Prague is getting a new food festival – and yet everything feels familiar: the legendary Burgerfest becomes the Burger Arena in 2025. What’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why the new location in Holešovice is the perfect fit – we found out when we spoke to the founders, Zdeněk Střížek and Bedřich Snášel.
In September, Prague will once again become the epicentre for everyone who loves juicy beef creations: from 5th to 7th September, the Port7 site in Holešovice will transform into the Burger Arena 2025 – a new festival format that bears a new name, but stays true to what has excited tens of thousands of visitors for years: honest burgers, real atmosphere, and an unforgettable experience.
Behind the Burger Arena are no strangers. The creators of the legendary Prague Burgerfest and the Burger Street Festivals have now officially joined forces under a new brand. One of them is Zdeněk Střížek, founder of Burgerfest in Prague. The idea had been taking shape for some time, he explains. “We already had several joint events – it was time to make something bigger out of it. Not an average street food show, but a real festival with a distinct profile, recognition factor, and future.”
The decision to rebrand was not made on a whim but was a logical step: “We wanted to build a strong brand. Burger Arena isn’t a replacement for Burgerfest – it’s the next level,” says the second co-founder and organiser of the Burger Street Festivals, Bedřich Snášel.
Port7: A new location with festival potential
The venue is also new: for the first time, the festival will take place on the Port7 site in Holešovice – directly on the Vltava, near the Nádraží Holešovice metro station. A green oasis by the river and right in the city, with plenty of space for children, food stalls, and music. “What we lacked before, we now find in one place: water, grass, good transport links. The site is ideal,” says Střížek.
Focus on quality instead of celebrity chefs
Unlike in the past, this year the organisers are deliberately focusing on local chefs and influencers. International star chefs? Not this time. “We’re not spending our money on TV celebrities – they might have a few followers on social media, but they don’t make a festival,” say the pair. Instead, the aim is to put strong local voices in the spotlight – such as influencers like #stounman29, who inspire with humour and personality despite their disabilities.
The burger chefs come from all over the Czech Republic – many familiar faces, but also some surprises. Guests can particularly look forward to the big live cooking show “Made in Japan”, a crossover event with international guests. The highlight: the special feature, the PRAGUE ⇄ TOKYO BURGER SHOW, where the founders of the two biggest Czech burger festivals – Zed, El Presidente, from Prague and Bedy from Brno – go head to head.
Music, challenges, and loads of beef
Of course, the Burger Arena includes the right supporting programme. The musical acts range from US guest Lord Bishop Rocks, now based in Dresden, to the Czech band Los Culos, bringing Mexican flair to the stage. Also announced: Brass Avenue – and more surprises.
There’ll also be the popular competitions like the “Best Burger Challenge”, the showdown between the best burger restaurants, as well as chilli and eating challenges that test not just the stomach, but also the nerves.
In Beef We Trust
The motto remains: In Beef We Trust – and even the new brand won’t change that. “We’re not changing the soul of the festival,” says Střížek. “We’re evolving it. And maybe, one day, Burger Arena will become one of Europe’s biggest burger festivals,” adds Snášel with a wink.
Anyone strolling along the Vltava near Port7 in early September will soon smell, taste & feel: this is about more than just good food. This is a community celebrating itself – and what connects it all: the perfect burger.
Tickets for Burger Arena 2025 are already available online at GoOut.cz!
Burger Arena Prag 2025
5 to 7 September 2025 | Port7, Holešovice
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