out very quickly and reservations in restaurants where in other months it is impossible to find space, start to become available again.
In addition, the weather in September is still pleasant enough to continue enjoying festivals and outdoor performances. Without a doubt this is probably the best time to visit Prague and enjoy a bit of everything.