Events and festivals

An ancient pagan spring festival held at the Krakus Mound. Features medieval reenactments, traditional food, folk music, and the symbolic "feeding of the dead" by throwing food down the mound.

Krakow's museums open their doors for free until late at night, with special exhibitions, concerts, and performances. The streets fill with culture-seekers hopping between venues. Plan your route - you can't see everything!

One of Europe's oldest film festivals (since 1961), focused on documentaries, short films, and animated films. Screenings across the city with international guests.

Central Europe's largest photography festival, with exhibitions in galleries, public spaces, and abandoned buildings across the city. International photographers explore a different theme each year.

Krakow's celebration of the summer solstice with floating flower wreaths on the Vistula, bonfires, live music, and spectacular fireworks over Wawel Castle.

One of Krakow's most distinctive traditions - a man dressed as a Tatar horseman rides through the streets from Zwierzyniec to the Main Square, "attacking" spectators with his mace for good luck.

A major international poetry festival honoring Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz, who studied in Krakow. Features readings, discussions, and performances by poets from around the world.

A spectacular parade of enormous illuminated dragon puppets along the Vistula River, ending with fireworks over Wawel Castle. Each dragon is handcrafted by local artists and community groups. Magical for children and adults alike.

One of the world's largest celebrations of Jewish culture, featuring music, film, theater, workshops, and the legendary outdoor Shalom on Szeroka Street concert.

Major music festival bringing international and Polish artists to Krakow. Multiple stages, food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere across the city.

A celebration of Poland's most iconic dish. Dozens of vendors compete with creative and traditional pierogi recipes. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and all-you-can-eat pierogi.

Free open-air opera performances on the Main Market Square, bringing world-class opera to thousands of spectators under the stars. The acoustics of the square create a natural amphitheater.

One of the world's most adventurous electronic music festivals, bringing cutting-edge artists to unusual Krakow venues - salt mines, power plants, churches. Internationally acclaimed since 2003.

Poles visit cemeteries to honor the dead, lighting thousands of candles that transform graveyards into seas of flickering light. Rakowicki Cemetery, where many famous Poles rest, is particularly atmospheric.

A rotating gathering of Krakow's best food trucks at the Forum Przestrzenie riverside venue. Live music, craft beer, and cuisines from around the world, with the Vistula and Wawel as your backdrop.

One of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. The Main Square transforms with wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, mulled wine (grzaniec), oscypek cheese, and traditional Polish gifts.

A uniquely Krakovian tradition since 1937 and UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Artisans create elaborate miniature nativity scenes incorporating Krakow's most famous buildings.

Free classical music and choral concerts in Krakow's most beautiful churches throughout Advent. Hearing a Bach cantata in St. Mary's Basilica or carols in the Franciscan Church is unforgettable.