Czech Music Festivals See Soaring Popularity and Spending

Summer music festivals are in full swing across the Czech Republic, with many events drawing huge crowds. From rock and metal to more diverse musical experiences, attendees are not only enjoying the music but also significantly contributing to the local economy.

Festival Frenzy: A Season of Music and Crowds

The music festival season is in full effect. The “Rock for People” festival recently concluded, while “Castles CZ” continues, and “Colours of Ostrava” is forthcoming. Other major events such as “Brutal Assault” and “Trutnoff” are also on the horizon. Czech insurance companies are preparing for the surge, anticipating an increase in festival attendance this year.

Attendance and Trends

In 2024, “Rock for People” saw over 50,000 attendees, a substantial jump from the previous year. This indicates a growing trend of interest in music festivals. The “Colours of Ostrava” expects similar attendance numbers to last year.

Insights from Organizers

Ondřej Bambas, from “Colours of Ostrava,” noted that they are seeing increased interest from some groups, including younger attendees due to discounted tickets. He also cited growing interest from international fans, particularly due to the inclusion of Asian artists. However, post-pandemic audience engagement continues to be challenging, particularly for events with broader genres.

Festival Preferences

NMS Market Research revealed that the “Hrady CZ” festival is favored by nearly a quarter of prospective attendees. “Rock for People” is close behind, known for its international music stars. While “Hrady CZ” appeals to older demographics, “Rock for People” draws a younger crowd.

Regional Variations

Regional preferences also shape festival choices. Those from the Liberec Region often attend “Venice Night,” while the Moravian-Silesian Region favors “Colours of Ostrava.” Furthermore, the accessibility of the festival venue is another determining factor.

Financial Implications

A survey by Generali shows that 36 percent of Czechs plan to attend one festival, while the same percentage intends to go to two events. Domestic festivals are preferred by 67 percent of respondents. Only a tiny number venture abroad solely for festivals, with a small portion attending events both at home and abroad.

Spending Habits

The program lineup is the primary factor in festival selection. According to NMS Market Research, the price of admission is more important to women than men.

Cost of Festival Fun

Generali reports that the average festival expenditure, including the ticket, is around 3,500 crowns per person. Although most respondents are willing to pay up to 1,000 CZK for a one-day ticket, others will spend up to 2,000 CZK. Young adults aged 18 to 28 plan to spend the most, with some budgeting up to 10,000 CZK.

Contactless Payments

As cash becomes less prevalent, 79 percent of attendees opt for contactless payments via card, mobile, or QR codes. Special festival currencies remain uncommon.

Festival Surcharges

The issue of higher prices, a common aspect of festivals, is widely noticed. A third of festival-goers accept surcharges as a reality, while another third view them negatively.

Additional Expenses

Attendees frequently spend extra on enhanced food and beverages. Many also invest in better comfort, such as improved accommodations, or VIP access, which can include faster entry. Some purchase souvenirs or experiences like meet-and-greets with artists. A smaller percentage opt for ticket insurance.

Valuables at Festivals

Festival-goers bring items worth up to 20,000 crowns. Most commonly, this includes equipment up to 10,000 CZK. A quarter of people admit that they exceed the value of the 20,000 crowns. Mobile phones are the most valuable and essential items for 82 percent of attendees.

Insurance Coverage

Many festival visitors encounter adverse situations, such as damaged clothing, lost belongings, or injuries. According to Generali, 64 percent of attendees have experienced damaged clothing. Fewer instances of tent, or car damage, were reported. Three percent of respondents encountered cuts to their backpacks or handbags.

According to a 2024 report by the Association of Czech Music Festivals, overall spending at music festivals in the Czech Republic has increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing popularity and economic impact of these events (Source).

Looking Ahead

With the program being the deciding factor for many festival goers, as well as the price, these festivals continue to be a major draw for people nationwide.