Prague's Riegrovy sady to end concerts, live music earlier amid noise complaints

Concerts and live music at the popular beer garden Žižkov’s Riegrovy sady (Prague 3) will now end at 9 p.m., half an hour earlier than in previous years, in a move that reflects both environmental ambitions and pressure from local residents. The change marks a shift in how the city balances public leisure spaces with neighborhood peace and environmental responsibility.

The reduction of late-time opening hours will affect only six concerts planned for this year, although more may take place during private events organized by companies. Despite being a popular venue, the operator emphasizes that the garden is not primarily intended for music production.

Seating up to 1,500 guests at full capacity, the garden is the largest of its kind in the country. Its operator, represented by David Salomon, is introducing a new operational model dubbed the “Energy Pub,” aiming to lead by example in both sustainability and community consideration.

The earlier closing time is part of a wider initiative to reduce both noise and environmental impact at the Riegrovy sady beer garden. As part of a new green strategy, the garden is introducing several sustainability measures, including the use of retention tanks to irrigate trees, recycled water from beer cooling systems, waterless urinals, better waste sorting, and a more energy-efficient cooling system. 

The changes come amid long-standing criticism from some local residents over the commercialization of Riegrovy sady. A recent petition, signed by 172 people and discussed by the Prague City Council’s control committee, decried what it called the “circusization” of the park. Complaints include loud festivals and unauthorized installations such as ice sculptures.

“The gardens in the upper part of the park, in their form and operation, do not correspond to the character of a public space,” the petition reads, calling for more sensitive regulation of commercial activities.

While the beer garden is responding with its own restrictions, the city is simultaneously debating a decree that could allow selected outdoor events to run beyond the current 10 p.m. quiet time. This has drawn criticism from some city districts and representatives who believe the proposal contradicts earlier efforts to reduce noise.

The new concert curfew takes effect immediately, with the garden’s first public awareness event under the Energy Pub concept already held. As Prague continues to weigh commercial freedom against public tranquility, Riegrovy sady’s beer garden is stepping forward with its own quieter, greener model.