From vibrant cultural celebrations to world-class music festivals, Poznań knows how to put on a show. Whether you're a fan of film, food, fantasy, folk traditions, full-blown rock festivals or throbbing beats, there's constantly something happening in and around this dynamic city. With a packed cultural calendar, and big name festivals like Next, Malta, Edison and Bittersweet drawing visitors from across Poland and beyond, Poznań offers plenty of special events worth planning a trip around. Visit our events page to see what's happening locally right now, and read on for our list of the best festivals and annual events in Poznań each month. 

MARCH

The Kaziuk Fair is an annual tradition organised by Poznań's Lithuanian Society on the Sunday closest to March 4, the feast day of St. Casimir. St. Casimir was the crown prince of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is today the patron saint of Lithuania. The day features a procession of historical reenactors dressed as the Jagiellonian dynastic family, which goes from the Market Square to Plac Wolności, where a cultural stage featuring a cascade of folk troupes is set up, as well as a fair selling traditional Lithuanian foods and goods. Expect music, dance, singing, some strange foods and plenty of handicrafts.

APRIL

NEXT FEST
Poland's version of SXSW, Next Fest features three days of concerts by Polish music stars and breakout artists, some of them performing in front of large crowds for the first time. Taking place in multiple venues across Poznań, the festival is both a music showcase and conference for music industry reps full of meetings, workshops, lectures and networking events.

JUNE

MALTA FESTIVAL
Hundreds of artists from around the world arrive in Poznań for 9 days each summer, turning the entire city into a stage for a wide range of free events, from experimental dance performances to high-voltage concerts, artistic workshops to literary readings, silent discos to street theatre, all culminating in an open-air concert on Lake Malta. The festival has fetched many big names in the past, and truly offers something for everyone with its rich, diverse programme, making it a great time to visit Poznań.

PYRKON FANTASY FESTIVAL
One of Europe's largest fantasy festivals, with gaming, movies, comics and literature offering fans a few slices of pop cultural/fantasy heaven. It's 50+ hours of non-stop fun at Poznań International Fair, with Q&As, gameplay, exhibition viewings, fantasy villages, and meeting fantasy creators from all over the world!

ETHNO PORT
This annual summer festival brings music from literally all over the world to Poznań audiences, celebrating the universal language of music. Ethno Port has even been recognised internationally for its promotion of world music, cultural diversity, tolerance and artistic freedom. The festival takes place in and around the Imperial Castle, and in addition to global music, the festival also crosses over into visual arts, literature, theatre, dance, and cinema.

ENTER FESTIVAL
This annual summer music festival is directed by Leszek Możdżer - one of Poland's most internationally-recognised and well-connected jazz musicians. Each concert takes place outdoors on an open-air stage on Lake Strzeszyńskie -  a unique setting that results in a loose, unpretentious and improvisational musical dynamic. Ticket numbers are also limited, making for a very intimate and high-quality experience unlike other outdoor music festivals.

JULY

EDISON FESTIVAL
Located in Baranowo (15mins northwest from Poznań city centre) on the wooded shores of Lake Kierski, this weekend music festival features two stages - one of which is tucked in the forest - and a much more laidback, family vibe than your typical open-air music festival. Feel the forest rhythms, enjoy delicious food from on-site vendors, participate in creative activities, swim in the lake, and soak up the peaceful scenery as the latest Polish hitmakers grace the stage.

MĘSKIE GRANIE
This annual summer concert series/tour, sponsored by Żywiec, travels across Poland, creating a weekend music festival in each of PL's largest cities. Catch a line-up of top Polish artists at the peak of their powers, many of whom create song collaborations specifically for the tour.

ANIMATOR FILM FESTIVAL
Animated films end up on the back-burner of many film festivals, but not this one. Each year, the Animator Festival brings a week's worth of screenings, concerts, workshops and lectures. One of the most prestigious animation festivals in Europe, ANIMATOR is one of only three Oscar-qualifying festivals in Poland, meaning if you nab an award in Poznań, you can submit your film for consideration at the Academy Awards! 

 

AUGUST

BITTERSWEET MUSIC FESTIVAL
This summer music festival takes over Citadel Park for three action-packed days, with a world-class line-up of stars on multiple stages, plus numerous hangout zones, an artistic and workshop program, social activities and partner promotions. Maybe the biggest Poznań music festival of the year, check their website to see who's coming to town.