Pilsen Liberation Festival – Czech Republic 2026

Background & History

• Origins: The Pilsen Liberation Festival began in 1990, post-Velvet Revolution, to honor the May 6, 1945, liberation of Pilsen by the U.S. 3rd Army under General George S. Patton, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
• Historical Context: During the communist era (1948–1989), celebrations of American and Belgian contributions were suppressed, with focus on the Soviet Red Army. Post-1989, the festival restored public acknowledgment of Allied efforts, becoming a cornerstone of Czech historical memory.
• Cultural Significance: It commemorates the sacrifices of over 100 U.S. and Belgian veterans from units like the 16th Armored Division and 17th Rifle Battalion, fostering Czech-American-Belgian ties and educating younger generations about WWII.
• Growth: From modest beginnings, it has grown into one of the Czech Republic’s largest historical festivals, attracting 150,000+ visitors annually, including veterans’ descendants and military enthusiasts from across Europe.
• International Appeal: The festival draws participants from the USA, Belgium, and Europe, with over 300 historic military vehicles and reenactment groups, making it a hub for WWII heritage tourism.
• Community Impact: It boosts Pilsen’s economy by 10–15% during the festival week, supports local businesses, and promotes civic pride through educational and commemorative activities.

Event Highlights

• Convoy of Liberty: A grand parade on May 9, 2026, featuring 300+ historic WWII vehicles (jeeps, tanks, half-tracks) from the U.S., Belgium, and Czech Republic, winding through Pilsen’s city center.
• Historical Military Camps: Reenactment camps at Křižík Gardens and Borský Park, showcasing 1940s soldier life, with interactive displays of uniforms, weapons, and field kitchens, open daily May 5–10.
• Commemorative Ceremonies: Wreath-laying at the Thank You America Memorial and Patton Monument on May 6, honoring veterans like Earl Ingram (2nd Infantry Division) and José Schindfessel (17th Rifle Battalion).
• Music Program: Swing bands like the Pilsen Big Band perform 1940s jazz on stages at Republic Square and Lochotín Park, alongside modern Czech artists like Lucie Bílá, May 7–9.
• Czech Television Cinema Café: Screenings of WWII documentaries and films, such as Patton (1970), at DEPO2015, with Q&A sessions featuring historians, May 6–8.
• Run for the Memory of the Nation: A 5-km run on May 8, starting at Republic Square, honoring WWII heroes, open to all ages with medals for participants.
• Children’s Activities: WWII-themed workshops (e.g., model tank-building, letter-writing to veterans) at Borský Park, plus a junior military obstacle course, May 7–9.
• Veterans’ Descendants Meet-and-Greet: A special event at Pilsen City Hall on May 7, connecting families of veterans like George Thompson (16th Armored Division) with locals.
• Exhibitions: Displays at the Patton Memorial Pilsen Museum, showcasing artifacts like General Patton’s binoculars and 1945 liberation photos, open throughout the festival.

Date & Duration

• Dates: May 5 – May 10, 2026 (projected based on 2025’s May 2–7 schedule, aligned with Liberation Day).
• Duration: 6 days, with main events concentrated over the weekend (May 8–10).
• Key Schedule: Commemorative acts on May 6, music and camps daily, Convoy of Liberty on May 9, run on May 8.

Venue / Location

• City: Pilsen (Plzeň), Czech Republic, a historic city in Western Bohemia, known for its role in WWII liberation and as the birthplace of Pilsner beer.
• Main Venues: Republic Square (náměstí Republiky) for music stages and ceremonies; Křižík Gardens and Borský Park for military camps; DEPO2015 for film screenings.
• Notable Areas: Thank You America Memorial for wreath-laying; Patton Memorial Pilsen Museum for exhibitions; Lochotín Park for concerts and family activities.
• Google Maps Address: Republic Square, náměstí Republiky, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czech Republic (49.7475° N, 13.3776° E).

Ticket Information

• Admission: Most events (Convoy of Liberty, music stages, military camps, ceremonies) are free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Paid Events: Special exhibitions at Patton Memorial Pilsen Museum ($5–$10 USD); Cinema Café screenings ($3–$7 USD); Run for the Memory of the Nation registration ($10–$15 USD).
• Purchase Methods: Tickets for paid events available online at visitplzen.eu, at the Tourist Information Centre (náměstí Republiky 41), or on-site at venues.
• Minimum Pricing: $3 USD (basic Cinema Café screening).
• Maximum Pricing: $15 USD (run registration with commemorative medal).
• Packages: Festival passes ($20–$30 USD) include museum entry, one screening, and run registration, available online or at the Tourist Information Centre.
• Special Seating/VIP Options: VIP packages for Cinema Café ($15–$25 USD) include reserved seats and historian meet-and-greets; no reserved seating for outdoor events due to open-access format.
• Note: No lottery system; early booking recommended for paid events to avoid sell-outs.

Contact Information

• Email: info@visitplzen.eu (general inquiries); barborkova@plzen.eu (press inquiries).
• Phone: +420 378 035 330 (Tourist Information Centre, English/Czech, 9:00–18:00 daily).
• Website: https://www.visitplzen.eu (event details, tickets, updates).
• Social Media: @VisitPlzen (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube for live streams and veteran stories).
• Key Staff: Mgr. Eva Barborková (Head of Press Department, Municipality of Pilsen); festival coordinator via info@visitplzen.eu.
• Press/Volunteers: Press passes via barborkova@plzen.eu; volunteer applications (ushers, camp guides) via info@visitplzen.eu, opening March 2026.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; immediate support via phone during office hours.
• Language Support: English, Czech, German; limited French for international visitors.

Cultural Experience

• Commemorative Traditions: Wreath-laying ceremonies at the Thank You America Memorial reflect Czech gratitude for Allied liberation, with speeches by dignitaries and veterans’ families.
• Music: 1940s swing and jazz bands evoke the era of liberation, with performances of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman classics, fostering a nostalgic atmosphere.
• Costumes: Reenactors wear authentic WWII U.S. and Belgian uniforms, including M1943 field jackets and Brodie helmets, with Czech civilians in 1940s attire at parades.
• Local Customs: Locals share stories of 1945 liberation, often over beers at Republic Square, reinforcing community bonds and historical pride.
• International Connection: The festival bridges cultures, with American and Belgian flags displayed alongside Czech ones, symbolizing shared WWII sacrifices.

Food & Drinks

• Pilsner Urquell: The iconic Czech lager, born in Pilsen in 1842, served at beer tents in Republic Square ($2–$4 USD per 0.5L).
• Guláš: A hearty beef and vegetable stew, a Czech staple, available at food stalls in Křižík Gardens ($5–$8 USD).
• Trdelník: Sweet, chimney-shaped pastries with cinnamon or walnut fillings, sold at Lochotín Park ($3–$5 USD).
• Smažený Sýr: Fried cheese with tartar sauce, a festival favorite at Borský Park ($4–$6 USD).
• Koláče: Traditional Czech fruit-filled pastries, offered at market stalls ($2–$4 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Kofola (Czech cola alternative) and bilberry juice, available at family zones ($1–$2 USD).

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG, 90 km from Pilsen), with flights from London, Paris, and New York; shuttle to Pilsen ($10–$15 USD, 1.5 hours).
• Public Transport: Trains from Prague to Pilsen (1 hour, $5–$10 USD via České dráhy); local buses (lines 1, 13) to Republic Square ($1 USD, 10 minutes).
• Free Festival Transport: Free public buses and trams in Pilsen on May 8–9, plus free P+R parking at peripheral lots like Škoda Arena.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from PRG to Pilsen ($50–$70 USD); Bolt app for local rides ($5–$10 USD within city).
• Parking: Free P+R lots at Škoda Arena and Tylova Street; limited paid parking at Republic Square ($10–$15 USD/day).
• Walking: Republic Square is a 5-minute walk from Pilsen Main Station; most venues are within a 15-minute walk in the city center.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen (city center, modern amenities, $120–$200 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Hotel Rango (near Republic Square, family-run, $80–$130 USD/night); Vienna House Easy Pilsen (near DEPO2015, $70–$110 USD/night).
• Budget: Ibis Pilsen (near Borský Park, $50–$80 USD/night); Airbnb apartments in city center ($40–$70 USD/night).
• Boutique: Hotel Gondola (historic building, spa, $90–$140 USD/night); Hotel Central (overlooking Republic Square, $80–$120 USD/night).
• Hostels: River Side Hostel (near Vltava River, dorm beds, $20–$35 USD/night); Ubytovna Pilsen (budget, $25–$40 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Pension Vecko, Domažlice (30 km from Pilsen, traditional, $50–$80 USD/night).