Masters of Puppets: dark psytrance festival in Valeč, Czech Republic
A seven-day festival for dark and hi-tech psytrance in the Czech Republic. For 2027 it moves to a new site in Valeč, western Bohemia, from 5 to 11 July.
Masters of Puppets is one of the main gatherings for dark and hi-tech psytrance in Europe. It is a small, adults-only festival that runs for a full week on three stages, and its crowd leans towards experienced festival-goers. The 2024 edition was billed as its tenth anniversary. For 2027 the festival leaves its previous site in the Vysočina region and moves to Valeč in western Bohemia.
Location
The 2027 edition takes place in Valeč, in the Karlovy Vary Region of western Bohemia, Czech Republic, as an open-air festival. From 2024 to 2026 it was held at Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in the Vysočina region, so older travel information may point you to the wrong place. July is summer in Central Europe.
Music
The sound is dark and fast: darkpsy, hi-tech and forest form the core, with techno also on the program. Music runs across three stages. Line-ups are published on the official website and social channels.
Community
The audience is international and leans towards veterans who come specifically for the darker end of psytrance. Entry is 18+ only, and children are not allowed. Alongside the music there are workshops, art installations and a market. The same organisers also run a teaser event in Portugal.
Travel
A car is recommended for getting to Valeč. If you have been before, note the new location: the festival is no longer at Bystřice nad Pernštejnem. Camping is included, campervans are catered for, and food is available on site.
Tickets
Tickets for 2027 are sold through Ticket Tailor; the link is on the official website. We could not verify current prices, so check the ticket page before you plan. Entry is for adults (18+) only.
FAQ
- When is Masters of Puppets 2027?
- From 5 to 11 July 2027.
- Where does it take place?
- In Valeč, in the Karlovy Vary Region of western Bohemia, Czech Republic. It is a new site for the festival.
- Is it still at Bystřice nad Pernštejnem?
- No. The 2024–2026 editions were held at Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in Vysočina; from 2027 the festival moves to Valeč.
- Is it "Master" or "Masters" of Puppets?
- The official name is Masters of Puppets. Some listings write "Master of Puppets".
- What music is played?
- Darkpsy, hi-tech and forest, plus techno, across three stages.
- Is there an age limit?
- Yes. Entry is 18+ only, and children are not allowed.
- Can I camp?
- Yes. Camping is included, and campervans are catered for.
- Where can I buy tickets?
- Through Ticket Tailor, linked from the official website. Check current prices there.