When planning a visit to Poland, it is worth considering combining holidays with fun events taking place at the same time! Many festivals in Poland are known only to local residents, but there are some that attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. See our list of fun events and festivals in Poland that can make your visit to this beautiful country even more memorable.
Fun Festivals in Poland!
1. Pol’and’Rock Festival (former Woodstock Festival Poland)
Pol’and’Rock Festival is the most famous music festival held in Poland each year and is known to people across Europe. This music festival attracts a few hundred thousand music lovers from all parts of the world as well as talented musicians, speakers and even politicians, all for FREE. The event takes place in Kostrzyn nad Odrą, near the German border. I still remember remember attending this festival with a group of friends and seeing Damian Marley play with his band. This festival is a unique experience that you should considering during your summer visit to Poland.
More: Poland Rock Festival
2. Flower and Art Festival in Wałbrzych
As always, I love to promote my home town and I like to encourage travelers to visit Wałbrzych and its greatest attraction, Książ Castle. The Flower and Art Festival has been running for over 30 years and draws thousands of tourists to the town to officially welcome spring. The organizers facilitate many events for all ages including creating your own floral arrangement, artist performances, demonstrations of medieval fights and interesting workshops.
3. Targi Rzeczy Ładnych in Warsaw
The Polish art scene has developed at an amazing speed in recent years. It’s no wonder Targi Rzeczy Ładnych (Fair of Pretty Things), that has taken place for several years, has been so successful. This two day event is a celebration of Polish design at its best. In addition to purchasing unique pieces from the artists, visitors can also participate in workshops, presentations and conversations.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/targirzeczyladnych/
4. Bolesławieckie Święto Ceramiki in Bolesławiec
Poland is well known for its unique pottery style. Every year in August, the town of Bolesławiec turns into the largest ceramic fair in Poland presenting quality, handmade products for visitors. During this weekend there are also many presentations and workshops where you can even create your own piece of pottery. The festival concludes with a parade passing through the streets of the charming city and a concert with famous Polish musicians.
5. Carnaval Sztukmistrzów in Lublin
This carnival event is held in the Old Town of Lublin and is another event that is free for visitors. This festival highlights artists, acrobats, jugglers, musicians, theater, dance and the circus! The event is worth visiting and provides entertainment for the whole family.
6. Podlasie Slow Fest in Suprasl
Every year, the beautiful region of Podlasie transforms into the capital of the Slow Movement for two weeks, attracting tourists from all over Poland and Europe. The festival combines the highest quality of cinema, music, literature and cuisine with nature, which is not difficult to do in this beautiful region. The festival promotes high quality art, design, and literature. Here, time stops and the mind opens. It is worth visiting Supraśl to learn about the history and culture of the region, talk with locals and discover the beautiful and unspoiled nature of Podlasie.
Source: https://podlasieslowfest.pl
7. American Film Festival in Wrocław
For more than a decade, the city of Wrocław, together with the New Horizons Association, have organized an American film festival that attracts movie fans from all over the world. Before and after the films, conversations and panels are organized with creators and specialists who discuss topics relevant to today’s world. In addition to great movies, its also an opportunity to visit Wroclaw, which provides a number of attractions itself!
8. Christmas Markets in Poland
In December, virtually all Polish market squares flash with holiday lights and the smell of mulled wine floats in the air. The most famous of these markets take place in Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Wroclaw. It is also worth visiting some of the smaller Christmas markets that are not as crowded. During the fair, you will have the chance to buy quality local products, taste great food and holiday beverages and understand what Christmas feels like to Poles. We visit Polish Christmas markets during our winter trips to Poland.
9. Open'er Festival in Gdynia
This is one of the largest Polish music festivals that brings some of the biggest stars to the stage to perform. Musicians such as Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Mumford and Sons, Florence and Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pharrell Williams and many others have performed here. The festival has a completely different atmosphere than the previously mentioned Woodstock. Tickets usually sell out quickly so you must purchase them well in advance.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/openerfestival/
10. The International Soup Festival in Kraków
Kraków is a city that you have certainly hear of, but have you heard of their International Soup Festival? Each year, at the end of May, the Kazimierz district invites everyone to taste delicious Polish soups. Interestingly, everyone, both individuals and restaurants, can take part in the competition for the best soup, and the tasting is available to visitors for free. In addition, various workshops and concerts are organized for those that have had their fill of soup!
11. Vodka and Chaser Festival in Warsaw
The Scots pride themselves on whiskey and the Germans organize the annual Oktoberfest, so Poland has its own small tribute to the national drink - vodka. This young festival takes place at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw on the last weekend in January. Here you will learn everything you need about Polish Vodka. You will learn how to prepare your own tinctures, meet Polish chefs and taste and assortment of locally made beverages. For this festival, we recommend booking accommodation close to the event. Polish vodka can be treacherous!
Interested in attending one of these festivals in Poland? Learn more about designing a private tour to Poland or contact us!
We are Damian and Elizabeth, a Polish-American couple, and we are excited to share Poland with you! We have traveled around the world and seen many places but find ourselves most inspired by our home countries.