From May 1 to 3, Štvanice Island and its surroundings on the Karlín and Holešovice sides will host a vibrant showcase of new musical discoveries. They will perform as part of the traditional Prague music festival United Islands, which will also take over more than a dozen clubs across the city. Over three festival days, a hundred rising music stars from both the local scene and across Europe will perform. Artists will arrive from Germany, Ireland, Austria, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and other countries. In addition to musical discoveries, visitors can look forward to engaging workshops, lectures, live podcasts, discussions, and sports activities. As always, the festival will be free for everyone; however, this year, the organizers will also introduce a voluntary entry fee model.
United Islands will take place in Prague for the twenty-second time this year. During three days, about one hundred artists from all over Europe will perform on about twenty different stages.
The first festival day will feature the Music Club Discoveries, showcasing mostly Czech talents selected through an open call. From over 350 applicants, the organizers have chosen thirty bands to be part of the United Islands lineup. The highlight of Friday’s program on Štvanice Island will be the Symphony for Humanity concert, dedicated to opposing xenophobia and the condemnation of others. Performers will include Pam Rabbit, Jordan Haj, Emma Smetana, and others.
"United Islands is a staple among Prague’s music events. I’m glad we’re helping young artists break into the world of show business and perform on stages that mean the world. I’m convinced that thanks to United Islands, our Spotify and Apple Music playlists will be even richer this year," says Martin Voňka, producer of the United Islands of Prague festival.
"For three days, the festival will become a home for music talents across genres from all over Europe. Look forward to dozens of fresh names, many performing in the Czech Republic for the very first time. We are delighted they chose our festival for their debut. Get ready—it’s going to be a ride," says Michal “Gumi” Nguyen, United Islands’ program director.
Visitors will have the chance to discover new musical acts from both the Czech Republic and abroad. The biggest star of the festival will be German singer Cloudy June, who has sold out shows across Europe. Her hit FU In My Head amassed tens of millions of streams and even earned her a billboard on New York’s Times Square. Another major act is Irish jazz neo-soul artist Qbanaa, whose earlier work blended soul, drum’n’bass, and electronic influences. Her current music is rooted deeply in Cuban rhythms, and her United Islands performance will be one of her first in the Czech Republic. From Slovakia, rapper FVCK KVLT will perform, a music project by punk musician Denis Bango, whose album Dead Revolution has recently made waves on the Slovak scene.
Also joining is Congolese-Austrian musician Kimyan Law, known for integrating African instruments, rhythms, and influences into his music. The Czech and Slovak scenes will be represented by artists such as Czech-Iranian rapper Sawsane, singer Marsell Bendig, and bands like Bitter Season, Byt číslo 4, and Časovač. The festival will also feature a performance by Grundza, known from the successful recent film Na plech.
Artists will perform across 21 stages, including open-air venues on Štvanice Island, Holešovická Burza, Karlín’s Přístav 18600, and various clubs throughout Prague. New venues this year include spaces like Dva Kohouti, Burza #4, and clubs around the city center, Smíchov, Dejvice, Bubeneč, Krymská Street, and Vinohradský pivovar. Saturday’s afterparty will, for the first time, be held at Cross Club in Holešovice.
Beyond music, the festival will again offer a popular non-music program. Highlights include live podcasts, discussions on student well-being, plastic pollution, sexuality and testing myths.
A major debate will be hosted by Kristina Kratochvilová with guests Lukáš Rychtařík (Championship Music), Jan Bican (artist), Daniel Steklík (CEO of alexmonhart), and Nela Mikoskova (booking agent & artist manager), discussing the challenges, missteps, and “fuck-ups” in the cultural sector. For the active crowd, there will be a special walking tour organized with Pragulic.
Other organizations participating this year include Charles University, Greenpeace, Život 90, Kampus Hybernská, Czech AIDS Help Society, and many others. Expect a rich gastronomic offer as well, with food trucks and bars offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
As always, entry to the festival remains free. However, for the first time, organizers will trial a voluntary entry fee model.
"We want the festival to be by the fans, for the fans—not for those who want everything for free. That’s why we want those who love discovering new music to help finance the festival. At United Islands, we believe music has value, and we want its creators to feel valued too," explains producer Martin Voňka. Voluntary tickets will be available at all bar counters and online at www.unitedislands.cz via the Boom Events system.
The general partner of United Islands this year is the ČEZ Group, with important partners including the Czech Ministry of Culture, Serge Borenstein, Prague Public Transit Company, ČS Building Society, Philip Morris, Staropramen Breweries, Czech-German Future Fund, Cultúr Ireland, and others. The event is also supported by Prague 7 District, where a large part of the festival will take place.
"ČEZ Group has long supported projects that contribute to the development of culture and community life. United Islands symbolizes musical diversity and creativity, providing a unique platform for emerging and established artists alike. We are proud to be the festival’s general partner, bringing energy, joy, and connection through music and art," says Milan Záhorka, head of sponsorship at ČEZ Group.
For more updates, follow United Islands on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
