The scene at United Islands Prague. Photo by czechian.

By Jacy Meyer in Prague—

Planning a trip to Prague this year? One of central Europe’s most historic and picturesque capitals will mesmerize you with its charm and beauty. But it’s not all architectural oohs and ahhs—there are plenty of festivals and other events sure to enliven your experience. Check these out!

FebioFest
March 25-April 4, 2010
website

The Czech Republic’s largest non-competitive international film festival is one of the most popular events on local film lovers’ calendars. The festival specializes in full length films from just about every genre: documentaries, retrospectives, and premieres.

The majority of films are shown at a city center multiplex and tickets are a nice cheapo 79 CZK. An added bonus for Cheapos is the accompanying FebioFest Music Festival. The event is held in the cinema’s underground garage, and bands range from ska to rock-n-roll to pop and admission is free!

Prague Spring
May 12-June 4, 2010
website

Prague’s premier international music festival isn’t the most bargain event on the calendar, but it’s worth every koruna. This year’s program offers performances of work by Mozart, Martinu, and Hayden, to name a few.

From theater to opera to early music performances, Prague Spring is a stellar musical extravaganza. Plus, the event is held in some equally stunning venues. Viewing concert halls like the Rudolfinum and the Municipal House is a free added feast for your eyes.

Czech Beer Festival
May 14-May 30, 2010
website

A bit more low-brow than Prague Spring, the Czech Beer Festival is a fun feast of a different kind. Admission is free to this event full of Czech beer, Czech food, and Czech fun. Servers in traditional Czech dress and music playing all day long makes this a cheerful place to spend an afternoon.

Prague Fringe Festival
May-28-June 5
website

Prague’s own mini-version of the Edinburgh legend, the Fringe here brings a welcome dose of English theater and comedy to the city. Expect lots of favorites from past Edinburgh Fringes as well as fun newcomers.

Prague Museum Night
June 12, 2010
website

Like many other European cities, Prague hosts its own museum night. On the designated night, hundreds of museums around the city are open for free from 7 PM-1 AM. Free transport is available from venue to venue. Visit the bigger museums early; this is an extremely popular event and lines form quite quickly.

United Islands of Prague
June 24-26, 2010
website

This international outdoor music festival is one of the most popular events in Prague. Featuring a range of musical acts from around the world, the concerts are showcased on three Vltava River islands. The festival is free, and plenty of after-parties take place in area clubs.

To find out what else is going on when you’re in town, check two of the biggest ticket sellers: Both Ticketpro.cz and Ticketstream.cz have easy search-by-date functions.

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Promenade Des Anglais, site of Musicalia "Prom' parties." Photo by timo_w2s.

By Sarah Silbert—

Nice is home to many annual concert series, including the world-renowned Nice Jazz Festival in July and the International Festival of Military Music in October. If you’ll be in town toward the end of the summer and don’t feel like shilling out Euros to see a star-studded line-up (or if French military fanfare isn’t your thing), you’re in luck: Nice also offers a free month-long festival of world music and outdoor parties in August.

The Repertoire

Every summer, Nice heats things up with a program of international music and parties known as Les Nuits Musicalia. This year marks the festival’s tenth anniversary, with celebrations set to run from August 8th through 29th.

Musicalia features a wide variety of music, from Brazilian percussion to Portuguese Fado to French blues. Each evening has a different musical theme, and on the off nights “Prom’parties” treat visitors to dance beats on the city’s famous thoroughfare, the Promenade des Anglais.

Events are spread among various locations, including the Avenue des Phocéens and in front of the posh Hotel Negresco. We recommend checking out an act at the festival’s main venue, the popular open-air Théâtre de Verdure. The Nice Tourism website releases more details as Musicalia gets closer, but it’s early enough to pencil the first-annual “Cinema Evening” (Wednesday, August 12th) into your schedule.

Practical Info

Cheapos in Nice can enjoy these French Riviera festivities for from 9 pm to 11:30 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays in August. Check the Musicalia website for more details.

Popularity: 8% [?]

The hills are alive in Salzburg, with the sound of Mozart, the von Trapp family, and music programs! The high note to most any performance, too, is that the guides and programs can be picked up for a song, or for free.

Note-worthy souvenirs

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is home to numerous music festivals, classical concerts, and innumerable musical performances.

The Slazburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival), from late July to the end of August, is the year’s biggest musical celebration. Events take place daily in locations around the city and music ranges from the delicate and regal sounds of the pianoforte to the more pedestrian picks of the electric guitar. And, drum roll… all the programs have, err, programs! Take a few home so you’ll never forget the sounds of Salzburg.

You can also grab copies of concert schedules, guides, flyers, and pamphlets inside the Schloss Mirabell palace as well as in the Domplatz (Cathedral Square).

Cheapo tip: Don’t forget to take note of the unique street musicians in Salzburg. Most artists sell their own CDs for less than €10.

While you’re at it…

Rock some Amadeus! Take home a few Mozartkugal chocolate balls. First concocted in 1890 by Paul Fürst, the kugal is a ball of green pistachio marzipan covered in a layer of nougat, then dunked in dark chocolate. Das ist sehr lecker! Fürst has four confectionaries located around Salzburg. Ten pieces cost $12 USD.

Photo above by LinksmanJD; A kiosk advertises musical concerts in Salzburg.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Photo by furibond

After three idle years—actually we’re sure New York’s best have been quite industrious—the Beastie Boys are hitting the road once again. They’ll be performing at festivals in a few choice countries around the world and headlining Barcelona’s Sónar Festival this June. The Beasties will do two shows at the Sónar Festival, one strictly instrumental, the other traditional Beasties. They’ll hit the Catalonian capital on June 14, 15, and 16 (2007).

A celebration of experimental music, including Dizzie Rascal, DJ Nu-Mark, Mogwai, and Devo, is also on deck. Check out the festival’s site for times and tickets. The latter will run from €28 to €45.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Photograph by Tomsch

Now that spring is officially here, with daylight saving time adjusted, Austrians are up and ready for outdoor activities, including the famous open-air music festivals that fill their streets with music and tourists.

Nickelsdorf, a sleepy village in Burgenland, will be the scene of one of the biggest rock festivals in Europe, attracting visitors from the ever-expanding corners of Europe. The vast Pannonia Fields is gearing up for Nova Rock for the third time.

This year attendees will witness the reunion of Smashing Pumpkins, along with Pearl Jam. Other musicians who have confirmed their appearances are Marilyn Manson, Incubus, The Killers, Slayer, The Hives, My Chemical Romance, Mando Diao, and Frank Black. Even Hollywood actor Jared Leto’s side project 30 Seconds to Mars is slated to perform.

The festival will run from June 15 to 17. Tickets range from €179 (including camping and parking) to €30 (for the so-called Caravan ticket). For concert attendees located anywhere in Austria outside of Burgenland, Austrian Railways is offering a 25% reduction on train journeys to and from the festival. Get a hold of their EVENTticket passes by booking on their Web site.

Popularity: 4% [?]