As mentioned in our cultural guide to Pilsen 2026, this year, Pilsen’s celebrations marking the end of World War II will take place from May 1 to May 6. The Liberation Festival Pilsen will offer plenty to see and do, along with a few changes compared to its usual setup. Because the main square is currently under reconstruction, the main stage will be moved to the amphitheater behind the Plaza shopping center.
Cultural Programme
The main cultural and entertainment program is packed into the first half of the celebrations, especially over the opening weekend. From May 1 to 3, you can explore historic military camps set up around the city center — in Křižíkovy Sady, the area in front of the Peklo cultural house, and the park behind the Plaza shopping center.
There’s also plenty of live music and performances to choose from across four stages: The main stage at the Plaza amphitheater features mostly pop, rock, and country acts, including bands like Imagine Diamonds, Neil Young Horses, Metallica Revival Beroun, Bon Jovi Tribute, and more. On Friday, you can also catch a parachute drop and flyovers by historic aircraft. The 40’s Stage in Proluka will feature a mix of folklore performances, as well as jazz and dixieland music, plus even a lindy hop workshop. Beats for Liberty by the Radbuza riverfront will host a DJ show on Friday, May 1. The Libé rty Stage will host both a talk and live music on Friday.
Convoy of Liberty
The traditional and very popular Convoy of Liberty will take place this year on Sunday, May 3. A convoy of historic vehicles will set off from Sukova Street, pass along Klatovská třída, continue through Sady Pětatřicátníků, and finish on Tyršova Street, as the main square is currently under reconstruction.
Commemorative events
The second half of the Liberation Festival (May 4–6) will be mainly dedicated to commemorative events and ceremonial acts held at key locations around the city, including Chodské náměstí, Husova Street, Náměstí Míru, and U Práce.
Accompanying events
The Liberation Festival also offers a range of accompanying events. On Friday, May 1, the Memory of Nation Run will take place in the park behind the Plaza shopping center, with routes designed so that whole families can take part. On the same day, the Slow Market will be held at Branka, followed by a farmers’ market at U Zvonu on the next day. Throughout the long weekend, children can also set off on Hurvínek’s Trail of Courage, leading from the Puppet Museum into the city’s park ring.
The full programme can be found here.
Sources: Slavnosti svobody
