Things to do in Prague this weekend: March 9th -12th

Orchids, wine and much more at the Botanical Gardens

This weekend, we highlyrecommend taking a walk over to Prague’s Botanical Gardens in the district of Troja. The main attraction here is the Fanta Morgana tropical greenhouse, where from March 3^rd-19^th you can find the 11^th annual orchid exhibition. Things may be heating up in Prague as spring draws in but this is nothing compared to the sizzling heat, vibrant colours and scintillating scents of the South American Rainforest. The exhibition contains an impressive selection of orchids from South and Central America, including some of the biggest and boldest, the smallest and the most diminutive, the rarest and the most unusual.

The Fanta Morgana is not all that can be found in The Botanical Gardens. This place is actually a real treasure trove of natural beauty. There are many open air gardens and exhibitions including the Japanese Gardens, the Mexican gardens, the tiny St. Claire’s chapel which offers great views over Troja and most importantly, St. Claire’s Vineyards. These vineyards are protected by law as “national heritage” and they produce some of the best wine you will find in Prague. We recommend buying a glass, sitting back and enjoying the views.

You can buy tickets for just the open air exhibitions, or the open air exhibitions combined with the Fanta Morgana. For more information about prices, see their website. All exhibitions are open from 9am-5pm.  The Botanical Gardens can be found at Trojska 800/196, Prague 8.

Spring Warehouse Flea Market at The Meet Factory

On Sunday March 12^th, The Meet Factory in Smichov will be hosting a spring warehouse flea market. This will be a great place to have a rummage for some vintage second hand clothing, a really unique piece of jewellery or eye-catching accessories. You could also pick up some vinyl or some stylish home décor and who knows what else.  The great thing about a flea market is that you never know what you’ll find. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, there will be live DJs, drinks and some great food. If you thought it couldn’t get any better, there is no entrance fee!

The market opens at midday. The Meet Factory can be found at Ke sklárně 3218/15, Prague 5. The closest tram stop is Lihovar.

Jeden Svet (One World) Film Festival

The One World Film Festival is a very popular event which is held not only in Prague but in many cities throughout Europe every year. One World is an international documentary film festival and all films are based around the theme of human rights. There are some really fascinating films showing from all corners of the world, in addition to corresponding discussions and workshops. It’s just a shame that considering the sheer scale of this festival, it will be possible to experience only a fraction of what it offers. This year it is running from March 6^th-15^th and films will be showing in many cinemas throughout the city. All films are shown in English or with English subtitles. Participating Prague cinemas include:

• Kino Atlas (Sokolovska 1, Prague 8)
• Bio OKO (Frantiska Krizka 15, Prague 7)
• Kino 35 (Stepanska 35, Prague 1)
• Kino Lucerna (Vodickova 36, Prague 1)
• Kino Svetozor (Vodickova 41, Prague 1)
• Ponrepo (Bartolomejska 11, Prague 1)

All cinemas listed are unique and independently run. Kino Lucerna is particularly worth visiting for its beauty and grandeur.

Ken Nash at the Swan Divadelni Klub

I’ve been hearing a lot recently about Prague based songwriter Ken Nash. His music would probably fall into the broad category of “folk”, but that would not do it justice. It’s a little spacey, more than a little kooky and his lyrics are that perfect combination of fun and thoughtful. He’s known to but on a good show and isn’t afraid of a bit of audience interaction. He will play at the Swan Divadelni Klub (Ovocny Trh 6, Prague 1) on Saturday March 11^th at 7.30. Entrance fee is voluntary.

Love, Blood and Rhetoric

Love, Blood and Rhetoric are an English speaking improv comedy group based in Prague and they are simply fantastic. Their performances are packed with games, quick thinking, silliness, lots of laughs and plenty of audience participation. They perform every Thursday night at Malostranska Beseda (Malostranske Namesti 35/21), starting at 8pm. No one performance is the same as another, so get yourself a glass of wine at the bar, take a seat, relax and expect a truly unique evening of unpredictable entertainment. See their website for more information.

Circus LASNB at Cross Club

Any fans of Drum and Bass should be at Cross Club this Friday, where there will be an all night drum and bass fiesta, all based around the theme of the circus. To honour the theme, guests are invited to arrive in costume and there will be a live fire show outside the club from 21:45. The party stats at 8pm and continues until 8am the following morning. Headlining performers will be AKIRA and IM CYBER but there will be many, many others so be sure to check out their website for more details. A trip to Cross Club is a really unique experience and a must for any visitors to Prague who are looking to experience its nightlife. The interior features some quite striking décor and feels a little bit like a spaceship, while the outside terrace grabs the attention straight away with its bizarre metal sculptures put together using all manner of recycled odds and ends.