The Witch at the Dam



Come and celebrate Walpurgis Night at the Jablonec Dam! On Thursday 30 April 2026, the area surrounding the dam will be transformed into a vibrant scene full of light, fire, movement and stories.

The traditional Witches’ Night bonfire in Jablonec nad Nisou will take on a modern form, combining folk customs with contemporary culture and art in the public space. The afternoon and evening programme for all ages will take place around the entire dam – from the park below the dam, through the sports ground, Prut and Tajvan, to the Sluneční lázně.



Main programme

15:00–22:00 – Night markets at the reservoir

The sports ground near Prut will be transformed into a market with dozens of stalls. Three areas will offer craft products, design, original artwork and a wide range of food and drink until late.

15:00–23:00 – Interactive Play Area

Behind the U Prutu stall, a zone full of modern technology and entertainment will be created. You can look forward to the large interactive globe IQTERRALONA, play CYBERPONG and visit the iQLANDIA stall. The robotic dog HafiQ will be walking through the playground and will join the lantern parade in the evening.

16:00–20:00 – Enchanted Forest for Children

An interactive light trail full of characters, tasks and a gently mysterious atmosphere will be created in the park below the dam. A small reward awaits the children at the end. The programme is being organised in collaboration with DDM Vikýř.

19:00–23:00 – The Resurrection of Prut

A striking artistic feature of this year’s event. Illuminated geometric objects will bring the surface of the reservoir to life and build on the original artwork ‘Udice’ by V. K. Novák. The project is being created in collaboration with the Secondary School of Applied Arts and Higher Vocational School in Jablonec nad Nisou and explores the theme of art in public spaces.

20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00 – Steampunk Fire Show

A spectacular show by Blackout Paradox Theatre – a fusion of fire, acrobatics, music and steampunk aesthetics – will take place at Sluneční lázně. Each performance lasts approximately 15 minutes.

20:30–23:00 – Video mapping on the graffiti wall

On the wall in front of Playground 1 (closest to the Volt Brewery), existing graffiti will come to life thanks to video mapping, which will interact creatively with the artwork. The projection will run continuously throughout the evening in repeating loops.

21:00 – Lantern parade, bonfires, water scouts

The symbolic heart of the whole event. The procession will set off from the stall by David’s, accompanied by drummers and majorettes, and will lead across the main dam, past Volt, to the beach by the Prut. Water scouts will also join in, setting out onto the water with lanterns. Bonfires will be lit along the route around the dam, with the final one featuring a witch on the beach by the Prut. Safety is provided by SH ČMS – the Jablonecké Paseky Volunteer Fire Brigade and other units.

Our tip:You can make your own lantern in advance atthe State Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, where a Witches’ Night programme is taking place on Wednesday 29 April. From 12 noon to 6 pm, you can decorate your lantern with stones and beads and get ready for the lantern procession around the dam. From 3.30 pm, the glass annexe will also host a fairy tale by the Rolnička Theatre about how the bear cubs were getting ready to burn the witches. Entry to the programme is free, and lanterns for decorating will be available to purchase on site.



Further events around the reservoir – Other organisers

Novotný Funfair – Taiwan From 2 pm to midnight, traditional carousels and fairground attractions will provide entertainment for young and old alike.

Volt Brewery Garden – Summer Season Opening From 2 pm, the VoltBrewery Gardenwill be transformed into a venue full of experiences. Face painting will be available for children, you can watch the witch burning by Jablonec-based artist Von Lin, and sample the special Gruit beer, brewed just once a year for this night. Admission is free.

Flying Beer – Concert and Sausage Roasting From 7 pm, the band Mandragora will be playing and you can roast sausages. Admission is by donation.

Základna – Competitions and music From 3 pm, competitions for all age groups will get underway here. From 6 pm to 10 pm, DJ Hrusha will be playing.

U hodin Stand – Music and Party From 5 pm, there will be live music (approx. 2 hours), followed by an oldies party.

Organised by Kultura Jablonec, p.o. and the statutory city of Jablonec nad Nisou.