The beautiful country of Poland has become a hot-spot for music festivals in recent years. From classical compositions to electronic beats, Poland music festivals offers something for every music lover. Participating in the country's festivals is a great way to get to experience some of the Polish culture. This article explores some of the most prominent and exciting music festivals that take place across the country, showcasing Poland's vibrant culture and its growing influence in the European festival circuit.
Open'er Festival
The Open'er Festival is probably the largest and most internationally recognized ticketed Polish music festival with over 100,000 attendees annually. Held annually in Gdynia, on the Baltic coast, it attracts top global acts and tens of thousands of music fans from around the world. The festival began in 2002 in Warsaw. Since 2006 it has been held in Gdynia, which is right next to well-known Gdansk, on the grounds of a former military airport. This creates a unique atmosphere for concertgoers. Usually held in late June or early July, Open'er festival highlights rock, pop, hip-hop and electronic music. Multiple stages hosting simultaneous performances feature a curated lineup of both established stars and emerging artists. Some of music's biggest names have played here. Past headliners have included artists like Radiohead, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Hozier, Twenty-one Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruno Mars, cementing Open'er's status as a world-class festival. For many of the artists, it is their first time performing in Poland. Along with the music, the festival features art galleries, fashion shows, and a silent disco. You purchase a ticket for the day which includes multiple performances, not just a single ticket for one concert. You can but single day tickets or multi day tickets. There are also tickets that include camping.
OFF Festival
OFF Festival, held in Katowice in southern Poland, is another one of the popular festivals Poland has to offer. Begun in 2006, it is known for its eclectic and often avant-garde lineup. It focuses on showcasing alternative music and independent artists from various genres, making it a favorite among music enthusiasts looking for something off the beaten path. It has a reputation for booking critically acclaimed but lesser-known acts with a strong emphasis on Polish artists as well as international performers. OFF is usually held in August over three days with performances across multiple stages. Past performers include Patti Smith, Suede, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, as well as numerous cutting-edge indie and electronic acts. OFF festival also features art exhibits, film screenings, workshops and other cultural events.
Pol'and Rock Festival (formerly Woodstock Festival Poland)
Pol'and Rock Festival, formerly known as Woodstock Festival Poland, is one of the largest open-air festivals in Europe. Inspired by Woodstock, the festival's theme is Love, Friendship, Music. What makes this festival unique is that it's free to attend, funded by public donations and corporate sponsorships. Held since 1995 the festival has a massive attendance, often exceeding 500,000 people. A wide range of music, from heavy metal to folk rock is featured. The festival usually happens over a weekend at the end at the end of July or beginning of August. Music is continuously played on the stages from mid afternoon until morning. There are additional attractions including workshops, sports activities, and an NGO tent city. It is held in Czaplinek, Poland, which is in the northwest of Poland.
Unsound Festival
Unsound Festival, held annually in Kraków, is at the forefront of avant-garde electronic music and visual arts. It has gained international acclaim for its forward-thinking programming and unique venues, which include underground salt mines and socialist-era hotels. Held in October, there is a week-long program of concerts, installations, and talks focusing on cutting-edge electronic music and audiovisual performances. Unsound was founded in 2003. During the first festival, artists were thrown out of a club for playing music that was too weird and unusual for the customers to enjoy. The festival takes place at multiple venues throughout Krakow. Unsound has featured groundbreaking electronic artists like Aphex Twin, Holly Herndon, and Tim Hecker, as well as numerous underground and experimental acts. It also commissions new works.
Jazz na Starowce
Jazz na Starówce (Jazz in the Old Town) is one of the oldest open-air jazz festivals in Europe, taking place in Warsaw's picturesque Old Town Market Square. The festival brings together top Polish and international jazz musicians for a series concerts held every Saturday night throughout July and August. These concerns are free to attend. There is a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz styles and is a wonderful platform for both established jazz legends and rising stars. Past performers have included jazz luminaries like Archie Shepp, Kenny Garrett, and Tomasz Stańko. Listening to high quality jazz in the setting of Warsaw's beautiful and charming old town is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening.
Tauron Nowa Muzyka Katowice
Held in the city of Katowice, Poland, Tauron Nowa Muzyka (Tauron New Music) uses unique spaces including churches, museums and post-industrial sites such a as former mine shafts. The festival was born in 2006 when a group of friend musicians decided to start their own festival. It is known for its innovative approach to electronic music programming. The festival blends cutting-edge electronic acts with jazz and experimental performers. Tauron Mowa Muzyka happens in June each year and lasts for four days. It has hosted performances by artists like Autechre, Flying Lotus, Squarepusher, Jazzanova, and Kings of Leon. The combination of historic sites and modern music makes this Tauron a unique and fascinating experience. Other attractions at the festival include multi-media presentations, film screenings and even a children's zone where parents can leave their kids to do arts and crafts.
Meskie Granie
The festival of Meskie Granie is unusual in that it is a concert tour traveling to Polish cities throughout the country. Started in 2010, the goal of the festival is to introduce the creative side of Polish music to listeners. With concert dates on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, the tour usually stops in Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Poznan.
Audioriver
For over 17 years the Audioriver music festival was held on the banks of the Vistula river in Plock, but has now moved to Lodz. The festival highlights techno, drum'n base and other club and electronic music. It is a great opportunity to see DJs in action. There are also workshops and artist meet ups. The festival takes place in July.
Orange WARSAW festival (OWF)
The Orange Warsaw Festival has historically been held in the National Stadium but is now held at the Warsaw Horse Racing Track. This festival began in 2008 and takes place at the beginning of June bringing some big names in pop, rock and alternative music while also highlighting new artists. Some previous performers include Nicki Minaj, Troye Sivan, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine and Lana Del Rey. Around 45,000 people attend this 2 day festival.
Krakow Live
For almost 2 decades the Krakow Live Music Festival (formerly known as Coke Live Music festival) has been a draw for tens of thousands of people to usher out the last days of summer. Lasting 2 days, usually at the end of August, previous editions have included artists such as Rhianna, Post Malone, Missy Elliott and Travis Scott have played here. Unfortunately, this festival has been cancelled in 2023 and 2024 due to the organizers not being able to secure a venue. Hopefully it will be back in 2025.
If classical music is more your thing, not to worry. There are festivals for you too.
La Folle Journee
The best festival in the country for classical music is the La Folle Journee festival. As you can probably tell by the name, this festival was actually a music festival born in the 90's in France, but which now has editions in Poland, Russia and Japan. Each year has a theme. The Polish festival was begun by Sinfonia Varsovia (Warsaw symphony) in 2010. During the last weekend of September each year, the festival takes place in the national opera (Teatr Wielki). Close to 60 events are held over three days. It is the only festival in the country that combines symphonic music, instrumental ensembles and chamber concerts. More than 1,000 musicians and artists perform each year.
Chopin Festivals
Of course, with Frederick Chopin being a native of Poland, there are a few classical festivals in the country that bear his name. The International Festival - Chopin and His Europe has been held in Warsaw for twenty years and usually runs from the middle of August to the beginning of September. Concerts take place in various venues such as the National Philharmonic Concert Hall, the Grand Theatre - National Opera, the Witold Lutosławski Concert Studio of the Polish Radio, the Holy Cross Basilica and the Royal Castle. Although the festival bears the name Chopin, many pieces from other composers are also performed. Works from 65 composers are played and over 600 soloists, chamber musicians, singers and orchestral musicians perform. Other Chopin Festivals include the International Fryderyk Chopin piano competition, the Chopin Avenue Summer Festival and the International Chopin Festival in Duszniki-Zdrój.
Jewish Culture Festival
Although this is not strictly a music festival, I wanted to add it to the list because of the importance of keeping the Jewish culture alive in Poland. During WWII nearly 3,000,000 Polish Jews were killed. This is about half of all Jews killed in the war. More were expelled later under Soviet rule. Because of this, the Jewish narrative was brushed aside and not discussed. The Jewish Culture Festival, which is held in Krakow at the end of June or beginning of July, brings the Jewish culture back into a positive light. When the festival began it was a small, local event. In the years since, it has grown into an important cultural display and one of the largest Jewish festivals in the world. There are around 300 events that take place over 10 days. There are lectures, guided tours, discussions, and, of course, lots of music, giving attendees a full cultural experience. The music is a combination of traditional Jewish sounds and melodies, mixed with contemporary ideas. A fusion of past and future.
Poland's music festival scene offers an exciting variety of sounds, from massive mainstream events to niche gatherings for music connoisseurs. Music lovers from all over come to enjoy the array of offerings. These festivals not only showcase top international talent but also provide a platform for Poland's own thriving music scene and new artists. Whether you're a fan of rock, electronic, jazz, or you enjoy the classics, Poland's diverse festival options promise unforgettable musical experiences.
Ready to travel to Poland? Contact me at eurotravelsbydesign@gmail.com and I will custom design the perfect trip for you.
Comments