Warsaw Travel Guide - Festivals & Events
January Festivals
Lotos Jazz Festival: or Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa as it is known in Polish, is a well-attended jazz fest held annually late in January. This celebration of jazz music features prominent Polish jazz artists and names from around the world.
Lotos Jazz Festival: or Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa as it is known in Polish, is a well-attended jazz fest held annually late in January. This celebration of jazz music features prominent Polish jazz artists and names from around the world.
February/March Festivals
Fat Thursday: in Polish, this day is called Tlusty Czwartek and takes place on the Thursday just before the beginning of Lent – either in late February or early- to mid-March. Highlights of the full day of activities include feasting on traditional foods as well as enjoying the company of family and close friends. From the beginning of Lent, most of these special foods won’t appear on the menu again until Easter Sunday.
Fat Thursday: in Polish, this day is called Tlusty Czwartek and takes place on the Thursday just before the beginning of Lent – either in late February or early- to mid-March. Highlights of the full day of activities include feasting on traditional foods as well as enjoying the company of family and close friends. From the beginning of Lent, most of these special foods won’t appear on the menu again until Easter Sunday.
June/July Festivals
Mozart Festival: first held in 1991, this annual month-long event occurs from mid-June to mid-July. It’s hosted by the Warsaw Chamber Opera and features performances of the complete stage works of Mozart, and selections from his chamber, symphonic and vocal compositions as well.
Mozart Festival: first held in 1991, this annual month-long event occurs from mid-June to mid-July. It’s hosted by the Warsaw Chamber Opera and features performances of the complete stage works of Mozart, and selections from his chamber, symphonic and vocal compositions as well.
Warsaw Summer Jazz Days: this summer jazz fest brings together the top musicians from around the country to offer some exciting open-air performances to the public; no admission is charged. A number of other performances are also held at Sala Kongresowa, for which advance purchase of tickets is necessary.
August Festivals
Sopot International Song Festival: Europe’s oldest song contest is the focus of Warsaw’s popular music festival that’s held for two days in the latter part of August. The Forest Opera is the venue for the events, which feature a number of music genres.
Sopot International Song Festival: Europe’s oldest song contest is the focus of Warsaw’s popular music festival that’s held for two days in the latter part of August. The Forest Opera is the venue for the events, which feature a number of music genres.
September Festivals
International Festival of Contemporary Music: the best of the city’s classical musicians and composers come together for the last half of September to celebrate the best in contemporary music. The Chopin Academy of Music and the National Philharmonic are key participants.
International Festival of Contemporary Music: the best of the city’s classical musicians and composers come together for the last half of September to celebrate the best in contemporary music. The Chopin Academy of Music and the National Philharmonic are key participants.
October Festivals
International Chopin Piano Competition: for the past 70 years, this competition has been held every fifth year in the middle of October, attracting pianists from 17 to 28 years of age. This prestigious international event is hosted in the memory of the composer Frederick Chopin.
International Chopin Piano Competition: for the past 70 years, this competition has been held every fifth year in the middle of October, attracting pianists from 17 to 28 years of age. This prestigious international event is hosted in the memory of the composer Frederick Chopin.
Warsaw International Film Festival: held annually for more than two decades, the festival occurs for a week in October, bringing international names in the world of film to Warsaw. Screenings are scheduled at venues across the city – and producers, directors, critics, spectators and representatives from other major international festivals come to the city for the films and the festivities.
Andrzej Day: is a ‘name day’ celebration, honouring all those whose name is ‘Andrzej’ – a very popular name in the country. The festivities are held in late November, and feature parties in the streets of all neighbourhoods of the city.
December Festivals
Great Christmas Aid Orchestra: is a benefit that’s held annually every December to support the cause of disadvantaged children. This televised event features music, dance and street parties everywhere in the city – with the Wola area being the focus of carnival events.
Great Christmas Aid Orchestra: is a benefit that’s held annually every December to support the cause of disadvantaged children. This televised event features music, dance and street parties everywhere in the city – with the Wola area being the focus of carnival events.