Discover a cultural extravaganza in Poland in 2024, bursting with active music festivals steeped in history. Metalheads assemble at the legendary Gdańsk Shipyard for Mystic Festival, the country's largest metal music event, thrilling icons like Iron Maiden alongside the hottest new bands. Open'er Festival promises a spectacularly diverse lineup in a unique airport setting, while Garbicz Festival's innovative “health resor” theme blends music, art and nature into a holistic escape. The wildly avant-garde Unsound Festival never fails to push boundaries. And the colorful Dragon Parade brings folklore alive on the streets. Poland's festivals offer exhilarating, unforgettable experiences spanning contemporary, classical and traditional arts against backdrops encompassing shipyards, airfields and forests. Prepare for a cultural immersion into this history-rich country's dynamic creative scene at its best in 2024 when Poland's festivals light up stages, streets and unique spaces with vibrant energy.
Listed below are the top festivals to attend in Poland for 2024.
- Mystic Festival. Mystic Festival is Poland's largest heavy metal music festival, held annually from June 5 to July 8, 2024, at the Gdańsk Shipyard since 1999. The 2024 edition features artists like Bring Me the Horizon and Bruce Dickinson across five stages. Attendees can reach it via trains to Gdańsk. Accommodation options include camping and hotels. Parking is available for a fee. Multiple ticket tiers are offered.
- Open'er Festival. Open'er Festival is Poland's largest diverse music festival, held annually in July at the Kosakowo Airport in Gdynia since 2002 from July 3 to July 6, 2024. The 2024 lineup includes Foo Fighters, Dua Lipa and others across multiple stages. Shuttles, camping, parking and various ticket tiers are available. It attracts around 110,000 attendees.
- Garbicz Festival. The Garbicz Festival is an annual music and arts festival held in Garbicz, Poland since 2006. The 2024 edition is from July 31 to August 5. Past lineups included techno DJs like RØDHÅD and Seth Troxler across seven stages. Attendees reach it via Berlin. Campsites, parking and multi-tier tickets are available.
- Unsound Festival. Unsound Festival is an annual experimental music festival held each October in Kraków, Poland since 2003. The festival takes place in different venues across Krakow and for 2024, it is to occur in October, as in previous years. The 2024 lineup features all AI artists across multiple venues. Kraków offers transportation, accommodation, parking options and different ticket tiers.
- Dragon Parade. The Dragon Parade is an annual costume festival in late May and early June in Kraków, Poland, along the Vistula River since 2000. The festival was Inspired by the legend of the Wawel dragon and attracts thousands, including children, in costumes parading dragons. Kraków offers transportation and accommodation access. Multiple performance stages are featured.
1. Mystic Festival
Mystic Festival is Poland's largest metal festival at the Gdańsk Shipyard from June 5 to July 8, 2024. The nearest city is Gdańsk, with the festival site 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) away. Mystic Festival's origins date back to 1999, with the inaugural event in Kraków featuring the Emperor as the headliner. The festival typically attracts thousands of attendees. Previous lineups included prominent acts like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. The 2024 edition presents artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Bruce Dickinson. Five stages accommodate the performances. Attendees can reach the festival via different transport options, including trains to Gdańsk. Accommodation options range from camping to local hotels. Parking is available for vehicles, including a fee for private cars. Multiple ticket tiers are offered, with prices for parking a private car at €34.19 ($37.50, £29.30).
2. Open'er Festival
Open'er Festival, Poland's largest and most diverse music festival, takes place in Gdynia, specifically at the Kosakowo Airport (Babie Doły Military Airport). The festival in 2024 is scheduled from July 3 to July 6. Gdynia, the nearest city, is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away. The festival's history dates back to 2002 in Warsaw and since 2006, it has been hosted in Gdynia. The festival attracts 110,000 attendees. Past lineups included prominent artists like Drake, The Libertines, Mumford & Sons and Kasabian. The 2024 lineup features artists like Foo Fighters, Noname, Dua Lipa, Benjamin Clementine, L'Impératrice, Michael Kiwanuka, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, Claptone and Ice Spice. The festival site includes multiple stages. Attendees can reach the festival by different means, including shuttle buses. Accommodation options are available near the festival, including a campsite. Parking is available, though it is unguarded. Ticket options vary, with different tiers available. As for the cost of entrance tickets, specific prices for 2024 are yet to be announced.
3. Garbicz Festival
Garbicz Festival is a music and arts event in Garbicz, Poland, with the 2024 edition scheduled from July 31 to August 5. The festival is near Gadkow Wielki, 140.9 kilometers (87.5 miles) from Goleniow Airport. The festival, initiated by the party creators Bachstelzen and KaterBlau/Holzmarkt, has been a communal project for over a decade. The first festival took place around 2006. The event attracts 7,000 attendees. Past artist lineups included globally recognized techno DJs like RØDHÅD and Seth Troxler. The festival features seven stages, each offering a different vibe and musical style. Attendees can reach the festival by train, bus or car from Berlin. Accommodation options include different campsites near the festival site. Parking is available, but the festival encourages green transportation options. Tickets are available in different tiers, starting at €295 ($326.68, £254.68).
4. Unsound Festival
Unsound Festival, an annual music event in Krakow, Poland, focuses on contemporary, experimental and leftfield music. The festival takes place in different venues across Krakow and for 2024, it is to occur in October, as in previous years. The nearest city to Krakow is Katowice, 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. Unsound Festival was first held in 2003 and since then, it has gained a reputation for identifying innovative scenes and radical sounds. The number of participants varies, but the festival attracts a global audience. Past artist lineups have included acts like Autechre, Lee Gamble and Blawan. The 2024 lineup is expected to feature all AI artists. The festival spans multiple stages. Attendees can reach the festival via public and private transportation, with Krakow being well-connected by road, rail and air. Accommodation options are available in Krakow, given its status as a major city. Parking availability depends on the specific venue and city parking is available. The festival offers different ticket tiers.
5. Dragon Parade
The Dragon Parade, known as the Great Dragon Weekend, is a unique annual event in Kraków, Poland, organized by the Groteska Theatre. The festival takes place on the Wisła River boulevards below Wawel Castle. It occurs in late May or early June. The nearest city to the festival is Łódź, 192 km (119 miles) away. The Dragon Parade was inspired by Kraków's most famous legend of a dragon that lived under Wawel Castle and the festival has been held annually since 2000. The event attracts thousands of participants, including more than a thousand children who parade through the streets of the old town in historical costumes, presenting handcrafted dragons. The festival features multiple stages for different performances, including a large outdoor show on the Vistula River. Access to the festival is through Kraków, which is well-connected by road, rail and air and offers accommodation facilities.
6. Folkowisko
Folkowisko is a cultural festival in Poland celebrating traditional folk arts and music in Gorajec, a small village in the country's southeastern part. The festival for 2024 is in July. The nearest city to Gorajec is Zamość, 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away. Folkowisko originated as a small gathering of folk enthusiasts and has grown over the years into a major event. The inaugural festival took place in 2005. The festival attracts thousands of attendees from around the world. Past lineups have included different artists from various folk traditions. The festival features multiple stages for performances. Attendees can access the festival by car or public transportation from Zamość. Accommodation options are available in nearby towns and cities and parking is near the festival site. Several ticket tiers are available, with prices varying based on the package chosen.
7. Jagiellonian Fair
The Jagiellonian Fair is a significant folk art and culture festival in Lublin, Poland. The festival in 2024 is scheduled for August 23-25. Lublin, the host city, is closest to Warsaw, 170 kilometers (105 miles) away. The fair's roots trace back to the historical Lublin Fairs of the 15th and 16th centuries, among the most important international events of their time. The first Jagiellonian Fair happened in the early 2000s. The festival attracts hundreds of artisans and craftsmen from Poland and other European countries. Past artist lineups have included a diverse range of folk artists and musicians. The festival features multiple stages for performances. Visitors can travel to Lublin by train, bus or car to reach the festival. Accommodation options are available in Lublin, with hotels catering to different budgets. Parking facilities are near the festival venue. The festival offers different tiers of tickets.
8. Organic Festival
The Organic Festival celebrates organic and sustainable living in Poland. It takes place in the scenic countryside of Bialowieza, a location known for its natural beauty. The festival is scheduled for the summer of 2024, specifically from June 20 to June 23. Bialystok is the nearest city to the festival site, 63 kilometers (39 miles) away. The Organic Festival originated as a small gathering of organic farmers and lovers in 2005, growing over the years into a large-scale event. The festival sees a turnout of 10,000 participants. Past lineups have included different artists, like the folk band Warsaw Village Band and the jazz group Pink Freud. The 2024 lineup promises a similar variety, with acts like the electronic duo Skalpel and the rock band Myslovitz. The Organic Festival features three stages for performances. Attendees can reach the festival by car or by shuttle service from Bialystok. Nearby accommodation options include camping on the festival grounds and hotels in Bialystok. Parking is available close to the festival site. The Organic Festival offers three tiers of tickets. day passes, weekend passes and VIP passes. The cost of entrance tickets ranges from €30 ($33, £26) for a day pass to €90 ($99, £78) for a VIP pass.
9. Rusted Axe Folk Fest
The Rusted Axe Folk Fest, a folk metal music festival, is held at the Garage Pub in Kraków, Poland. The festival takes place from July 5 to July 7, 2024. The Garage Pub, where the festival is held, is in Kraków. The nearest city to Kraków is Zielonki, 4.19 kilometers (2.60 miles) away. The festival, deeply rooted in the folk metal scene, will be hosting its second edition in 2024. The number of participants varies, but the festival attracts a significant crowd of folk metal fans. Previous artist lineups have featured prominent domestic folk metal bands such as Łysa Góra, Velasar and Aether. The 2024 lineup includes Łysa Góra, Aether, Ariadne's Thread, Czarny Bez and D'Varga. The festival is held at a single venue, the Garage Pub. Festival-goers can reach the venue by traveling to Kraków, with accommodation options available in the city. Tickets for the festival are available at different prices. The cost of entrance tickets to the festival is €12 (£10, $13) to €36 (£30, $40).
10. Tauron Nowa Muzyka
Tauron Nowa Muzyka is a music festival in Poland that showcases a blend of contemporary electronic music and other genres. The festival takes place in the Culture Zone in the city center of Katowice and for 2024, it is scheduled between June 20 and 23. The nearest city to Katowice is Krakow, 81 kilometers (50 miles) away. The festival began in 2006 when a group of friends associated with the ‘Hipnoza' music club decided to organize their music event. The festival attracts 5,000 visitors. Past lineups included big names in contemporary electronic music like Jamie Lidell, Moderat, DJ Krush, Amon Tobin and Flying Lotus. The 2024 lineup includes artists like Bicep, IAMDDB, Nihiloxica and Chase & Status. The festival features multiple stages. Visitors can travel to the city center of Katowice for the festival. Accommodation options are available in and around Katowice, including hotels, hostels and Airbnb rentals. Parking is provided. The festival offers different tiers of tickets, with prices starting at €58.32 ($63.89, £47.47).
11. Rawa Blues Festival
The Rawa Blues Festival is the world's largest indoor blues music festival, taking place annually since 1981 in Katowice's Spodek arena on the first or second Saturday of October. The 2024 edition will mark the 44th festival. Katowice is 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the nearest city Sosnowiec. The festival was founded by blues lovers Ireneusz Dudek and friends. Rawa has evolved from local jam sessions into one of Europe’s premier blues events showcasing top international talents. The festival draws thousands over its multiple stages, including main stage and side stage acts. Past lineups featured stars like Altered Five Blues Band, Philip Sayce and Albert Cummings. Visitors can reach Katowice by road, rail or the nearby international airport. Accommodation and parking options are available near Spodek Arena. Ticket prices start around €30 ($33, £26).
12. Pol'And'Rock Festival
Pol'And'Rock Festival or Woodstock Festival Poland, Europe's biggest free music event, is set to rock Czaplinek Broczyno from August 1 to August 3, 2024. The festival celebrates love, friendship and music, founded by Jerzy Owsiak in 1995. It takes place near the town of Czaplinek, with the nearest city being Koszalin, 66 kilometers (41 miles) away. Pol'And'Rock has a history of promoting peace and music, starting in Czymanowo and now attracting 750,000 attendees. It hosted a diverse lineup of artists, including bands like Guano Apes, Die Toten Hosen and The Prodigy. The artist lineup for 2024 includes the band Motionless In White. The festival features two stages. Attendees can reach Czaplinek by train, bus or car. Accommodation options include a free campsite and a paid Rock Camp zone with extra facilities. Paid parking is available located outside the festival field. The festival is free.
13. Audioriver
Audioriver, an electronic music festival, has been held annually in Płock, Poland over 15 years. The festival in 2024 is scheduled from July 12 to 14. The nearest city to Płock is Warsaw, 120 kilometers (74.56 miles) away. The festival, which started in 2006, has grown to become one of the most important electronic music festivals in Central and Eastern Europe. The first Audioriver festival attracted a modest crowd, but recent editions have seen participation from 25,000 people. Past lineups have included artists like The Blaze, Modeselektor, Jon Hopkins and Charlotte de Witte. The 2024 lineup includes artists like 999999999, 175 BPM, 8KAYS and A_GIM. The festival features multiple stages, with 11 music zones and stages reported in the previous year. Attendees, to reach the festival, travel to Płock, where the festival town is, on the beach on the Vistula River. Accommodation options are available in and around Płock and parking facilities are provided near the festival venue. Ticketing for the festival is usually tiered, with different prices for different access levels.
14. Małopolska Taste Festival
The Małopolska Taste Festival is a culinary event that showcases the diverse flavors of the Małopolska region in Poland. The festival takes place at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków. It is scheduled to start on Friday, June 7. Kraków, the nearest city, is right where the festival is. The festival has been promoting food products from the Małopolska region for over a decade. The first festival took place more than ten years ago. The number of participants varies, but it is one of the largest culinary events in the region. The festival features performances on stage accompanied by a folk art fair and food stands. Visitors travel to Kraków to get to the festival, which is well-connected by road, rail and air. Accommodation options are available in Kraków, including hotels with outdoor pools.
15. Pierogi Festival
The Pierogi Festival is a popular annual event in Krakow, Poland, specifically in the Maly Rynek (small square) behind Rynek Główny (the Main Square). The Pierogi Festival in 2024 is scheduled for July 26, 27 and 28. The nearest city to the festival is Wieliczka, 16 kilometers (10 miles) away. The festival's history traces back to a local appreciation for pierogi, a staple in Polish cuisine and has grown into a significant event attracting locals and tourists. The festival first took place in the mid-1990s. The festival draws a large crowd, with 300,000 visitors participating. Past artist lineups have included local bands and performers. The festival features multiple stages for performances. To reach the festival, visitors can travel to Krakow and navigate to the Maly Rynek. Accommodation options are available near the festival, with several hotels nearby. Parking is available near the festival site. The festival offers different ticket tiers.
16. Festival of Good Taste
The Festival of Good Taste celebrates food culture in Poznan, Poland, attracting food lovers with its display of local and traditional foods and international fare. The festival takes place at Plac Kolegiacki in Poznan in mid-August, similar to previous years. Poznan is the nearest city to the festival. The Festival of Good Taste has a rich history, a staple of Poznan's summer events for many years. The first festival took place in 2006. The festival hosts 30 vendors and while the artist lineup varies each year, it often includes street artists and jazz musicians. The festival features several stages for different events. Attendees can use public or private vehicles to get to the festival, as Poznan has a well-connected transport network. Accommodation options are available in Poznan.
17. Warsaw Beer Festival
The Warsaw Beer Festival is a biannual event celebrating Polish craft beer taking place at the Legia Warsaw Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. The 2024 spring edition is scheduled for March 21-23. Warsaw, the capital city, is the nearest urban area to the festival. The festival's inception was in 2014, marking it as Poland's first event dedicated to craft beer. It has since become a significant event in Europe's beer industry, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The festival features a display of beers, with 1,200 different types from different brewers.
18. Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week, a culinary festival in Poland occurs in different cities nationwide. The festival in 2024 is scheduled for the spring and autumn and exact dates vary by city. Warsaw, the capital, is a key location for the festival, with other cities within a range of 10 to 500 kilometers (6 to 311 miles). The festival, initiated in 2012, aims to promote Polish gastronomy and encourage the exploration of diverse cuisines. Thousands of food lovers participate, with past editions featuring top chefs from celebrated Polish restaurants. The 2024 lineup promises a selection of the country's best culinary talents. The festival takes place in multiple venues, each restaurant being a stage. Attendees can reach the festival by public or private transport per city. Accommodation options are plentiful near the festival venues and parking is available. Ticket tiers vary, with prices dependent on the restaurant and menu ranging from €30 ($33, £26) to €60 ($66, £52).
19. Meble Polska 2024
Meble Polska 2024 is a prominent furniture trade fair in Poland. Poznań, a major city in the country, hosts this event. The 2024 edition is scheduled for February 20-23. Gniezno, 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, is the closest city to Poznań. Meble Polska, established in the 1990s, has become a significant event for the furniture industry. The inaugural festival attracted a modest crowd, but recent editions have seen thousands of attendees. Past editions have featured different exhibitors from the furniture and interior design sectors. The 2024 lineup includes local and international exhibitors showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the industry. The festival spans multiple exhibition halls within the Poznań International Fairgrounds. Attendees can reach the festival by public transportation, including trains and buses that service Poznań. Nearby accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Parking facilities are available close to the festival grounds. Tickets for the festival are available in several tiers, catering to different needs and budgets. The general admission ticket costs €30 ($33, £26).
20. EuroGastro 2024
EuroGastro 2024 is a gastronomy industry trade fair in Poland, set to take place at the Ptak Warsaw Expo in Nadarzyn, a town located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Warsaw, the nearest city. The event is scheduled for March 12-14, 2024, marking its 27th edition. EuroGastro has a history of over 20 years as a leading trade fair in the hotel and catering industry, with its inaugural event organized by a different entity before Ptak Warsaw Expo took over in 2021. The festival sees thousands of industry professionals in attendance, with the previous edition attracting 18,371 visitors and 580 exhibitors.
21. St. John’s Fair
St. John’s Fair in Kraków is a Renaissance fair celebrating the city's medieval past with historical reenactments, equestrian shows and a reconstruction of a medieval market. The festival occurs in Kraków, specifically at the Czerwieński Boulevard beneath Wawel. It is held in June. The nearest city to Kraków is Katowice, 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. The fair's history is rooted in the Golden Age of Kraków, a time of wealth and dynamic life, with the first festival believed to have taken place in the middle of the 19th century. The number of participants varies, but the city of Kraków, with a population of 760,000, attracts locals and tourists to its numerous festivals. The festival features multiple stages. Visitors can travel to Kraków by different means to get to the festival, including by plane, train or car. Accommodation options are plentiful in Kraków.
22. Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald, a significant historical event, is reenacted annually in Poland. The festival takes place in the territory of the former Monastic state of the Teutonic Order, between three villages, including Grunwald. The festival in 2024 is expected to occur on July 15, as it traditionally does. The nearest city to the battlefield is Dąbrówno, 25 kilometers (16 miles) away. The Battle of Grunwald fought on July 15, 1410, marked a pivotal moment in history when the allied forces of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania triumphed over the German Teutonic Order. The festival first took place in 2008. It attracts 8,000 attendees, including military-historical reenactment clubs representatives from different countries. Past artist lineups have included folk and rock groups from Belarus, Russia, Europe and America. The festival features multiple stages for different activities, including knightly tournaments and music performances. Attendees can reach the festival by traveling to the region of Grunwald. Accommodation options are available, including a camp with necessary amenities.
What are the best summer festivals in Poland?
Listed below are the best summer festivals in Poland.
- Folkowisko. Folkowisko is a summer festival located in Chutor Gorajec, Poland. The festival is scheduled from July 11 to July 13, 2024. Folkowisko celebrates traditional folk culture, focusing on music, dance and crafts. The festival takes place in a picturesque rural setting, providing an authentic experience of Polish folk traditions.
- Jagiellonian Fair. The Jagiellonian Fair is a summer festival in Lublin, Poland. The festival takes place in August. The fair celebrates traditional crafts, music and dance with workshops, performances and stalls selling handmade goods. The festival takes place in the historic heart of Lublin, with the city's castle providing a stunning backdrop.
- Organic Festival. The Organic Festival, located in Ośrodek wczasowo-kolonijny Biała, Poland, is a summer festival from July 11 to July 15, 2024. The festival celebrates organic and sustainable living with workshops, talks and stalls selling organic products. The festival takes place in a beautiful natural setting, with the castle-like buildings of the Ośrodek wczasowo-kolonijny Biała providing a unique atmosphere.
- Rusted Axe Folk Fest. The Rusted Axe Folk Fest is a summer festival in Garage Pub, Poland. The festival is scheduled from July 5 to July 7, 2024. The Rusted Axe Folk Fest is a celebration of folk music, with performances from local and international artists. The festival takes place in the Garage Pub, a castle-like venue that adds to the festival's uniqueness.
- Dragon Parade. The Dragon Parade is a lively summer festival in Kraków, Poland. The event takes place in late May or early June. The Dragon Parade is a colorful spectacle featuring large dragon-shaped floats, performers and a festive atmosphere. The parade winds through the streets of Kraków, culminating near the Wawel Castle, where the legendary Wawel Dragon is said to have lived.
What are the best music festivals in Poland?
Listed below are the best music festivals in Poland.
- Mystic Festival. Mystic Festival, dedicated to metal music, is hosted at the Gdańsk Shipyard, a historic site in Poland. The 2024 edition is set for June 5 to June 8, offering heavy music fans a lineup of legendary and up-and-coming metal bands. The festival's atmosphere is enhanced by the industrial backdrop of the shipyard, creating a unique experience for concertgoers.
- Tauron Nowa Muzyka. Tauron Nowa Muzyka, an electronic music festival, takes place in the post-industrial city of Katowice. The event is scheduled from June 20 to June 23, 2024. The festival is known for its avant-garde lineup and immersive audiovisual installations, attracting fans of cutting-edge electronic music to the culturally rich area of Katowice.
- Rawa Blues Festival. The Rawa Blues Festival, the world's largest indoor blues festival, is located in Katowice, Poland. The festival typically takes place in October and features performances from international and Polish blues artists. The festival is named after the Rawa River, which flows through the city of Katowice and it takes place in the Spodek, a venue that resembles a flying saucer or a large castle.
- Pol'and'Rock Festival. Pol'and'Rock Festival, formerly known as Woodstock Festival Poland, is a well-known free music festival held in Kostrzyn nad Odrą, near the German border, traditionally occurs in the summer. This festival is famous for its inclusive atmosphere and draws hundreds of thousands of attendees to enjoy music genres and engage in social and political discussions.
- Audioriver. Audioriver, an electronic music festival, is celebrated on the banks of the Vistula River in Płock and typically happens in July. The festival showcases many electronic music acts and emphasizes educational and cultural activities, making it a comprehensive experience for festival-goers.
What are the best food festivals in Poland?
Listed below are the best food festivals in Poland.
- Małopolska Taste Festival. The Małopolska Taste Festival is one of Poland's oldest and largest culinary events. It is held in different locations throughout the Małopolska region, with the final event in Krakow. The festival showcases the region's rich culinary heritage, focusing on traditional and regional dishes.
- Pierogi Festival. The Pierogi Festival, known as the XXII Pierogi Festival, is an annual event held in Krakow in July. The festival takes place in the Maly Rynek, a small square behind the Main Square in Krakow. The festival showcases different pierogi, from traditional Polish dumplings to more adventurous flavors. Pierogi Festival features traditional Polish food for visitors to try.
- Festival of Good Taste. The Festival of Good Taste, also known as the National Good Taste Festival, is one of Poland's largest culinary events. It is held in Poznań's Old Market Square and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The festival features numerous concerts, meetings with celebrity cooks, culinary demonstrations, workshops and contests.
- Warsaw Beer Festival. The Warsaw Beer Festival is a leading beer festival in Poland. It is held at the Legia Warsaw Municipal Stadium of Marshal Józef Piłsudski. This weekend festival allows craft brewers from Poland and abroad to showcase their products. In addition to sampling and purchasing beer, visitors can attend lectures and participate in taste tests guided by brewing experts.
- Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week is a major food festival held several times yearly in Warsaw. The festival occurs in different locations across the city, with participating restaurants offering special three-course menus at budget prices. Chefs from the best restaurants in Warsaw prepare a spectacular menu at a special festival price.
What are the best fairs or trade festivals in Poland?
Listed below are the best fair or trade festivals in Poland.
- LIGHT Fair 2024. The LIGHT Fair 2024 in Warsaw is a trade fair scheduled from January 31 to February 2, 2024, at the EXPO XXI Exhibition Center. It is the biggest lighting industry event in Poland and attracts numerous exhibitors and visitors. This trade fair provides specialized training and showcases global trends for architects, designers, investors, producers and distributors. The fair features lighting solutions, including lighting for villas and detached houses, technical lighting for business and industry and illumination for industrial and working areas.
- Meble Polska 2024. Meble Polska in Poznań, the largest business meeting of the furniture industry in Central Europe, is scheduled for February 20-23, 2024, at the Poznan International Fair. This trade fair showcases the latest collections for the new season, allowing visitors to meet market leaders and sign contracts with producers from Poland and neighboring countries. The fair also hosts the MTP Gold Medal award, recognizing the best products and innovations in the furniture industry. The event is a significant platform for the Polish furniture industry, a major global exporter.
- WorldFood Poland 2024. WorldFood Poland 2024, an exhibition dedicated to the food and beverage industry, will be held in Warsaw from April 16-18, 2024. The exhibition spans seven product sectors, including EcoFood, Ingredients, Wine&Spirits, NutraFood, Food & Drinks, ColdChain and FoodTech. Exhibitors from over 40 countries share the latest developments in the industry and connect with potential clients. The event hosts the ‘Gold Medal Tasting Contest' and offers on-site presentations and workshops to gain industry knowledge.
- EuroGastro 2024. EuroGastro 2024, the Fair of Solutions for the HoReCa Industry, will happen in Warsaw from March 12-14, 2024. This trade fair connects hundreds of exhibitors with professionals from the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors, allowing participants to meet and cooperate with professionals within the food, beverage, retail and HoReCa industries operating in Central and Eastern Europe.
- St. Dominic's Fair. St. Dominic's Fair, from July 24 to August 4, 2024, is a significant event in Gdańsk, featuring market stalls, music and general revelry. The fair traditionally begins with a parade of colorful people and the handing over the city's key, accompanied by a unique bugle call. It celebrates trade, handicrafts and regional cuisine, attracting millions of tourists annually. The fair presents stands offering delicious food, handicrafts and goods, including jewelry, wooden statues, leather goods and original Christmas glass balls, hosting cultural and artistic events, specially designated areas for children and chill-out zones.
What are the best reenactment festivals in Poland?
Listed below are the best reenactment festivals in Poland.
- St. John’s Fair. St. John’s Fair in Kraków, set in Kraków in June 2024, is a proper Renaissance fair filled with knights in armor, royal costumes, historical reenactments and equestrian shows. The festival presents medieval combat demonstrations, artisans like potters and blacksmiths and archaic games. The fair celebrates Renaissance Faires costumes and Kraków's medieval past, with opportunities to purchase hand-crafted souvenirs and experience the city's historical appeal.
- Battle of Cedynia. The Battle of Cedynia reenactment festival, set in Cedynia, is scheduled for June 2024. This event commemorates the first recorded battle in Polish history. The festival is noted for its Renaissance Faires costumes and the town of Cedynia transforms into a historical stage, offering a unique insight into the medieval warfare of the 10th century, with a dynamic display of tradition and history as Cedynia revives the spirit of its ancient past.
- Battle of Grunwald. The Battle of Grunwald reenactment festival is set in Grunwald in July 2024. This festival is a thrilling reenactment of the historic battle, complete with Polish Longsword Championships and Knight Fights. The festival showcases Renaissance Faires costumes, with 1,200 historical reenactors worldwide bringing the 1410 battle to life. The festival offers traditional cuisine, medieval music and engaging workshops to learn more about the era.
- Festival of Slavs and Vikings. The Festival of Slavs and Vikings, set in Wolin, is at the end of July or the start of August 2024. This festival is a journey back to the Viking invasion, with contests, simulation battles and traditional weapons exhibitions and clothes. It offers hands-on activities like clay modeling, felt-making and archery. Visitors can taste Viking snacks, try on armor and participate in historical lectures. The festival is known for its Renaissance Faires costumes and interactive experiences transporting attendees back millennia.
- Dni Górnika. Dni Górnika or Miner's Day in Zabrze, is a cultural event celebrating the region's rich mining history scheduled for September 2024. This festival features reenactments paying homage to the lives and work of miners. The event has Renaissance Faires costumes and a series of historical performances animating the city with the spirit of the past, presenting a lively display of tradition and history as Zabrze transforms into a scene from its industrious heritage.
What are the top places to visit in Poland during the festivals?
There are several places in Poland to visit during the festivals. Firstly, Kraków, known for its rich history and spectacular architecture, becomes even more lively during the Kraków Live Festival. This music event features a mix of international and Polish artists spanning different genres. The festival usually takes place in August, transforming the city into a hub for music lovers. Secondly, Warsaw is a cultural hotspot hosting the Warsaw Film Festival in October. This event is a significant film festival in Central Europe, showcasing a diverse range of films worldwide, including feature films, documentaries and shorts. Thirdly, Gdańsk, a coastal city with a rich maritime history, is home to St. Dominic's Fair, the oldest and largest open-air market in Europe, in late July and early August. The fair features hundreds of stalls selling arts, crafts, antiques and food, with different cultural and musical performances. Fourthly, Wrocław, known as the “City of Bridge”, hosts the Brave Festival in July. This unique event focuses on world cultures and traditions, with performances and workshops celebrating the diversity of global music, dance and rituals. Lastly, Poznań, a city with a lively arts scene, is the venue for the Malta Festival in June. This international theater festival brings avant-garde performances, contemporary dance and experimental music, often featuring outdoor shows around the city's picturesque Lake Malta.
How to get around in Poland during the festivals?
There are five main ways to get around in Poland during the festivals. Firstly, public transportation is a widely used method for getting around. Trains and buses operate frequently across the country, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel. Free public transport is provided for festival-goers within the city limits in festivals like the Open'er Festival and the Poland Rock and Roll Festival, making it an even more attractive option. It is advisable to check the schedules ahead as they are subject to changes in festival times. Secondly, car rentals and driving in Poland are possible for those who prefer more flexibility. Vehicles, from economy to luxury, are rented from different service providers across Poland; however, one should expect potential traffic congestion during peak hours and additional costs like parking fees and fuel. Thirdly, cycling is another popular mode of transportation in Poland, particularly for those moving in sustainable tourism. Poland hosts several bicycle events like the Bicycle Festival in Lubartów and the Lublin Critical Mass, promoting the integration of the cycling community. Fourthly, special shuttle services are available for specific festivals. The bus operator PKS Złociniec prepares a special festival schedule for the Pol'and'Rock Festival, with a bus stop located 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) from the entry gates. Extra trains are often provided by local governments to facilitate transport to and from festival locations. Lastly, walking is an applicable way to get around, especially in packed city centers. Signage and directions are enhanced in festivals to help attendees navigate to major events and points of interest. The Czaplinek train station, a common festival location, is 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) from the Czaplinek-Broczyno Airfield, a 45- to 60-minute walk.
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