Poland hosts over 30 major festivals annually; you have some of the best music festivals, like Orange Warsaw Festival and Kraków Live Festival, taking place in the country. From grand music events that draw global crowds to cherished traditional celebrations and fascinating customs and mouthwatering food fairs, Poland offers a year-round calendar of unforgettable experiences.
With this guide, we will take you through some of the best festivals in Poland that will help you plan your trip and witness the country’s wonders through a new lens.
St. Dominic’s Fair
The St. Dominic’s Fair is one of the largest open-air trade and cultural events in Europe, dating back over 760 years. It is considered the largest international summer festival of Poland. It transforms Gdańsk’s historic center into a massive marketplace filled with stalls selling everything from antiques and artisanal goods to local food and crafts. There are several attractions, shopping zones, and music arenas. It is one of the most fascinating festivals to attend with your friends, family, and kids.
- Location: Gdańsk, primarily in the Old Town (Długi Targ, Długie Pobrzeże)
- Date & Time: Typically the last week of July and the first two weeks of August (around three weeks in total)
- Highlights: Thousands of stalls offering collectibles, crafts, and food; street theater; concerts; and a grand opening parade.
- Specialties: A true sense of history and tradition; the opportunity to find unique amber jewelry, a specialty of the Baltic region.
- Pro Tip: Go early on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds, or visit in the evening for a magical atmosphere along the Motława River.
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Krakow’s Jewish Culture Festival
Krakow’s Jewish Culture Festival is one of the world’s largest events dedicated to presenting contemporary Jewish culture. It seeks to educate and promote tolerance by showcasing the music, art, dance, and traditions of the Jewish people, centered in the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. It is a fascinating way to learn about the Polish Jews, their history and unique traditions.
- Location:Kazimierz, Kraków
- Date & Time: Typically late June or early July
- Highlights: World-class klezmer music concerts (especially the massive final outdoor concert, Shalom on Szeroka Street); workshops on Jewish dance, cooking, and calligraphy; and lectures on history and philosophy.
- Specialties: The profound emotional and spiritual atmosphere; a massive, diverse program that brings the history of Kazimierz to life.
- Pro Tip: Book accommodation in Kazimierz well in advance, and try to attend a few of the smaller, intimate events in addition to the major concerts.
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Pierogi Festival
Pierogi Festival is a delightful celebration dedicated to Poland’s most famous dish, the pierogi (dumpling). Restaurants and culinary teams compete for the title of “Best Pierogi,” offering hundreds of unique fillings, both traditional (meat, cabbage, cheese) and contemporary (chocolate, fruit). If you are a foodie and love to try new dishes, this is one of the greatest food festivals for you.
- Location:Mały Rynek (Small Square), Kraków
- Date & Time: Usually mid-August (a few days)
- Highlights: Endless varieties of pierogi to taste and buy, cooking demonstrations, music and folk performances, and the fierce competition among chefs.
- Specialties: The sheer variety of flavors you can sample; a true feast for food lovers.
- Pro Tip: Don’t stick only to the classic ruskie (potato and cheese); be adventurous and try some of the sweet or unusual savory fillings.
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Christmas Markets
The Polish Christmas Markets are famous for their magical atmosphere, festive decorations, and abundance of traditional goods, food, and drink. The markets are a centerpiece of the holiday season, with the Wrocław and Kraków markets being particularly well-known. These markets are famous for their magical atmosphere, unique wooden stalls, enchanting illuminations, great food, seasonal treats, and amazing trinkets.
- Location: Major Old Town squares across Poland (e.g., Rynek Główny in Kraków, Rynek in Wrocław)
- Date & Time: Typically from the last weekend of November until Christmas Eve (December 24th) or sometimes into early January.
- Highlights: Handicrafts like wooden toys and woolen slippers; regional food (smoked cheese, grilled meats); hot grzaniec (mulled wine/beer); and carol singing.
- Specialties: The beautifully lit, historic backdrop of the market squares creates a perfect winter wonderland.
- Pro Tip: Be sure to try oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese from the Tatra mountains), usually served grilled with cranberry jam, and sip on some hot grzane wino (mulled wine).
Orange Warsaw Festival
Orange Warsaw Festival is one of the major annual urban music festivals in Poland, featuring a mix of global headliners and prominent Polish artists across various contemporary genres, including pop, rock, and electronic music. You can watch amazing performances by Lewis Capaldi, Olivia Dean, and TV Girl.
- Location:Służewiec Horse Racing Track, Warsaw
- Date & Time: Usually the first weekend of June (two days)
- Highlights: A diverse lineup of international superstar acts, multiple stages, and a central, easily accessible location in the capital city.
- Specialties: Its focus on major commercial pop and rock acts, making it a guaranteed hit for mainstream music lovers.
- Pro Tip: Use public transport (trams/buses) to get to the Służewiec Race Track, as traffic and parking can be difficult.
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Wianki (The Wreaths)
Wianki is a traditional celebration of the summer solstice (Midsummer’s Eve), rooted in pagan rituals and later adapted by Christianity. The highlight involves releasing flower wreaths (wianki) into the river, a practice meant to foretell love and marriage. The modern event combines tradition with major free concerts.
- Location:Vistula River banks, primarily in Kraków (near Wawel Castle)
- Date & Time: Midsummer’s Eve (June 23rd)
- Highlights: The ceremonial floating of the wreaths on the Vistula River, massive free evening concerts with major Polish and international artists, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Specialties: The blend of ancient Slavic tradition with a contemporary music festival atmosphere.
- Pro Tip: Stake out a spot early along the Vistula to get a good view of the concert stage and the fireworks over Wawel Castle.
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Pol’and’Rock Festival
Pol’and’Rock Festival is described as one of the world’s largest free-entry open-air rock festivals; this event is famous for its “Love, Friendship, and Music” ethos. It features three days of nonstop music, cultural workshops, and meetings with prominent figures.
- Location:Czaplinek, Western Poland
- Date & Time: Late July/early August (three days)
- Highlights: Free entry; a massive, diverse line-up of rock, metal, punk, and reggae bands; a vibrant counter-cultural atmosphere; and the Academy of the Most Beautiful Arts (Q&A sessions with artists and public figures).
- Specialties: Its non-commercial, peaceful, and genuinely inclusive vibe; the massive “mud bath” crowd surfing scene (if it rains!).
- Pro Tip: This is a camping-focused festival; be prepared to rough it a bit, bring your own tent, and embrace the communal, high-energy atmosphere.
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Open’er Festival
Open’er Festival is Poland’s premier multi-genre music and arts festival, consistently attracting some of the biggest names in contemporary global music across pop, rock, electronic, and hip-hop. It is a major fixture on the European festival circuit. Some of the greatest international artists, like Halsey, Addison Rae, Zara Larsson, Don West, and Jade, will take center stage in 2026.
- Location:Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport, Gdynia
- Date & Time: Early July (four days)
- Highlights: Top-tier international headliners; a well-organized venue with multiple stages; a strong emphasis on arts, fashion, and cinema alongside the music.
- Specialties: The consistent quality of its bookings and its location on a former military airport near the Baltic Sea coast.
- Pro Tip: The festival offers camping, but many attendees choose to stay in nearby Gdynia or Gdańsk and take the shuttle buses to and from the airport site. Book the tickets in advance so you don’t miss out.
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Kraków Live Festival
Krakow Live Festival is one of the most visited music festivals in Poland. It is a two-day, centrally located music festival focused on modern, chart-topping pop, hip-hop, and electronic artists, making it a great option for those who want a music festival experience without leaving the city center. You can watch international artists like Halsey, Ava Max, and Lewis Capaldi perform and discover local Polish artists at the same time.
- Location:Polish Aviation Museum, Kraków
- Date & Time: Typically late August (two days)
- Highlights: A high-quality lineup focused on popular, trending artists; easy access from the city center; and a unique venue on the grounds of an aviation museum.
- Specialties: Its “end of summer” date and strong focus on hip-hop and electronic music stars.
- Pro Tip: Check out the Aviation Museum during the day, which often remains open to festival attendees for a unique cultural experience alongside the music.
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Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival
The Gdansk Shakespeare Festival is one of the best cultural festivals in Poland to experience. It is an international theater festival dedicated to showcasing modern and unconventional adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays by companies from all over the world. It is known for its experimental approach and for hosting performances in the remarkable Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre. The festival dates back to 1997 and theater groups from different countries like Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Georgia, and South Korea actively participate.
- Location: Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre and other venues in Gdańsk
- Date & Time: Typically late July/early August (about a week)
- Highlights: Innovative and often challenging interpretations of classic works, performances in multiple languages (usually with English subtitles), and the beautiful, architecturally significant main theatre.
- Specialties: The intellectual depth and international scope of the productions; the chance to see Shakespeare reimagined through different cultural lenses.
- Pro Tip: Book tickets for the major shows at the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre well in advance, as seating is limited for the most sought-after international premieres.
FAQs
What festivals are popular in Poland?
Popular festivals include major music events like Open’er Festival and Pol’and’Rock Festival, cultural events like Krakow’s Jewish Culture Festival and St. Dominic’s Fair (Gdańsk), and seasonal markets like the Christmas Markets.
Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in Poland?
Highly regarded events include the massive free Pol’and’Rock Festival, the historical St. Dominic’s Fair (Gdańsk), the rich cultural experience of Krakow’s Jewish Culture Festival, and the beautiful winter tradition of the Christmas Markets.
What is the best time to visit Poland?
The summer (June to August) is best for warm weather, outdoor activities, and attending the biggest music and outdoor festivals. Spring (May) and Autumn (September) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery.
What is the most celebrated holiday in Poland?
Christmas is the most celebrated family holiday, with Christmas Eve (Wigilia) being the most significant day. There are various Christmas markets in Poland that make the experience highly exciting for locals and tourists.
