Krakow Festival Calendar

With Krakow’s wealth of culture combined with its a supernatural motivation to put on a festival for pretty much everything, you’ll find all kinds of celebrations using Krakow's ancient face as a backdrop. Pierogi, books, cello, science, sea shanties, museums, bread, dancing, theatre, ancient or experimental or mainstream music, flower wreaths, obwarzanki.... you name it, Krakow's got a festival for it!). With hundreds of unique and amazing festivals, fairs, markets and holidays taking place across the city throughout the year — there’s sure to be something to lighten the heard of just about everybody.

If you're after music on massive stages - you don't have to look for a field in the middle of nowhere to catch the big acts - during the warmer months, many fabulous bands play regularly and for free on giant stages which temporarily pop up in the middle of the Market Square, in Podgorze, by the Vistula River, in Plac Nowy in Kazimierz and loads of other great local spots. We’ve never seen as many free public concerts and festivals anywhere else in the world.

But don't forget about the rest of the Małopolska region, this breathtaking expanse of rolling green meadows, snow-topped mountain peaks, tiny wooden villages snuggled in mystical valleys, fairytale castles overlooking serene lakes plus all the ancient food and traditions. Not to mention the earth-loving festivals offering deep beats, deep in the forest for those who enjoy a powerful journey. We'll be including all these fabulous neighbouring festivals as well. All easily accessible via car, bus, train or thumb.

So, check our list of festivals to see what's going on when you're here, and be sure to also keep updated with our events calendar for all the weekly concerts, film screenings, plays, operas, fresh food markets, gourmet meetings, sports, dance classes, club nights plus special free ticket giveaways and more…

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January

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Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity

Probably the biggest charity event of the year, held by WOSP across the country in aid of sick children and the elderly - the Grande Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity is a blockbuster concert not to be missed! The Main Square will be filled with charitable volunteers and spectators alike as they dance away the chilly evening to the tunes of some of the most well-known Polish musicians. Although the concert is free of charge and open to everyone, there will be loads of friendly volunteers walking around to collect donations (you get a cute little heart sticker in return!) from those who wish to contribute.  

When: 12th January, 10AM to 10PM 2020
Where: Rynek Głowny // Main Square
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Opera Rara

This festival spectacular explores the soul of the most flamboyant form of art; alive and high kicking for more than four centuries. Whilst paying homage to history’s greatest works, Opera Rara does not shy away from the contemporary, the classical, the romantic, the tragedy or the outrageous. Experience the celebration of life and join the audience for semi-operas & full stage versions performed by the most prominent local & international talent on Krakow’s most prestigious stages.

When: 23rd January to 14th February 2020
Where: Cricoteka, MOCAK, Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Łaźnia Nowa Theater, MOS & more
How Much: Ticket Info
Links: Program // Official Festival Website // Facebook

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Read more about other things to do in Krakow in January

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February

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Bukowina Highlanders Festival

This celebration of traditional mountaineer culture is worth a visit just for the outfits alone. This is the jaunty hair-down, heels up, baritone laughter side of Poland that you need to dive into if you want to understand the true raw beating heart of the land. They have had hard times (sheep blend in so well with the snow, always getting lost) but they sure know how to cheer up with moving ballads and seriously hearty food, caroling, dancing & shepherding competitions, bands, folk art & more. 

When: 6th to 9th February 2020
Where:  Bukowina Tartranska, in the nearby Tatra Mountains
How Much: Free
Link: Official Website // Program

 

Wege Festival

This city is overflowing with delicious vegan and vegetarian produce. New cafes, restaurants and brands are popping up all the time from cruelty-free entrepreneurs and lucky for the animals, eating delicious and healthy veggie food is actually beginning to become a new norm. This beautiful festival will showcase over 100 stalls from a huge variety of not only food but also animal-friendly products.

When: 15th to 16th Feb 2020
Where: Forum Event Space
How Much: Free
Links: Facebook Event

 

Fat Thursday 

Catholic or no, Polish people love to celebrate Fat Thursday (known locally as Tłusty Czwartek), A day with some original meaning... like about a saint or something... but the important part is the doughnuts! PPączki are a traditional Polish doughnut and they are absolutely delicious. Poland's cukiernias enjoy one very crazy day as people line up in queues down the block to get their hands on some of these juicy fried dough balls. Many order doughnuts from their favourite Cukiernia in bulk in advance of the day! So make sure you get in early to get the best doughnuts. People have huge arguments over which of the many, many Krakowian Cukiernia's is the best but we've done the hard work for you. Read the lowdown on Fat Thursday in Poland, the Paczki craze and where to find: The 5 Best Doughnuts in Krakow

Where: Krakow's Cukiernias
When: 20th February 2020
How Much: 1 doughnut is around 2.50-4 zl
Links: The 5 Best Doughnuts in Krakow

 

Eat'n'Doughnate: The Eataway Doughnut Drive

Would you like to eat doughnuts and help people at the same time? On Friday 14th, you will have the opportunity to learn the most important life skill you can have: how to make doughnuts! Join Eataway's doughnut-making workshop to learn the art of traditional Polish pączki, while supporting a really good cause.

On the morning of Thursday 20th, it's time to eat! The Eataway team and the kids of Parkowa Children's Home will have just pulled their annual all-nighter, cooking 2000 (!!) scrumptious doughnuts for hungry people to order on Tłusty Cwartek aka Fat Thursday.  You can order boxes of these crispy clouds in advance, picking them up from Parkowa 12, or, via free delivery. Keep an eye on Eataway's Facebook page for live streaming of the pączki parade! All money raised from the Doughnate action goes towards building a vineyard for a local children's home, a great addition to the vegetable garden they built during a past Doughnate action. A vineyard will enable these kids not only to learn a wonderful professional skill (we already taught them how to make doughnuts!) but also to gain a means of supporting themselves and they couldn't be more excited. 

You can take part in two ways: 1. Order a box of fresh and delicious doughnuts, or,  2. Join a doughnut workshop and learn a life skill
Either way, you get to eat pączki while helping kids to grow fruit!

Where: Eataway
When: 14th & 19th/20th February 2020
Links: Doughnut Workshop // Fresh Doughnut Delivery // Official Website // Facebook Event

 

International Shanty Festival

"Oh, a sailor's life is the life for me. How I love to sail on the bounding sea. Though I never ever ever did a thing about the weather for the weather never ever did a thing for me!" 

Ahoy there landlubbers! The ocean may be hundreds of miles away, but that sure hasn't stopped shanty lovers from staging this bonkers tribute every single year. Sea shanty singing groups from across the globe will be dropping anchor in Krakow, and loads of raucous gigs will be sailing through various locations in the city, including a big free concert in the Main Square. So without further ado, it's time to pick Polly the Parrot a nice winter jacket, strap on your eye-patch and get ready to let rip with some maritime madness.

When: 20th-23rd February 2020
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Ticket Info
Links: Program // Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

14th AfryKamera Festival

Kino Pod Baranami’s spectacular annual review of the best and latest in African cinema! The first African festival this side of Europe and the biggest African focused event to be found anywhere in Poland, this carefully curated selection of films gives cinema goers the opportunity to view Africa from the perspective of its inhabitants. Travel right across the continent through Sudan, Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana & more. Events include a film morning for children & drum workshops.  

When: 21st-27th February 2020
Where: Kino Pod Baranami
How Much: More info to come
Links: Facebook // Official Website

 

Najedzeni Fest

Najedzeni Fest transforms unique locations around the city into Krakow’s most fun and diverse food party! Featuring a ton of pop-ups from the best and most cutting edge bars, restaurants, small producers, bakeries, independents, breweries, vineyards & culinary initiatives of Krakow, this festival is an absolute smorgasbord of local flavour packed with steaming stalls, smoked stalls, baked stalls, fermented stalls plus workshops, live djs & often a collaboration with another cool fair such as Kup Se or something offbeat like a dog show. With so many mouth-watering worldly delights for you to sample and shop, you'll be joining half the darn city at the next freshly themed edition (Asian, Cannabis, Vegan, Ethinic & the list is growing!) of Najedzeni Fest for the ultimate gourmet picnic.

When: 23rd February 2020
Where: FORUM
How Much: Free
Links: Facebook Event // Official Website 

 

Kogel Mogel Vintage Fair

Tucked neatly inside Najedzenie Fest is a mini version of Krakow's own amazing vintage fair, Kogel Mogel

Everything was better in the past and that's a well-known fact. So, stop wasting your time with all the dumb new stuff and head over to Krakow's one and only, totally vibing, retrotacular vintage market. You'll find the coolest clothes, classic accessories, snazzy designs, retro decor to spice up your home, vinyl records, old-timey collectables, scrumptious food and... everything else vintage. All from local designers, collectors and purveyors of vintage goods! Kogel Mogel is famous for it's retro and vintage treasures - unique, original... not from H&M! Wear true style and a story instead of a brand name. Embrace the power of retromaniac attractions such as workshops, lectures, DJs and many other surprises with the sound of old vinyl in the air. Fairs held regularly - Keep an eye out on the Local-Life events page or check out Kogel Mogel's Facebook for the next edition!

When: 23rd February 2020
Where: FORUM
How Much: Free
Links: Local Life Page // Facebook // Facebook Event 

 

Navigator Festival

Nowa Huta's annual celebration of adventure! Two days of films, meetings & workshops exploring travel, culture and music.

When: 28th to 29th Feb 2020
Where: Nowa Huta Culture Centre
How Much: 10 to 50zl — tickets
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

SnowFest 

Have you ever wanted to see if you can ski and dance to drum & bass at the same time: With huge international acts such as Andy C, Pendulum, Chase & Status, Nero, Ghostface Killah, Calyx & Teebee & Booka Shade hitting the stage-slopes each year - SnowFest is your chance to find out! Big air snowboard stunts and crazy freestyle competitions take over the mountains as an incredible line-up of artists lay down an avalanche of heavy beats from an igloo. Known for being an adrenaline-packed, frozen wonderland of banging tunes and extreme stunts, this year's edition will surely be snow exception.

When: 28th to 29th February 2020
Where:  Szczyrk, in the nearby Tatra Mountains
How Much: From 250zl // Buy Tickets
Links: Facebook  // Official Website

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March

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Kraków Cello Spring

A perfect combination of instrument and season. Somehow we find the song of the cello and the flowering of the first crocuses' an irrevocably entwined pairing. Apparently so does the Krakow Academy of Music as each year they put on a series of concerts to celebrate it.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Parks and beautiful, historical buildings
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Early Music Days

An offshoot of and prequel to April's Misteria Paschalia Festival, the Early Music Days come into form as a series of incredible concerts of ancient music concerts, held across 3 very spaced out days (although the 21st of March is considered the official 'Early Music Day'). 

When: 21st March to 13th April  2020
Where:  St Martin’s Church, Wieliczka Salt Mine, ICE & more.
How Much: Tickets
Links: Programme // Official Website

 

Chocolate Festival

The largest Chocolate Festival in Krakow featuring Chocolate producers from Poland and abroad. Magical arrangements, an exciting programme of events and many excellent guests. There will even be a secret surprise for guests upon entrance…The festival's everyday life will include children's confectionery workshops and confectionery masters' shows open to the public. A permanent element of the program is the Cake and Small Form Competition for confectionery lovers, during which we are delighted by edible masterpieces of art. Chocolate bars and sweets will go to honorary blood donors who take part in the "Give blood for a bag of sweets" social campaign, in which well-known sweet brands such as Wawel, TAGO, Super Fudge, Cocoa have been involved for years. If you want to take part as an exhibitor, please contact: 730210619 or by e-mail: izabela.augustyn@weform.com.pl

When: 21st to 22nd March  2020
Where:  FORUM
How Much: Ticket Info
Links: Official Website  // Facebook // Facebook Event

 

Bach Days

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), one of the most celebrated composers of all time. Visionary creator of musical art pieces which entrance the soul and hypnotise the body. In celebration of the time at which this genius of tone and tune first entered our world (although was he ever really of this world?) on March 21, 1685 - the Krakow Academy of Music annually organises a series of free concerts performing the magnificent work of Bach and family.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where:  TBA
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook 

 

Szymanowski/Poland/World Festival

Following up the celebration of Bach is a more niche festival for one of Poland's most beloved composers. This national treasure travelled the world, rubbing shoulders with the elite, no doubt engaging in scandalous affairs with princesses and helping close deals of national importance - charming everyone with his incredible musical ability. As Patron of the Krakow Philharmonic, it's a fitting place to hold a festival in his honour. Enjoy a Symphonic concert from some of the most talented orchestras in the world.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Krakow Philharmonic
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website 

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April

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Krakow Festival of Comics

Krakow's celebration of comic books is a must for fans of the frame. The program includes, among other things, meetings with guests from Poland and abroad, exhibitions, lectures and comic workshops for children and youth, as well as animated films and board games tournaments. There will also be the famous comic books market, where, as every year, you will be able to browse and purchase the most interesting Polish and foreign comics in existence

When: 3rd to 5th April 2020 
Where:  Małopolski Ogród Sztuki
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook 

 

Easter Market 

To immerse yourself in the Polish Easter spirit as well as in the spirit of capitalism, there’s no better way than to spend some time browsing the wooden kiosks of the Old Town Easter Market. Thriving with traditional foods, mulled wine & beer (to get you in the mood for ill-thought-out purchases), colourful decorations, clothing, home-made crafts, jewellery, toys and general random nic-nackery. 

Where: Main Square, Stare Miasto/Old Town
When: Late March - Early April April 2020 (exact dates TBA)

 

KRAKERS // Cracow Art Week

A city-wide treasure hunt for the artventurer; 70+ unique exhibitions will temporarily transform unexpected spaces into a stream of visions, scattered across the city and awaiting the hunt. KRAKERS is a project promoting contemporary art in the space of the city of Krakow, cooperating with the mice & the giants of Krakow’s art & cultural scene. It draws attention to both independent & major artists, galleries, museums, institutions & collectives; activating citizens through meetings with the artists, workshops, curatorial tours, discussion panels, music events and film screenings. 

Ever evolving, this year will be a culmination, a sprout from the ancestral; root of all past editions. Under the slogan of “Open Concept Art”, Krakers will once more redefine itself, exploring the role of art institution as community base for meetings of minds, as a womb for the development of science, activism, philosophy, abstraction and as a basin for the art which flows through it all.

When: 19th to 26th April 2020
Where: All over the city
How Much: Mostly Free
Links: Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Emaus Fair

Salwator's annual Emaus (Emmaus in English) Fair dates back to the 12th century and takes place each year on the Monday after Easter. Expect stalls, handmade crafts & toys, balloons, costumes, laughter, singing, music, food, rides, raffles as well as the joyful Lajkonik (Tartar) Parade. The Fair takes place in Salwator Zwierzyniec (Klaztor Siostr Norbertanek), a Norbertine Monastery located along the picturesque banks of the Wisla River.  A wonderfully colourful and uplifting way to spend your afternoon.

When: April 13, 2020, Easter Monday
Where: ul. Kościuszki 88, Salwator Norbertine Monastery
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website

 

Misteria Paschalia 

Krakow's annual festival celebrating early music. This is music which genius ancient people put time, love and serious thought into, people who had vision and imagination and wanted to express something pure. Music created to soothe the world, instruments designed to harmonize with the soul and tones carefully constructed to vibrate our atoms into sync with the universe. Read our article about it here.

When: 6th to 13th April 2020
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Ticket Info
Program // Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Rękawka Traditional Medieval Fair

*This is our favourite festival of the year

Rękawka is a fantastically fun historical reconstruction of a medieval fair. It has been designed to allow us to step back in time and experience what it would have felt like to live in the time of knights and dragons. Celebrating Rękawka as Krakowians did almost 500 years ago, you can experience the lighting of the holy fire, throwing eggs and bread loaves from Krakus Mound, live scenes which approximate life in medieval Krakow, historical craftsmanship (blacksmithing, weaving, russeting, salt brewing, herbalism), early music concerts, demonstrations of strength and fencing skills as well as some spectacular battles. We recommend dressing the part and bringing along a picnic blanket (the medieval food and drink stalls are wonderful!). Read the rest of our article here.

When: 14rg April, Midday till late, 2020
Where: The top of Krakus Mound, Kopiec Krakusa in Podgorze
How Much: Free
Links: More Info // Facebook

 

OFF Camera 

Krakow is very blessed to have such a soulful connection to film, and this international festival of independent film is a stunning display of how deep that love goes. Part world-renowned film competition, part city-wide cinema celebration, OFF Camera brings us hundreds of film screenings, meetings and interviews with actors, directors, writers, free public pop-up cinemas screenings amazing new and old films, music, art, life, parties, famous faces - everything!

When: 24th April to 3rd May 2020
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Ticket Info
Links: Official Website // Program // Facebook

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May

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Queerowy Maj

In this month-long festival, composed of an endless variety of LGBT, activist, environmental and other growing as a humanity themed events such as meetings, workshops, film screenings, parties, art, exhibitions, debates & discussions, music, etc. — the main event is also the best of all: a colourful and time-honoured LGBT street parade! The Equality March takes place on the 23rd of May and everyone is invited to come along and encourage peace and freedom by having a really great time. This moving street party and the month surrounding it is not only tons of fun and filled with the most open-minded and interesting people around, but it’s also an important time to spread awareness and cultivate new practices about the importance of equality and compassionate treatment in work, love, life and law for all peoples.

When: All Throughout May, Equality March on the 23rd May
Where: Various locations
Links: Official Website // Facebook // Equality March FB

Duetissimo Festival

The Krakow Academy of Music’s annual festival celebrating classical duets, held in some of Krakow’s most sacred & beautiful spaces. 

When: 9th May 2020
Where: Bazylika Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa w Krakowie
How Much: Free

Links: Facebook

 

States of Mind Festival

A festival of all things multi-dimensional, conscious, transcendental and healing! Yoga, meditation, crystals, medicines, spiritual grooves 

More info TBA

When: 9th to 10th May 2020
Where: FORUM
How Much: TBA
Links: Facebook // Facebook Event

 

Barber Fest

Barber Fest is the first initiative of this type in Poland that aims to bring together the best Polish barber salons, tattoo artists, manufacturers of barber accessories, men's fashion designers, manufacturers of cosmetics for hair, beard and skincare in one place. Are you a barber or wanna be a barber? Would you like to train with the best? Drop in to meet people from the industry, make a difference. Or maybe you would like to know how to turn your moustache into a moustachterpiece, embrace your beard, and have good hairy things? Barberfest.

When: 16th to 17th May 2020
Where: FORUM
How Much: TBA
Links: Facebook // Facebook Event

 

Museum Night

Once a year, when the sun goes down and the moon comes out, the doors to Krakow's Museums remain wide open! Museum Night is an epic museum crawl across the city, with almost every museum taking part with special displays, interactive activities, musical and artistic displays & workshops. You'll be happy to hear that it's also basically, all you need to purchase is a symbolic 1zl commemorative coin which grants you entry to all museums.

Krakow has a LOT of museums and historical buildings, this is basically a golden ticket... so you will really have to plan in advance in order to make the most of it and see all the best exhibits. If you've come to Krakow to visit all the mainstay sightseer places such as Wawel Castle then you've definitely come at a fantastic time as Cracovians seems to take the term museum loosely, everyone wants to get in on the fun.

When: The night of 15th/16th May 2020
Where: Krakow's (and the rest of Poland's) Museums
How Much: All the Museums For Free!
Links: Full Program // Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Juwenalia

The best time of the year (if you're a student) is Juwenalia! According to an ancient and venerable tradition, the students are handed the keys to the city for a brief yet decidedly bonkers romp one day each May. For a week or so after the big day, parties erupt across Cracow. Most of these are open to outsiders, and some of Poland's biggest names in the world of pop and rock let rip at major city venues. 

When: 18th to 24th May 2020
Where: Various Locations
Links: Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Krakow Photomonth

It’s no secret that Cracovians are completely obsessed with the camera… they worship it. And If Krakow is photography's holy city then Krakow Photomonth is the extended holy feast. The ultimate celebration of light, shadow, memory, the moment and the moments missed - of the art of life. Temporary temples of film will be popping up all over the city as established galleries formulate their own impressive displays. Expect discussions, workshops, activities, parties, DJ's, concerts and, of course, loads of brilliant exhibitions. Read our article about it here.

When: 21st May to 21st June 2020
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Mostly Free
Links: Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Krakow Film Music Festival

A captivating showcase of the highest quality musical interpretations of the moving image and one of the most important festivals in the world of film music. Performed by leading musicians and orchestras in Europe and the world, the festival provides a unique concert experience by setting it to live screenings of the world’s most spectacular films, well-known for their dazzling cinematography, top-class direction, enthralling plots, and emotive acting. The Film Music Festival in Krakow has become one of the most widely-recognized Polish cultural exports around the world that has delighted fans since its inception. Read our article here.

When: 26th May to 1st June 2020
Where:  Here's a map of the locations
How Much: Tickets
Links: Program // Official Festival Website // Facebook

 

Copernicus Festival

Superstar of astronomy, Mikołaj Kopernik (better known as Nicolaus Copernicus), certainly had more than a black hole for a brain as he changed the way we see our existence. This is a festival for all the other people whose heads are full of matter instead of anti-matter. Exploring the universe inside of our minds and vibrating all around us, Krakow's famous Copernicus festival uses film, music, poetry, photography, painting along with mathematics, physics and logic to make sense of our holographic reality. Article: Discover Copernicus in Krakow

When: 2020 dates yet to be announced
Where: Various Locations
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Nowa Huta Musical Spring

23+ years under its belt, Nowa Huta's fabulous flowery festival has a very diverse program of concerts & events perfect for old & young. All kinds of musicians from different Polish cities will descend upon the city to perform a plethora of lush concerts held in some of the most gorgeously green places in Krakow.

Where: Various Locations in Nowa Huta
When: 2020 dates yet to be announced
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Krakow Film Festival

The Krakow Film Festival is a solid fashionable fixture on the international scene. The film fest concentrates on short films, documentaries and animated features, and prizes are awarded in both Polish and International categories. There are press conferences after each screening, so if you think you've discovered the next Kieslowski (who indeed kicked off his career at this festival) then you can even stick around at the end for some chit-chat with the director and some of the cast. Accompanied by exhibitions, concerts, shows and meetings with artists, and loads of free outdoor screenings in temporary riverside and old town cinemas, Krakow Film Festival is one of the oldest film events in Europe and one of the most appreciated in the World.

Read our article here.

When: 30th May to 7th June 2020
Where:  Various Locations
How Much: TBA
Links: Official festival website // Facebook

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June

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Night of Theatre

Another in Krakow's series of special themed  'Noc' or Nights (including museum night, theatre night, jazz night, sacred night & poetry night) in which the theatres and theatre companies of the city open their doors to Krakow's curious public. Explore behind the scenes, meet with actors and directors, take part in special workshops and of course enjoy a whole array of wonderful performances both on stage and in the streets. (Pictured: Teatr KTO)

When: 2020 dates yet to be announced
Where: Krakow's Theatres & Squares
Links: Official Website 

 

Jewish Culture Festival

One of the biggest festivals of the year (and that's saying a lot considering how many massive festivals Krakow puts on), the Jewish Culture Festival is part artist, part gourmet, part philosopher, part historian & total party animal.

In essence, a "culture" encompasses every aspect of life & the Jewish Culture Festival reciprocates that aim with a full & diverse program of events. Expect everything from intimate concerts to street parties, from amphitheatre presentations to group discussions, from street food bites to gourmet feasting, from unknown hermited poets to world-famous painters

Read the article here.

When: 26th June to 5th July 2020
Where: Taking over the city
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

International Summer Organ Concert Festival

Organized by the Dworek Cultural Centre, this festival of organ music takes place at several churches and halls throughout the city during the warm summer months.

Read the article here

When: 2020 dates TBA
Where: Various locations
Links: Official festival website

 

Wianki

In all our worldly travels, we have never seen a city throw such a big free public party as Krakow does with Wianki! Over 160,000 flower wreath wearing humans gather to enjoy dozens of concerts across 6 main open-air stages, a massive fireworks display, the Unsound Silent Disco, Club Night, and all the other brilliant events that accompany our Spring Flower Wreath Festival // Wianki - Fête de la Musique! Prepare your flower wreath for the best flower wreath competition & get ready for a long day of concert hopping around the most beautiful & historical parts of the city, delicious food, & dancing in the sunshine. We <3 Wianki, Wianki!

Read the article here.

When: 20th June 2020
Where: All over the city
How Much: Free!
Links: Facebook // Official Website

 

Kinobranie Summer Film Festival

9 weeks, 140+ films, an open-air cinema at Palace Pod Baranami & a chill zone on the terrace. With tickets from 8zl, the Kinobranie Summer Film Festival shuns an exclusive attitude to create a film festival of high class and quality with actual cheap tickets and we, the people, are so excited! Screening highly acclaimed modern films alongside independent pictures and cinema classics, get ready to fall in love as Kinobranie becomes your summer romance.

Where: Kino Pod Baranami
When: 2020 Dates yet to be announced
How Much: Tickets from 8zl
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Tauron Nowa Muzyka Festival

Ok, so it's not in Krakow - it's in Katowice. But that's only an hour away and this festival attracts some great names to the Polish summer music festival stream. 3 days of sunshine, sound, and pumping crowds.

When: 11th to 14th June 2020
Where: Katowice Culture Zone
How Much: Tickets
Links: Official Website // Programme

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Read more about other things to do in Krakow in June

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July

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Egodrop Festival 2020 by Goadupa

Ok, it's not exactly in Krakow but Goadupa and the Ego Drop have respectively made names for themelves amongst the Krakow Crowd and as a travelling forest festival, I feel it deserves a place here anyway. Both Egodrop and Goadupa are all about the earth-loving, universe honouring, creative, joyful, meaningful and energy health-raising good times. It's the first time Egodrop has taken the helm of established and beloved annual forest-people fest Goadupa and we could be more excited to see the results. Expect mind-bending music, mind-blowing meetings and mind-melting scenery.

When: July 16th to 19th 2020
Where: Przłęk, Paradyz district
How Much: 280zl —Tickets
Links: Facebook // Facebook Event

 

ULICA International Street Theatre Festival

We cannot recommend enough that you explore the city on this day. It’s absolutely magical, surprising, exciting...just incredible.  ULICA - The International Festival of Street Theatres in Krakow is one of the oldest events in this part of Europe dedicated to the presentation of outdoor theatres from all over the world. Organised by the KTO Theatre since 1988, it has gained recognition in Poland and abroad and its audience has varied from 60 000 to 100 000. 

For 4 days in July each year, Krakow transforms into a great open-air stage. Art leaves theatres, galleries and museums behind and heads outdoors for some fresh air. In the streets and squares of Cracow, the festival gathers together the people of the city, the country and from all over the world. Throughout this theatre feast we will have the opportunity to enjoy some 80+ artistic events presented on the most beautiful open-air stages of Cracow — The Main Square (Rynek Głowny), The Small Square (Mały Rynek), The Podgorski Square, Park Jordano and Park Bednarskiego, and more. 

Enjoy the 2019 ULICA Festival Photo Gallery

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: All across the city
How Much: Free
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

EtnoKrakow Crossroads Festival

We hear the term "white people" thrown around a lot these days by American media, but Europe is far from being one homogenous culture. Visit this festival and you'll have a hard time generalising these hundreds of unique cultures, ancient traditions, beliefs and practices into one bland term. Explore the rich and colourful tapestry of musical alchemy from across Europe and also from throughout the world. Loads of concerts, workshops, meetings & presentations. Also known as the 'Festival of Happy People', there's loads of love and acceptance - a fabulous place to learn.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where:  Various Locations
How Much: Both Free & Ticketed Events
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Summer Jazz Festival

Piwnica Pod Baranami's Summer Jazz Festival was organized for the first time in 1996 during celebrations for the iconic Krakow bar's 40th anniversary. Witold Wnuk - founder and director of the Festival, inspired by the legendary Piotr Skrzynecki, decided that there should be every year a  cycle of daily concerts during the month of July at Piwnica Pod Baranami.

Each year the Festival expanded their programme from the 31 daily concerts at Piwnica to include even more additional events in public spaces and special venues all over the city.

Every year this festival presents about 60 concerts with approx. 300 artists from Poland and abroad. The total number of spectators is around 40.000. This is the biggest Jazz Festival in Poland and one of the biggest in Europe.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Pod Baranami Palace, Various Locations
Links: Official Website

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August

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Festival of Music in Old Cracow

This festival of classical music has the reputation of being able to lure venerable names on the world scene to perform in Cracow, often at the most evocative historic venues in the city.

Read the article here.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Various Locations
Links: Official Website

 

Pierogi Festival

Beer is flowing, bands are playing, the sun is shining and there's pierogi galore! Keeping up with the old Polish culinary tradition, in which pierogi find themselves as the most popular dish in Polish homes, the Festival of Pierogi will allow both Polish enthusiasts and curious foreigners to sample all varieties of this staple of the Polish diet. Mały Rynek will be filled with wooden stalls as the best pierogi makers from around the country gather to offer a taste of their fried, boiled, steamed, traditional, weird and wonderful dumplings. You can even place your vote for your favourites to crown the ultimate king of pierogi in the best pierogi competition.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Mały Rynek, Old Town
How Much: Free 
Links: Official Website

 

Off Festival

For anyone who'd like to attend one of the sweaty summer rock-a-thon festivals, but doesn't want to travel all the way up to Gdynia to do so (much less to the U.K. or Denmark), can make the short journey to Myslowice, about an hour out of Krakow. And, unlike most large festivals that play only huge names (although Off Festival certainly has its share of big names), this festival specializes in the alternative and indie scenes, so you might be able to catch a more intimate performance by some bands before they become 'the next big thing'. Read our article here.

When: 7th to 9th August 2020
Where: Katowice
How Much: Tickets
Links: Official Website 

 

Krakow Live Music Festival

Big mainstream festival with lots of radio-popular money name MTV type artists, the kind whose fake relationships with young celebrity models you read about in gossip columns from America & the world. Instagram festival for the brainwashed masses.

Read the article here.

When: 21st to 22nd August 2020
Where: Krakow Aeroplane Museum
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Facebook

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September

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Sacrum-Profanum Music Festival

Don’t have any ideas about the how the world is or should be. Don’t have any ideas about how Sacrum-Profanum should be. Moving, evolving, disappearing and exploding. Nothing and everything. An abstract space where anything can happen. Don’t think about it. Just go.

Read our article about last year here.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Cricoteka, MOS, Various Locations
How Much: TBA
Links: Offical Website // Facebook

 

Veganmania

The largest event in Poland promoting a plant-based diet will take place in the unique space of Stara Zajezdnia by De Silva. Delicious, vegan food, served by restaurants and companies from all over Poland, cosmetics not tested on the animals, fashionable clothing and much more - all of this will be found at ul. St. Wawrzyńca in Kazimierz. Inspirational lectures and meetings are also a part of Veganmania - they will also be available during the event. If you are interested in participating in Veganmania as an exhibitor, write to kontakt@veganmania.pl

When: 13th September 2019
Where: Stara Zajezdnia
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

The Great Festival of Fermentation 

Join the Eataway team and loads of cool people to celebrate Fermentation Day the Polish way! Take part in a long, glorious afternoon of workshops, food, drinks and fun with Eataway. Learn how to ferment your foods with workshops run by a selection of lovely local and foreign experts: from kimchi to ogorki and from sourdough bread to kombucha, cheese & more, there's no end to what you can ferment! Come along to this colourful celebration of preservation to have a few drinks, eat some food, meet some new people, learn some new tricks and share a laugh. Bring your family and your friends, or make some of your very own fermented foods to take home to them. Learn this important knowledge so that you can pass it on to the next generations, or survive the surely impending apocalypse. 

Where: Marcyporęba Forest Cottage
When: Exact 2020 Dates TBA,
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Eataway Workshops // Facebook 

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October

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Unsound Festival

Krakow's Unsound Festival has, over the years, established itself as a mainstream event in the city's cultural calendar while at the same time maintaining its avant garde integrity. It's not just about the range of acts that clamour to join the programme - though these are richly varied and can include anything from experimental to neoclassical, noise to dubstep, and more. It's also the quality of the festival that stands out, and the rich body of accompanying events such as workshops, panels, exhibitions and film screenings.

Read the article here.

When: 4th to 11th October 2020
Where: Various locations
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Patchlab Festival

Krakow’s foremost celebration of digital art is the perfect opportunity to bask, or even just to dip a toe in the vast holographic water. Patchlab are explorers of the limitless potential of machines, programming, augmented realities, VR, AI, hacking, digital identities... Discover the creative forces behind the evolution of sound and vision - experiencing & experimenting with the latest technologies through exhibitions, concerts, performances, films, workshops & more.

Read the article here.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: MOS, Various locations
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Facebook

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November

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Krakow Jazz Autumn

There’s something very cohesive about jazz music and the autumnal season. Maybe it’s the reflective, philosophical mood that rust coloured leaves, gently spiralling to the ground can instil. Or, perhaps the moody passion of the weather makes us crave the earthen tones of a moaning double bass or the fireside warmth of a saxophone. Either way, we love this international jazz festival and can’t think of a better place to snuggle up for it than in its home: former alchemists residence - Klub Alchemia.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: Alchemia, Various locations
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website // Facebook

 

Etiuda & Anima Film Festival

The prestigious and often experimental Etiuda and Anima Film Festival showcases student & independent, short and full length animation films from all over the world, including the latest winners from the last festival season.

Read the article here.

Where: Mały Rynek (Old Town)
When: 2020 Dates TBA
How Much: Free
Links: Official festival website

 

Festival of Polish Music

Poland won plaudits across the globe with 20th century composers such as Szymanowski, Gorecki and Penderecki. This new festival showcases Poland's creme de la creme from the Middle Ages right up to today's young hopefuls. 

Read the article here.

When: 2020 Dates TBA
Where: TBA
How Much: TBA
Links: Official Website

 

Audio Art Festival

Audio Art is an experimental and postmodernist art of the close of XX century and the beginning of the XXI century. Audio Art is an integration of sound and visual art. Presentation of Audio Art appears in form of the concert, performance and installation. Audio Art creates new concept of sound source: as an object and musical instrument in certain space and time. Audio Art is a "one person art": composer, designer and performer unify the whole process of art creation. Audio Art uses low and high