Signal Festival – Prague (Light Art) – Czech Republic 2025

Background & History

The Signal Festival, held annually in Prague since 2013, is a four-day celebration of light art, videomapping, and digital culture, recognized as the largest cultural event in the Czech Republic. Over 12 years, it has attracted over 5 million visitors, transforming Prague’s streets, historical landmarks, and lesser-known corners into a canvas for contemporary visual art.

Founded by Martin Pošta, Jan Rolník, and Amar Mulabegovic, the festival merges Prague’s historic architecture with modern technologies like AI, generative art, and light design. It supports emerging Czech artists and commissions over 70 original installations, fostering both local talent and international collaborations. In 2025, the festival’s 13th edition (October 16–19) introduces “Signal INSIDE,” a curated program of seven immersive installations in unconventional indoor spaces, alongside free outdoor displays.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: October 16–19, 2025, featuring free outdoor videomappings and projections across Prague (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square) and the ticketed “Signal INSIDE” program with seven interactive installations in unique venues like Gothic monasteries and underground clubs.
• Signal INSIDE:
  • Artists and Installations (announced September 2, 2025): Dreamlaser (RU) – a.r.r.c (Installation), Jakub Pešek (CZ) – Intensive Reflections on Modernity (Installation), ILLO (IT) – Ottantanove (Videomapping), Klára Horáčková (CZ) – Ghost in the Machine (Projection/Installation), Pražská Plynárenská Stage (Charles Square, Music Performance), among others.
  • Venues: Seven unconventional spaces in central Prague (e.g., Prague Castle Riding Hall, Baroque Refectory of the Dominican Monastery, Kunsthalle Prague).
• Afterparties:
  • Friday: Gruppo Salsiccia and guests (new project debut).
  • Saturday: NobodyListen (Czech DJ) and Nik Tendo (rapper).
  • Sunday: GusGus (Icelandic electronic band).
• Cultural Impact: Combines Prague’s Gothic and Baroque architecture with cutting-edge digital art, offering immersive, interactive experiences. Supports Czech artists and free public access to most events.
• Special Features: Free outdoor projections (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square), 170+ free walking/bike tours, and educational events for children, professionals, and students. Signal INSIDE emphasizes interactivity, making visitors active participants.
• Sustainability: Encourages public transport (metro, tram) to reduce environmental impact; free outdoor events promote accessibility.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 16–19, 2025 (4 evenings).
• Hours (based on 2024):
  • Outdoor Events: ~19:00–midnight (free videomappings, projections).
  • Signal INSIDE: ~18:00–midnight (VIP early entry at 17:00).
  • Afterparties: ~22:00–late (Friday–Sunday).
• Note: Weather: ~45–55°F, possible rain; bring layers, umbrellas. Full program at signalfestival.com (September 2, 2025). Most events are all-ages; afterparties are 18+.

Main Event Address

• Venues (Prague, ~5–20-minute metro/walk):
  • Outdoor: Prague Castle (Hradčany), Old Town Square, Charles Square, others (~5–15-minute walk from metro stations like Malostranská, Staroměstská).
  • Signal INSIDE: Seven venues, including Prague Castle Riding Hall, Kunsthalle Prague, Baroque Refectory of the Dominican Monastery, Clam-Gallas Palace, CAMP (Centre for Architecture and Urban Planning), and Schwarzenberg Palace (~5–10-minute walk from Malostranská, Staroměstská, or Můstek metro).
  • Afterparties: Venues TBD (likely central Prague, e.g., Roxy Club, ~10-minute walk from Staroměstská).
• Shuttle: Mercedes-Benz VIP Shuttle between Kunsthalle Prague and Prague Castle Riding Hall (VIP ticket holders only).
• Administrative Contact: Signal Festival, Kubelíkova 27, 130 00 Praha 3, Czech Republic; info@signalfestival.com.
• Note: Metro/tram: ~40 CZK (~$1.70 USD) per ride. Limited parking (~100–200 CZK/hour, ~$4.25–$8.50 USD); HC spaces near Prague Castle, Kunsthalle. Use the Prague Public Transit app or Google Maps.

Contact Information

• Email: info@signalfestival.com (general inquiries); pr@signalfestival.com (media accreditation).
• Phone: Not listed; use email for inquiries.
• Website: https://signalfestival.com
• Social Media: @signalfestival (Instagram), youtube.com/@signalfestival23
• Key Staff: Martin Pošta (Founder), Pavel Mrkus (Head Curator), Jan K. Rolník (Curator/Producer).
• Press/Volunteers: Email pr@signalfestival.com (media, deadline ~September 2025); volunteer info via info@signalfestival.com (TBD).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English/Czech support available.

Ticket Information

• Admission: Outdoor events are free. Signal INSIDE and afterparties ticketed:
  • One-Day Ticket: 290 CZK (~$12.34 USD) – Access to all 7 Signal INSIDE installations for one evening.
  • Four-Day Ticket: 390 CZK (~$16.60 USD) – Unlimited access to Signal INSIDE installations throughout the festival, includes audio-guide.
  • VIP Ticket: 1,690 CZK (~$71.91 USD) – Unlimited Signal INSIDE access, early entry (17:00), queue-skipping, Mercedes-Benz VIP Shuttle, free Signal Space gallery entry, afterparty access, additional benefits (TBD).
  • Afterparties:
    • Friday (Gruppo Salsiccia): 290 CZK (~$12.34 USD).
    • Saturday (NobodyListen, Nik Tendo): 290 CZK (~$12.34 USD).
    • Sunday (GusGus): 490 CZK (~$20.85 USD).
• Ticket Range:
  • CZK: 0–1,690 (free outdoor events to VIP ticket).
  • USD: ~$0–$71.91 (1 CZK ≈ $0.0425 USD, August 2025).
• How to Buy:
  • Online: signalfestival.com (sales open ~September 2, 2025). Payment: Visa, Mastercard, local systems.
  • In-Person: Festival box offices at Prague Castle Riding Hall, Kunsthalle Prague, Schwarzenberg Palace, Clam-Gallas Palace, Baroque Refectory, CAMP (~18:00–midnight, card preferred).
• Note: Digital tickets via email; check spam. Non-refundable; no rebooking. Free entry for children under 6 and persons with disabilities (ZTP). Buy early for VIP/afterparties due to limited capacity.

Cultural Experience

The Signal Festival 2025 transforms Prague into a vibrant showcase of light art and digital culture, blending historical architecture with modern technology. Free outdoor videomappings (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square) create a city-wide spectacle, while Signal INSIDE offers immersive, interactive installations in unique venues, making visitors active participants. Artists like Dreamlaser (RU), Jakub Pešek (CZ), and ILLO (IT) explore themes of modernity, AI, and interactivity.

Afterparties feature Czech and international acts (e.g., GusGus), enhancing the festival’s nightlife. Food stalls offer Czech specialties like svíčková, knedlíky, and trdelník (~100–300 CZK, ~$4.25–$12.75 USD), with drinks like Pilsner beer and Becherovka (~50–150 CZK, ~$2.13–$6.38 USD, 19+). The festival supports local talent and cultural education, reinforcing Prague’s artistic legacy.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Stalls: Svíčková, knedlíky, trdelník (~100–300 CZK, ~$4.25–$12.75 USD). Drinks: Pilsner beer, Becherovka, Moravian wine (~50–150 CZK, ~$2.13–$6.38 USD, 19+).
• Nearby Dining (Prague, ~5–15-minute walk from venues):
  • Lokál Dlouhááá (Dlouhá 33, 110 00, Czech cuisine, ~$5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk from Old Town Square).
  • Café Savoy (Vítězná 5, 150 00, European/Czech, ~$8–$20 USD, 10-minute walk from Malostranská).
  • U Fleků (Křemencova 11, 110 00, traditional Czech, ~$6–$15 USD, 10-minute walk from Charles Square).
• Note: Card preferred; cash (CZK) for small vendors. No outside food/drinks at Signal INSIDE venues or afterparties. Water stations at main festival areas.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Outdoor events suitable for all ages; Signal INSIDE recommended for 12+ due to immersive themes. Free entry for children under 6. Under 14s need supervision at afterparties (18+). Educational events for kids available (TBD).
• Accessibility: Outdoor venues (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square) offer ramps, HC toilets. Signal INSIDE venues are partially accessible (e.g., Kunsthalle Prague); some (e.g., Gothic monastery) may lack barrier-free access. Contact info@signalfestival.com for specific needs. VIP shuttle is partially accessible (confirm with info@signalfestival.com).

Getting There

• By Air: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG, 15 km, ~30-minute taxi, ~700 CZK, ~$29.79 USD; or bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then metro, ~40 CZK, ~$1.70 USD).
• Public Transport:
  • Metro: Lines A (Malostranská, Staroměstská), B (Můstek), ~40 CZK (~$1.70 USD) per ride.
  • Tram: Routes to Malostranská, Staroměstská (~40 CZK, ~$1.70 USD).
• By Car: Limited parking (~100–200 CZK/hour, ~$4.25–$8.50 USD). HC spaces near Prague Castle, Kunsthalle. Use Parukářka or Letná parking lots.
• By Foot/Bike: Central Prague is walkable (Old Town Square to Prague Castle, ~20 minutes). Bike rentals (~200 CZK/hour, ~$8.50 USD).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt, Uber (~200–500 CZK, ~$8.50–$21.28 USD, city center). Call +420-226-288-000.
• Note: Metro/tram most efficient. Use the Prague Public Transit app for schedules. VIP shuttle for VIP ticket holders only.

Program Details

• October 16–19, 2025: ~22 installations (7 Signal INSIDE, ~15 outdoor), across Prague. Full program at signalfestival.com (September 2, 2025).
• Outdoor: Free videomappings/projections (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square, ~19:00–midnight).
• Signal INSIDE: 7 installations (18:00–midnight, VIP early entry 17:00), including Dreamlaser’s a.r.r.c, Jakub Pešek’s Intensive Reflections on Modernity, ILLO’s Ottantanove, Klára Horáčková’s Ghost in the Machine.
• Afterparties: Friday (Gruppo Salsiccia), Saturday (NobodyListen, Nik Tendo), Sunday (GusGus), ~22:00–late, venues TBD.
• Other: 170+ free walking/bike tours, educational events for kids/students, Signal Space gallery (free for VIPs).
• Note: English/Czech signage. Outdoor events all-ages; Signal INSIDE 12+; afterparties 18+. Book tickets early for Signal INSIDE/afterparties.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: October 10–13, 22 installations (7 in Gallery Zone), featured Seohyo (KR) and Jiří Příhoda (CZ). Won PRIX NUMIX 2025.
• 2019: Reflexe by Adam Cigler and Petr Vacek (Signal Calling), later shown at EXPO 2020 Dubai.
• 2016: 23 installations, including Charles IV spherical projection, first daytime program for kids.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Highlights Prague’s history through light art (e.g., videomappings on Gothic/Baroque sites), blending tradition with AI and digital innovation.
• Community Engagement: Free outdoor events and 170+ tours foster inclusivity. Signal Calling open call supports emerging Czech artists.
• Historical Context: Celebrates Prague’s architectural legacy while exploring modern themes like AI and sustainability.

Cultural Activities

• Videomappings: Free outdoor projections (e.g., Prague Castle, Old Town Square).
• Signal INSIDE: 7 interactive installations in unique venues, emphasizing participation.
• Afterparties: Music events with Czech and international acts.
• Tours: 170+ free walking/bike tours of Prague’s landmarks.
• Food Stalls: Czech cuisine and drinks at festival hubs.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Signal INSIDE/afterparty tickets via signalfestival.com (~September 2, 2025). Hotels fill in October; book 3–6 months (e.g., Grandior Hotel). Use the Prague Public Transit app.
• Weather Prep: 45–55°F, possible rain; bring layers, umbrellas.
• Explore Locally: Charles Bridge (free, 5-minute walk from Malostranská), Prague Castle (~$10 USD, 5-minute walk), Old Town Square (free, 5-minute walk from Staroměstská).
• Transport: Metro/tram for efficiency. Walk through central Prague. Avoid driving due to limited parking.
• Crowd Tips: Visit Signal INSIDE early (18:00) or on Sunday for fewer crowds. Book VIP for queue-skipping and early entry.

Local Attractions

• Charles Bridge: Karlův most, 118 00 (free, 5-minute walk from Malostranská).
• Prague Castle: Hradčany, 119 08 (~$10 USD, 5-minute walk from Malostranská).
• Old Town Square: Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 (free, 5-minute walk from Staroměstská).
• Klementinum: Mariánské náměstí 5, 110 00 (~$7 USD, 7-minute walk from Staroměstská).
• Vyšehrad: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 (~$3 USD, 10-minute metro from Můstek).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Grandior Hotel (Na Poříčí 42, 110 00, $80–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk from Old Town Square).
  • Alcron Hotel (Štěpánská 40, 110 00, $100–$250 USD/night, 10-minute walk from Můstek).
• Hostels: Czech Inn (Francouzská 76, 101 00, $20–$60 USD/night, 15-minute metro from Můstek).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($40–$150 USD/night, central Prague).
• Note: Book early for October. Discounts via signalfestival.com (speculative).

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at main venues (e.g., Prague Castle, Kunsthalle). Nearest hospital: Na Homolce Hospital (~15-minute drive from Prague Castle).
• Security: Bag checks at Signal INSIDE venues; no large bags. Police presence at Prague Castle, Old Town Square. Lost items via info@signalfestival.com.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (~September 2025).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise under-14s at crowded venues.