When it comes about Prague, most of us think about beer, wintertime and the beautiful spectacles. But of course, Prague is much more than a typical tourist place when it’s snowing. The capital of Czech Republic offers various and colorful programs for the whole year for everybody.

Projekt 100 (Project 100)
When: Jan-Feb
Website: www.artfilm.cz

For 15 years, Association of Czech Film Clubs  organize anyearly touring film exhibition presenting classics of the world cinematography in 100 Czech cinemas.

Prague Jazz Festival
When: Feb-Oct
Website: www.agharta.cz.

One of the hottest jazz festivals in Central Europe is Prague Jazz Festival. This festival is small but persistent, carrying on throughout the spring, summer and autumn, with performances mainly at the Lucerna Music Bar.
 

Matejská pouť (St Matthew's Fair)
When: Feb-Mar
Where: Výstaviště, Holešovice, Prague 7

St Matthew's Fair marks the arrival of warm weather with cheesy rides for children at a run-down funfair at Prague's exhibition grounds, Výstaviště. Dodgem cars at 10 Kč a pop and the Ferris wheel bring out the juvenile in everyone.

Dnů evropského filmu (Days of European Film)
When: early Mar
Website: www.eurofilmfest.cz

More than a decade old, this approximately ten-day festival displays films from European Union members and candidates. Many of the offerings have English subtitles, and a number of film-makers come to introduce their works.

Česká tanečni platforma (Czech Dance Platform)
Where: various venues
When: Apr
Website: www.divadloponec.cz

Now into its second decade, Czech Dance Platform collects the best in Czech and Slovak dance and movement theatre every spring. Events take place in venues across town.

Pálení čarodźjnic (Witches' Night)
When: 30 Apr

A tradition that rolls the best of Halloween and Bonfire Night into one package, Pálení čarodějnic marks the death of winter and the birth of the new spring.

Festival spisovatelů Praha (Prague Writers' Festival)
Where: various venues
When: May/June
Website: www.pwf.cz

An impressive collection of Czech and international literati gathers in Prague to read extracts from their latest works, hobnob and compare royalty contracts.

Pražské jaro (Prague Spring)
Where: various venues
When: mid May-early June
Website: www.festival.cz

Arguably the cultural highlight of the year, and now into its seventh decade, Prague Spring is still the heavyweight among local music festivals. It has a stronger international flavor since the Velvet Revolution, and attracts first-class international performers.

United Islands of Prague
Where: Vltava riverfront
When: June
Website: www.unitedislands.cz

Concerts and beer stands take over the Vltava riverfront; performers include musicians local and global, and names as big as Iggy Pop and Placebo.

Letní slavnosti staré hudby (Summer Festival of Old Music)
When: July
Website: www.collegiummarianum.cz

This increasingly popular gala of Renaissance and baroque music, performed on period instruments and in historic settings, is one of the few native musical offerings during the summer holidays.

International Aviation Film
When: Sept
Website: www.jlmpraha.cz

A relatively new event that largely concentrates on classic war and action films; guests have included famous pilots and war heroes.

Festival francouzského filmu (French Film Festival)
When: late Nov
Website: http://fff.volny.cz

This isn't as arty as you might expect: mainstream French comedies and crime films do appear, along with French stars introducing their films.