Exotika Pobeskydí 2026 brings an international gathering of exotic nature enthusiasts back to Palkovice

Exotika Pobeskydí 2026 will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM in Palkovice near Frýdek-Místek, across the entire indoor and outdoor area of the Habeš restaurant. The event builds on traditional June gatherings, this time with a new organizational concept and a broader focus for growers, breeders, gardeners, and beginners interested in exotic nature.

The organizers present it as a new independent project by local enthusiasts from the Pobeskydí region, aiming to support growing and breeding activities while also engaging a younger generation of enthusiasts of cacti, succulents, carnivorous plants, exotic birds, and other animals.

Technical Director

Representative of young growers and breeders

Mayor of the village

The main professional highlight of the program will be the participation of Steven Brack from New Mexico, USA, founder and former owner of the Mesa Garden brand. At Exotika Pobeskydí 2026, he will deliver two lectures. The first will focus on mesembs and succulents from the cooler habitats of Sutherland and Lesotho, while the second will cover cold-hardy cacti from regions of the USA and Patagonia.

His program will also include an autograph session, and an interview with Steven Brack is being prepared. Both lectures will be translated into Czech by Jakub Jilemický, who will also assist with his personal accompaniment and support during his stay in the Czech Republic.

In addition to the main guest, the program will feature other speakers from the Czech Republic and abroad.*

Confirmed speakers include, for example:

  • Zlatko Janeba with topics focused on the genera Sclerocactus, Pediocactus, and Navajoa, and on the flora and fauna of the USA
  • Darek Raczko with updates on the genus Thelocephala and a lecture dedicated to Chile
  • Ivan Ivánek with travel topics from Thailand, Panama, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands
  • Jakub Starosta with a lecture on Cuba and melocacti
  • Jan Novák with a block on cold-hardy Austrocactus, Maihuenia, Maihueniopsis, and Pterocactus
  • Jaromír Chvastek with a lecture on present-day Namibia, its succulent flora, fauna, and local people
  • Petr Lichý & Filip Vavrečka in a joint lecture on exotic and ornamental birds in the wild and in domestic breeding, including breeding advice
 

*The selection of lecturers and the final program schedule are subject to change.

The event will not focus solely on lectures. The indoor program will also include an exhibition of specialized photography of cacti and exotic nature, display cases with beetles and butterflies from various parts of the world, and presentations of ornamental birds and ornamental poultry combined with consulting and sales.

In the outdoor area, there will be a fair featuring cacti, succulents, carnivorous plants, witches’ brooms, trees, ornamental shrubs, and other exotic plants from local vendors, including live specimen displays and cultivation advice.

Practical demonstrations of growing techniques will also be prepared, such as flower arrangement creation, cactus grafting, repotting, plant care, and workshops for beginner gardeners.

A significant part of the program will also be dedicated to families with children. A mini zoo located nearby in the breeders’ area of Palkovice will be available, along with displays of domestic animals and poultry, pony rides for children, and canister therapy demonstrations with dogs.

The garden of the local kindergarten will also be open for families with children, along with children’s competitions organized by the Palkovice volunteer firefighters and a supporting stage program. Every interested child will receive a free plant along with practical advice on how to start growing.

The entire Saturday program will be accompanied by the band COX from Palkovice and hosted by Jiří Prokeš from Hitrádio Orion.

Admission to the event will be voluntary throughout the day. Refreshments and catering will be available across the entire venue, and parking will be provided in designated areas according to the parking map.

Accommodation is not arranged by the organizers, but we recommend the following local options (advance booking is advised):

  • Rekreační středisko Palkovické Hůrky (cabins and hotel)
  • Myšák Western Ranch Palkovice
  • Ubytování Olešná Nad přehradou Frýdek-Místek (camp cabins near Palkovice)
  • Rekreační středisko BUDOUCNOST, Nová Ves, Frýdlant nad Ostravicí (cabins, hotel)
  • Restaurace a penzion Pod Lipami, Metylovice
  • Wellness & Restaurant U Fandy, Lhotka
  • Ubytování u Ivánku, Lhotka
  • Restaurace Penzión Mlýn, Kozlovice
  • Pension Harcovna, Nová Ves, Frýdlant nad Ostravicí
  • Penzion u Pacošů, Malenovice (near Frýdlant nad Ostravicí)
  • Hotel Hukvaldy, Hukvaldy
  • Rekreační středisko Beskydský H-RESORT, Kunčice

Special thanks go to:

the company ALMIRO for vegetation s.r.o. for supporting the stay of Steven Brack in the Czech Republic as a sponsor.

The event is organized with the participation of:

  • the Exotika Pobeskydí 2026 organizing committee
  • Technical Director Petr Kupčák
  • the Municipality of Palkovice represented by Mayor Radim Bača as the event guarantor
  • the Zahrádkáři Palkovice organization
  • the Chovatelé Palkovice organization
  • and other members of the professional and technical team

Parking map for Exotika Pobeskydí – June 13, 2026, Palkovices