Aside from sporadically producing international football icons and hosting a continual conveyor-belt of stag/hen do's in their delightful capital city, Czech Republic, or Czechia as it's uncommonly referred to, still exudes the air of a country that's been relatively untouched by swarms of tourism and fanfare.
Despite an enigmatic reputation, the Czech Republic is home to a long list of Europe's most renowned music festivals, whether it's owed to an imperious lineup, being a hedonistic haven for a dedicated demographic, or merely due to an awe-inspiring locale.
From Let it Roll to Transmission and Colours of Ostrava, we've pinpointed of the top music festivals in the Czech Republic.
Let It Roll
Headliners (2019): Chase & Status, Noisia, Pendulum, Andy C, High Contrast
Let It Roll have been tearing up the drum and bass scene for years now, becoming one of the genre's leading lights.
Their flagship festival, held each August on a former military airbase near Prague, features over 300 artists across 8 stages and is now the place to discover the best new D&B producers, as well as a jaw-dropping opening ceremony.
When & where: Dates for 2020 TBA; Milovice
Let It Roll Open Air 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Let It Roll Winter
Headliners (2019): Camo & Krooked, Sub Focus & ID, Culture Shock, Ed Rush
Let It Roll's other main event is its winter edition inside Prague's PVA EXPO. Taking over for one night only in February, this is a chance to experience one of drum and bass' best loved brands without committing to its full festival.
When & where: 21-22 February 2020; Prague
Let It Roll Winter 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Transmission
Headliners: Ferry Corsten presents System F, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Cosmic Gate
What Let It Roll is to D&B, Transmission is to trance. Having built up a reputation for world class lineups, epic sound, and immense visuals (lasers, smoke cannons, dancers), a Transmission party is a night every trance fan must experience.
When & where: 12 October 2019; Prague
Transmission 2019 Guide & Shop
Imagination Festival
Headliners: Angerfist, Deadly Guns, Current Value
Transcending drum and bass, hardcore and everything in between, Imagination's thudding bass reverberates around the imposing Výstaviště Praha Holešovice all the way to 7am.
When & where: 22 November 2019; Prague
Imagination Festival 2019 Guide & Shop
Colours of Ostrava
Headliners (2019): The Cure, Florence + the Machine, Rag'n'Bone Man, Years And Years
Held inside a former coal works, Colour of Ostrava marries a diverse lineup with a truly unique setting, showcasing live shows, workshops and lectures amongst the blast furnaces, mines and ironworks, with some lectures even being held inside a former miners' bathroom.
When & where: 15-18 July 2020, Ostrava
Colours of Ostrava 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Metronome Festival Prague
Headliners (2019): Kraftwerk, Liam Gallagher, Morcheeba, Jungle, Primal Scream
A city-wide favourite for some years now, Metronome Festival Prague has steadily grown into national gem showcasing a diverse roster of artists within the scenic surroundings of the Výstaviště Praha's exhibition grounds. A masterfully curated lineup embraces artists young and old, which keeps the 20,000 festival-goers ticking over nicely.
When & where: Dates for 2020 TBA; Prague
Metronome Festival Prague 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Rock for People
Headliners: Bring Me The Horizon, Manic Street Preachers, Rudimental, Franz Ferdinand
One of the Czech Republic's most famous rock, punk and heavy metal music festivals, Rock for People runs a showcase of theatre, discussions and workshops alongside its riff-heavy lineup and family-centric atmosphere.
When & where: Dates for 2020 TBA; Hradec Králové
Rock For People 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Metalfest Open Air
Headliners (2019): Amon Amarth, Powerwolf, Arch Enemy, HammerFall
As Czech Republic's foremost celebration of heavy metal music, Metalfest Open Air provides a hellish environ for heavy metal headbangers to congregate and do what they do best - mosh, and mosh some more in Lochotín's outdoor amphitheatre.
When & where: Dates for 2020 TBA; Plzeň
Metalfest Open Air 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Beats For Love
Headliners (2019): Don Diablo, Oliver Heldens, Robin Schulz, Sven Väth, Claptone
Held at the same spot as Colours of Ostrava, Beats For Love covers the industrial setting with a wide range of dance music, showing off its diverse lineup across thirteen stages.
When & where: 2-5 July 2020; Ostrava
Beats For Love 2020 Guide & Waiting List
Apokalypsa
Headliners: Rødhåd, Monika Kruse, Tube & Berger, DJ Rush
Apokalypsa has been tearing up the Czech techno scene for almost two decades, having thrown over 40 parties alongside some of techno, hardcore and tech-house's biggest names; celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2019, it's testament to their irrefutable reputation.
When & where: 29 November 2019, Brno
Apokalypsa 20 Years 2019 Guide & Waiting List
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