Český Krumlov’s most famous event is the Festival of the Five Petalled Rose which takes place from 22 - 24 June. It is a three-day Renaissance festival that takes the town back in time with a fully re-enacted tournament, historical procession, fireworks and more. If you haven't booked somewhere to stay, the chances are the whole town is fully booked already - a feat that seems impossible with the sheer number of hotel, pensions and the like dotted around the town.

National Geographic: Famous Expeditions of the 20th Century
Until 30 Nov
From the Mudmen of Goroka to massive manta rays, the superlative photography that exemplifies National Geographic is an exhibition not to miss. A visual feast from across the globe as well as photographic profiles of Czech explorers Hanzelka and Zikmund and photo of Český Krumlov by Libor Sváček. Admission 60/40Kč.
Where? Latrán 46, 1st Courtyard of the castle. Open 10:00 - 17:00.

Tanec Praha
8 June  @ 19:30
The 19th International Festival of Contemporary Dance and Movement Theatre presents for an international night of dance with Arcanum by Dora Hoštová (CZ), Herr K. Muh by Susanne Martin (DE) and The Lizard’s Skin by Roser López Espinosa (ESP/NL).
Where? City Theatre, Horní Brána 2, www.divadlo.ckrumlov.cz

The Chamber Music Festival (www.ckrumlov.cz/fekohu) runs from 28 June to 7 July and is the festival with the longest tradition in Český Krumlov and includes Music Through the Ages and Baroque Night, which re-enacts 18th century musical festivities at the castle. More information can be found at www.ckrumlov.cz/fekohu.

Early Music Festival
12 - 19 July   
A Mediaeval, Renaissance and Baroque music performed by Czech and international musicians performing on historic instruments. It also features alternative, world and ritual music, dance and performance. Concerts take place in the castle and in various historical buildings. For more information, see www.earlymusic.cz

The Český Krumlov International Music Festival presents symphonies, philharmonics, blues and ballet in this, its fourteenth year of festivities, which runs 20 July to 25 Aug  (www.festivalkrumlov.cz) and is followed by another annual event, Jazz at Summer’s End from 5 - 8 Sept (www.jazz-krumlov.cz).

Hooray, Let’s Hurry to Krumlov
31 Aug - 8 Sept
For one week, the traditional festival of Folk & Country music takes place in the town square, Náměstí Svornosti featuring the winners of the country-wide finals of the Porta competition as well as stars of the genres. Admission free and see www.1ck.cz for more information.

Also, 8 - 9 Sept (www.ckrumlov.cz/disabled) welcomes Disability Day, or to put it more aptly, two days without obstacles. Various volunteers will make as many sights in the castle, around town and within museums, as accessible as possible for the disabled.

The Czech patron saint, St. Wenceslas, celebrates his feast day on 28 Sep and Český Krumlov hosts their own celebrations in his honour on 28 - 30 Sept in the town square and various museums and galleries.

8 - 14 Oct sees the 33rd year of the International Film Festival on the Environment and Natural and Cultural Heritage EKOFILM 2007 festival. See www.ekofilm.cz for further information.

And of course, this picturesque town couldn’t be a better place to celebrate Advent, Christmas and the New Year from the lighting of the tree to the fireworks which dramatically light up the castle and bid a fond farewell to the old year.

In addition, each year to celebrate May Day, on 30 Apr the Witches Party takes place with a garden party and witch burning (not so much a celebration for them then) with live music and fireworks.

There’s more to this town than rafting, architecture and beer so hop on a bus for the sights and sounds on offer in beautiful Český Krumlov.

For more information and further details, go to www.ckrumlov.cz/uk