Poznań might not have such a busy cultural calendar as Kraków or Warsaw, but there is a good selection of music and film events to keep locals and visitors entertained - and the Next, Malta, Transatlantyk, and Bittersweet festivals draw crowds from all around Poland each spring and summer. Here’s a list of the most important annual festivals and special events in Poznań, organised by month...
MARCH
KAZIUK
The Kaziuko Fair is a Vilnius tradition, taking place each year on or near St. Casimir's Day, since the early 17th century. Recently, festivities have spread outside Vilnius, and indeed outside Lithuania. In Poznań, the festival is organised by the Vilnius Enthusiasts Society to honour Polish-Lithuanian history and St. Casimir, crown prince and patron saint of the two nations. Expect music, dance, traditional costumes, food, and plenty of hand-made goods that make lovely souvenirs.
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.
MAY
MADE IN CHICAGO
Ah, Chicago - according to all the stats we've heard, the Windy City has the biggest Polish populace of any metro area other than Warsaw. This jazz music festival featuring concerts and workshops is indeed organised in collaboration with the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
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 56 hours of non-stop fun, 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
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 to Poznań a week's worth of screenings, concerts, workshops, and lectures.
AUGUST
DANCING FAIRPLAYCE POZNAŃ
This is a week-long contemporary dance workshop, with no restrictions concerning age or level of ability. There's a dizzying array of classes to choose from (admittedly a bit heavy on jazz); apart from dance, there’s also pilates and yoga.
TRANSATLANTYK FILM FESTIVAL
Combining concerts and film screenings has really become a thing for summer festivals. Transatlantyk may be only a couple of years old, but it's already drawing some big stars: past guests included Yoko Ono, Thurston Moore, and Thomas Struck.
GOOD TASTE FESTIVAL
A foodie holiday with an international food fair, culinary shows and workshops, concerts, and competitions!
NOVEMBER
Flamenco Duende -
The cure to the miserably grey Central European autumn, Flamenco Duende is full of sultry, sensual tunes, dynamic dancing, and Spanish temperament. The festival aims to bring the true spirit of the Andalusia Gypsy dance to Polish audiences.
POZNAŃ BAROQUE
Concerts of masterpieces by Baroque composers in rather fetching locations, such as the Imperial Castle. Ditch the chilly streets and come listen to international artists play the chitarrone, lirone, and arpa doppia.
ST MARTIN'S DAY
St. Martin's Feast Day is a holiday that has been celebrated in Poznań since the Medieval times. The festival in its current form has been around since 1994, and involves a colourful parade, pleasant kitsch, and literal tonnes of special pimped-out croissants.
DECEMBER
Ice Sculpture Festival - An international winter festival that draws artists from all the Northern countries, and even some that don’t usually get much snow.
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