Wielkopolska is a region where there is always something going on! The entire year is packed with all kinds of festivals, fairs, and cultural events-ranging from massive nationwide gatherings to charming, local celebrations.
We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting and popular events in Wielkopolska for you. It’s definitely worth planning your sightseeing around one of them! During these events, well-known spots take on a whole new vibe, and usually quiet historic sites come alive, instantly transporting visitors back in time by hundreds of years.
Spring
As nature wakes up from its long winter sleep, so do the people!
- Easter Market at the National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa: A fantastic way to kick off the spring season. Here, you can stock up on traditional, organic food, as well as unique, completely handmade crafts and Easter decorations.
- Steam Locomotive Parade in Wolsztyn: Taking place at the beginning of May, this is one of the biggest events in Wielkopolska. It’s a rare treat to see a dozen or so fully operational steam locomotives from all over Poland and Europe. On top of that, you can tour a century-old locomotive depot and enjoy the spectacular “Steam, Light, and Sound” show.
- Azalea and Rhododendron Days: Also in May, head over to the Arboretum in Kórnik, where thousands of multi-colored flowers bloom all at once. They only stay in bloom for a couple of weeks, but we promise it’s absolutely worth it!
- Opening of the Season on the Great Loop of Wielkopolska: Spanning the end of spring and the beginning of summer, this event is hosted by a different town along the waterway each year. Naturally, the best way to show up is on your own boat!
Summer
Summer in Wielkopolska is when the famous Piast Trail truly comes alive.
- Piast Trail Weekend (June): Held around Midsummer’s Night, this event features fun attractions waiting for you at every single site along the trail.
- Slavic and Cistercian Culture Festival (June): Another June must-see takes place in Ląd nad Wartą, offering a deep dive into early history.
- The Royal Coronation in Gniezno (July): Long July days are perfect for outdoor events, and this festival is a brilliant mix of a medieval picnic, historical reenactments, and multimedia shows.
- “Explosive Pyzdry” Festival: History comes alive with a bang! The roar of cannons here reminds everyone that Pyzdry was the very first place in Poland where artillery was used.
- Grzybowo Warriors’ Tournament: Closing out the Piast-themed marathon at the Grzybowo Stronghold, this is a massive gathering of historical reenactors featuring battles, skirmishes, ancient craft demonstrations, and a real taste of living history.
Mid-June also plays host to two of the region’s absolute biggest events:
- Pyrkon: Held at the Poznań International Fairgrounds, this is Poland’s largest convention for fantasy and cosplay enthusiasts.
- Antidotum Airshow Leszno: A spectacular two-day aviation show at the Leszno airport, complete with thrilling night pyrotechnics, acrobatic flights, and live concerts.
Summer is also peak market season. While the biggest and most famous is the St. John’s Fair (Jarmark Świętojański) in Poznań in June, it’s also well worth visiting Nowy Tomyśl for the Hops and Wicker Fair in August. Speaking of hops, they will be flowing freely during the Grodzisk Beer Festival (June), when brewers and beer lovers flock to the historic capital of Wielkopolska brewing.
Two more modern phenomena you shouldn’t miss:
- “Eagle and Cross” (Orzeł i Krzyż) Night Spectacular: Located in Park Dzieje, this breathtaking show has gained nationwide fame in just a few years. It is the largest historical outdoor performance in the country, bringing Poland’s history to life in a truly spectacular way. The shows run through June and July, but make sure to book your tickets well in advance!
- Poznań Fortress Days (August): Over the course of one August weekend, one of the largest fortification systems in Europe wakes up. You can explore 19th-century Prussian forts, underground shelters, and mysterious Cold War bunkers-getting a hands-on feel for incredible history.
Autumn
- End of Summer at the Wielkopolska Ethnographic Park (September): The ultimate symbol of autumn in the region, this event combines a traditional market of regional products with lively reenactments showing what daily life was like in an old Wielkopolska village.
- The Great Plum Jam Frying (September): Things get incredibly delicious in Mniszki near Międzychód, where everyone gathers to watch (and taste) traditional jam making.
- Musica Sacromontana Oratorio Music Festival: This world-class festival takes place in the stunning Holy Mountain Basilica near Gostyń. Admission to the concerts is free, and the music is simply sublime.
- Chopin in the Colors of Autumn Festival (September): Another event with an international flair, held at the beautiful Antonin Palace.
- St. Martin’s Name Day (November 11th): In Poznań, November 11th is double the celebration-it’s National Independence Day and the famous St. Martin’s Street Name Day. The absolute must-dos of the day include eating a traditional St. Martin’s croissant (rogal), sipping St. Martin’s wine, and joining the colorful parade led by St. Martin himself. The evening wraps up with live concerts and fireworks.
- “Dziady” in Giec (November): The early, crisp evenings and falling leaves provide the perfect backdrop for this event. Rather than focusing on Mickiewicz’s famous drama, this unique event stages ancient pagan burial rituals and introduces visitors to old Slavic beliefs and legends.
Winter
Christmas markets have truly found a home in Poland!
- Poznań Bethlehem (Betlejem Poznańskie): Starting in late November and running all the way until Christmas, this is one of the largest and most colorful holiday markets around. Festive music, mulled wine, the scent of Christmas trees, and a giant Ferris wheel create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
- Poznań Ice Festival: Running alongside the holiday market, this international ice sculpting competition is a spectacular sight.
- Christmas Market in Szreniawa: If you want to escape the big-city hustle and bustle, this is the perfect cozy alternative. You will find plenty of traditional and organic food, local honey, fresh bread, and handmade decorations, plus the chance to sip some mulled wine and decorate gingerbread cookies.
