Ostrava Colours Festival – Czech Republic 2026

Background & History

The Colours of Ostrava, launched in 2002, is one of Central Europe’s largest and most vibrant multi-genre music and cultural festivals, held annually in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Starting with modest beginnings on Stodolní Street and Černá louka, it has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting over 50,000 visitors and 150+ acts from 30+ countries in 2024. Since 2012, the festival has been set in the UNESCO-recognized Dolní Vítkovice, a former industrial ironworks complex transformed into a national cultural monument, blending raw industrial aesthetics with artistic innovation. Organized by Colours of Ostrava, with Česká spořitelna as a long-term partner, the festival has hosted iconic performers like Lenny Kravitz, The Cure, Björk, and Imagine Dragons, alongside emerging artists, making it a cornerstone of European music culture.

The festival’s growth reflects Ostrava’s post-industrial renaissance, with a 2024 milestone of rain-free days, a first in its history. The International Meltingpot Forum, introduced in 2016, brings global thought leaders for 250+ talks on sustainability, technology, and society. With over 450 program events across 24 stages in 2019, the festival’s diverse offerings—music, theatre, workshops, and film—cater to all ages. Its economic impact exceeds €15 million annually, boosting local tourism and businesses. The 2026 edition, marking its 24th year, promises an even larger lineup and enhanced eco-initiatives, solidifying its reputation as a cultural powerhouse with the slogan “The place you need to be.”

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

The Colours of Ostrava 2026, from July 15–18, will feature over 150 bands and DJs across 24 open-air and indoor stages at Dolní Vítkovice, with 450+ program events. Key highlights include:

• Music Lineup: Expect headliners akin to past acts like Lenny Kravitz, Sam Smith, The Killers, and Björk, alongside genres from rock (e.g., Interpol) to electronic (e.g., Martin Garrix), jazz (e.g., Jacob Collier), and world music (e.g., Goran Bregović). Emerging acts like freekind. and local bands like Mig 21 will perform.
• Meltingpot Forum: 250+ speakers on 7 stages, covering climate change, AI, and social justice, with past guests like Nobel laureates and tech innovators. Free with festival ticket.
• Theatre and Dance: 20+ performances, including Czech avant-garde and international troupes, in venues like the Gong Auditorium.
• Workshops and Activities: Interactive sessions on yoga, street art, and sustainable crafts, plus children’s programs with music and storytelling.
• Street Performances: Festival in the Streets brings buskers, acrobats, and pop-up acts to Ostrava’s city center.
• Film Screenings: Outdoor cinema with indie and documentary films, curated by local artists.
• Art Installations: Industrial-themed light shows and sculptures across Vítkovice, enhancing the UNESCO site’s vibe.

The festival’s 2024 edition saw 50,000+ attendees, with stages like the Česká spořitelna Stage hosting global stars and the ArcelorMittal Stage showcasing DJs like Miss Monique.

Special Traditions or Features

The festival’s industrial setting at Dolní Vítkovice, a UNESCO candidate, creates a unique “ironworks vibe” with stages in former blast furnaces and gas holders. Traditions include:

• Meltingpot Forum: Since 2016, a hallmark for intellectual discourse, with panels livestreamed globally.
• Eco-Initiatives: Zero-waste zones, biodegradable food containers, and bike-powered stages, aligning with Ostrava’s sustainability goals.
• Audience Awards: Fans vote for favorite acts via the festival app, with winners announced at the closing ceremony.
• Sold-Out Days: A tradition since 2009, with 2024’s rain-free edition drawing record crowds.
• Local Talent Spotlight: Czech bands like Chinaski and Kryštof share stages with international stars, fostering regional pride.

The festival’s accessibility, with free entry for children under 120 cm and discounted student tickets, ensures inclusivity. The 2026 edition will expand virtual streaming options for global audiences.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

Dolní Vítkovice’s industrial landscape, with its towering chimneys and repurposed factories, offers a surreal backdrop unmatched by other festivals. Visitors can explore the Bolt Tower for panoramic views or the Science and Technology Centre for interactive exhibits. The festival’s 24 stages, from the intimate Gong Auditorium to the open-air Main Stage, cater to diverse tastes.

Off-site, Ostrava’s Landek Park (10 km), a former coal mine, provides historical tours, while the Ostrava Zoo (15 km) offers family fun. The city’s vibrant Stodolní Street, known for nightlife, is a 10-minute drive. Food stalls and art markets, managed by ORIENTAL.cz, feature global cuisines and local crafts, enhancing the cultural experience.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Wednesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Future Dates: July 14–17, 2027 (estimated, mid-July pattern)

Duration

• 4 days, with 450+ events, 24 stages, and 50,000+ expected attendees.

Opening Hours

• Main Festival: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM daily (gates open 11:00 AM).
• Meltingpot Forum: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (July 15–18).
• Box Office: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM at Dolní Vítkovice; online from March 2026.
• Campsites: Open July 14 (noon) to July 19 (noon).

Venue / Location

Primary Venues

Dolní Vítkovice, a UNESCO-recognized industrial complex, spans 150 hectares with 24 stages:

• Main Stage (Česká spořitelna): Hosts headliners (e.g., Lenny Kravitz), capacity 20,000.
• ArcelorMittal Stage: Electronic and DJ sets, with light shows.
• Gong Auditorium: Intimate theatre and acoustic performances (1,500 seats).
• Meltingpot Forum Stages: 7 indoor stages for talks, capacity 200–500 each.
• Street Stages: Pop-up performances in Ostrava’s city center (free access).
• Children’s Area: Workshops and mini-concerts in a family zone.

Venues feature eco-friendly setups, accessible pathways, and free WiFi. The complex includes food courts, art installations, and rest areas.

Main Location Addresses

• Festival Office: Colours of Ostrava, Ruská 2993/2, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic – Google Maps
• Main Venue: Dolní oblast Vítkovice, Vítkovická 3004, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic – Google Maps

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

Tickets available online at colours.cz from March 2026 or on-site at Dolní Vítkovice (July 15–18, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM). E-shop inquiries: informace@colours.cz. Group discounts and VIP passes via partner@colours.cz.

Ticket Exchange

Non-transferable; refunds within 30 days for cancellations (minus €5 fee) via informace@colours.cz. Lost tickets reissued with proof of purchase.

Admission Type

Paid for main festival; free for under 120 cm. Meltingpot Forum included. Pets not allowed; service dogs with ID.

Pricing Range

• Minimum: €50 (~$55 USD, early-bird single day).
• Maximum: €150 (~$163 USD, 4-day pass); VIP ~€300 (~$327 USD).
• Breakdown:
  • Single Day: €50–€80 (~$55–$87 USD)
  • 4-Day Pass: €120–€150 (~$131–$163 USD)
  • Students/Seniors: ~10% discount with ID
  • Children (under 120 cm): Free
  • Camping: €20–€40 (~$22–$44 USD)
  • VIP Pass: €200–€300 (~$218–$327 USD, includes premium viewing, lounge)
  • Booking Fees: €2–€5 (~$2.20–$5.50 USD)

Payment Methods

Online: Credit/debit cards, PayPal. On-site: Cards, cash (CZK).

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel: +420 603 523 108 (media/partnerships); +421 940 419 019 (Slovak media)
• Email: informace@colours.cz (general/tickets); partner@colours.cz (sponsorships); stanky@colours.cz (stalls)
• Website: https://www.colours.cz (English, Czech)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @colours_cz
  • Facebook: @ColoursOfOstrava
  • X/Twitter: @ColoursOstrava
  • Hashtag: #ColoursOfOstrava2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at colours.cz.

Key Staff

• Zdenko Hanout: Slovak media/photographers contact.
• Přemysl Štěpánek: Media/partnerships coordinator.
• Organizer: Colours of Ostrava, Ruská 2993/2, 703 00 Ostrava.

Organization

• Legal Entity: Colours of Ostrava, Ruská 2993/2, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
• Note: Response ~24–48 hours; multilingual support. Stalls via ORIENTAL.cz s.r.o. .

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

The festival spans rock, pop, electronic, jazz, and world music, with past acts like Sigur Rós, Tame Impala, and Gipsy Kings. Theatre and dance range from Czech avant-garde to Balkan brass. The Meltingpot Forum features global speakers on sustainability and innovation. Art installations, like 2024’s light sculptures, enhance the industrial aesthetic.

Community Engagement

Over 50,000 attendees, 1,000+ volunteers, and local schools participate. The Festival in the Streets brings free performances to Ostrava, while the app encourages fan voting. Partnerships with Česká spořitelna fund community projects.

Culinary and Local Traditions

Food stalls (50+) offer Czech svíčková (marinated beef, ~€8–€12), vegan dumplings (~€6–€10), and trdelník desserts (~€3–€5). Drinks include Pilsner Urquell (~€3–€5) and non-alcoholic kofola (~€2). Eco-friendly packaging used.

Local Exploration

Visit Landek Park (10 km), Ostrava Zoo (15 km), or Stodolní Street for nightlife. Day trips to Opava (40 km) or Beskydy Mountains (1 hr) offer hiking.

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

• Czech Classics: Svíčková, goulash (~€8–€12).
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Dumplings, grilled vegetables (~€6–€10).
• Desserts: Trdelník, medovník (~€3–€5).
• Beverages: Pilsner, kofola, Moravian wine (~€2–€5).

Dining Logistics

Food courts open 11:00 AM–midnight; cards/cash accepted. Allergen info available; biodegradable containers.

Getting There

By Air

• Ostrava Airport (OSR): 20 km (~25 min drive, ~€150–€300 USD flights). Shuttle to Vítkovice (~€5–€10).
• Prague Airport (PRG): 350 km (~3.5 hr drive, ~€100–€250 USD). Trains to Ostrava (~€15–€30).

By Train

• Ostrava Central Station: From Prague (~3 hr, ~€15–€30). Local tram to Vítkovice (~15 min, ~€2).

By Bus

• From Prague (~4 hr, ~€10–€20). Local buses/trams (~€2).

By Car

• D1 highway from Prague (350 km, ~3.5 hr). Parking at Vítkovice (~€5–€10/day; caravans ~€20).

By Bike/Walking

• Bike rentals (~€10/day). Vítkovice 10 min from Ostrava Central by tram.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Clarion Congress Hotel: ~$100–$250 USD/night; clarionostrava.com.

Mid-Range

• Hotel Maria: Central, ~$60–$150 USD/night; hotelmaria.cz.

Budget

• Hostel u Arény: ~$20–$50 USD/night; hosteluareny.cz.
• Camping Vítkovice: ~$15–$40 USD/night; colours.cz.

Airbnb

• Apartments ~$40–$120 USD/night.

Accessibility

Overview

Adheres to Czech standards. Contact informace@colours.cz for PRM support.

Accessible Tickets

Free for under 120 cm; discounted for disabled with ID.

Venue Accessibility

Ramps, accessible toilets at Vítkovice. Viewing platforms at Main Stage.

Transport Accessibility

PRM parking; accessible trams/buses.

Digital Accessibility

Website WCAG-compliant; app with accessibility features.

On-Site Support

First aid, multilingual stewards. Service dogs allowed.