Signal Festival 2025 will light up Prague

Published on: 29 Aug 2025
Share with:

Every autumn, the streets, squares, and hidden corners of the capital transform into a radiant stage filled with light installations, video mapping, and interactive works. This unique cultural event connects light, art, modern technology, and Prague’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Over several October evenings, the metropolis becomes a vast open-air gallery enjoyed by art lovers, families with children, and visitors from around the world.

What is the Signal Festival and why is it so special?

Signal Festival is a festival of digital and creative culture that has become the most visited cultural event in the Czech Republic since its launch in 2013. Over 12 years, it has attracted more than 4.5 million visitors. Unlike traditional exhibitions and galleries, it takes place directly in the city streets, and entry is free for most visitors. It is one of the largest producers of contemporary art in the country, bringing together visual art, architecture, and modern technologies.

The festival has long supported young creators, with more than seventy original installations created specifically for this event. In addition to artistic experiences, it also focuses on public education through workshops, discussions, and accompanying programs. It collaborates with many foreign festivals and cultural institutions and often responds to current social issues, opening space for dialogue about the important questions of our time.

TIP: The festival has received international recognition—The Guardian ranked it among the ten best light festivals in Europe.

History and unforgettable installations from past years

Over more than a decade, Signal Festival has become a chronicle of the evolution of light art and modern technology. Each edition has introduced entirely new and original projects, often created specifically for Prague’s environment. Some have become iconic, such as large-scale video mappings that transformed the façades of historic buildings into living paintings, or interactive installations that visitors could literally immerse themselves in.

When and where does the festival take place?

From Thursday, 16 October to Sunday, 19 October 2025, Prague will turn into a radiant open-air gallery. Signal Festival takes place in the streets and public spaces of Prague. Exact locations for the 2025 edition are not yet known and will likely be announced shortly before the opening. In the past, the festival has appeared both in the historic center and in lesser-known parts of the city.

Dates: Thursday 16 October – Sunday 19 October 2025.
Location: Streets and public spaces across Prague—from the historic center to less traditional areas.
Format: Four-evening light festival with outdoor installations.
Theme: “Solutions” — art and technology as a response to today’s challenges.

What to expect at Signal Festival?

This year promises not only a visual spectacle, but also inspiration to reflect on how to find “solutions” for the world around us.

The program and the list of installations will be published gradually, so it’s worth following the official Signal Festival website or subscribing to the newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any updates.

Look forward to:

  • Video mapping — projections on the façades of historic buildings that give them a completely new face and draw viewers into a story.

  • Interactive installations — artworks that respond to movement, sound, or touch, making you part of the experience.

  • Lighting design — from delicate light objects to monumental installations spanning entire squares.

Practical tips for visitors

To get the most out of Signal Festival, it pays to plan ahead. Download the official map and spread your visit over several evenings to catch as many installations as possible. The ideal time to visit is between 7 p.m. and midnight, when the light effects stand out best.

Don’t forget warm clothing and comfortable shoes—October evenings in Prague can be chilly, and you’ll be doing plenty of walking. While the festival is a great opportunity for night photography, sometimes it’s better to put the camera away and let yourself be fully absorbed by the atmosphere.

Transport tips

If you plan to drive to Prague, be aware that traffic may be restricted during the festival and parking can be difficult. Use P+R park-and-ride lots at metro stations (e.g., Zličín, Černý Most, Letňany) and continue by public transport.

The most convenient and fastest option is public transport, which easily gets you close to festival locations.

  • Metro — three lines (A, B, and C) take you to stations near the main festival zones.

  • Trams — a dense network of day and night lines allows smooth movement between installations.

  • On foot — many installations are placed so they can be covered on one or more walking routes.

  • A combination of public transport and walking — ideal if you want to see multiple locations in one evening.

Where to stay comfortably: Hotel Golf Prague

Coming to Prague just for the festival, planning a long weekend, or simply don’t want to travel home late at night? In that case, you’ll appreciate quality, quiet accommodation. Hotel Golf Prague is an excellent choice for anyone seeking comfort, good accessibility, and a pleasant base after an evening full of emotions.

What the hotel offers:

  • Comfortable, modern rooms with air conditioning, TV, minibar, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Wellness center with a sauna and whirlpool bath—ideal for relaxing after a full day.

  • Restaurant and lobby bar.

  • Excellent transport links—tram to the center and metro; about 30 minutes from the city center.

  • On-site parking.

Address: Plzeňská 103/215a, Prague 5 – Motol, 150 00.
Website: www.hotel-golf.cz
Reservations: +420 222 993 101, +420 602 512 886
Email: [email protected]

Why combine Signal Festival with a trip to Prague?

Signal Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience Prague in the unique atmosphere of autumn evenings illuminated by light installations. After walking the festival routes, you can enjoy the city’s other beauties—from historic landmarks and cozy cafés to galleries and viewpoints over the Vltava River or Petřín. Just extend your stay by a day or two, and a cultural event turns into an unforgettable trip. Find more trip ideas here.

Share with: