What’s On in Krakow in June 2026: Events, Festivals & Things to Do
We all hate missing the great events which take place throughout the year in Kraków, so here’s the first of our monthly guides to events and what’s on across the city in June.
At a glance
10th-14th June – Wodecki Twist Festival
11th June – Lajkonik
11th-21st June – St Johns Fair
12th June – Night Bike Ride
13th June – Theatre Night
13th-18th June – EtnoKrakow Festival
14th June – Juvenia – Ekstraliga Rugby Cup 5th place Final
14th June – City Hall Open Day – Events & Concerts
19th-21st June – Wianki
26th-28th June – Gastro Miasto Food Festival
27th June- 31st August – Summer Jazz Festival
Wodecki Twist Festival
10th-14th June
Since 2018, the Wodecki Twist Festival in Krakow, inspired by the work of Zbigniew Wodecki has been revitalising Polish music from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The festival features great artists along with young, talented debutants.
www.wodeckitwistfestiwal.pl
Facebook
St.Johns Fair (Jarmark Świętojański)
11th-21st June
Czerwieński Boulevard, between Wawel Castle and Grunwaldzki Bridge, will once again become a meeting place for tradition, crafts, and culture. For almost two weeks, residents and tourists will be able to participate in the next edition of the St. John’s Fair.
The program includes concerts, handicraft workshops, family events, and booths featuring artists and craftspeople from across Poland.
St.Johns Fair – www.krakow.pl
Programme
Facebook Event
Czerwieński Boulevard, Kraków
Lajkonik Procession – Pochód Lajkonik
11th June
One of Kraków’s oldest and most iconic traditions, the Lajkonik Parade, (Pochód Lajkonika) takes place on Thursday 11th June 2026.
The Lajkonik Parade is one of the oldest and traditions in Krakow, which has been attracting crowds of spectators for several centuries. It is also one of several Krakow events included on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Every year, the colourful procession led by a rider – Lajkonik, dressed in a colourful Tatar costume rides on an artificial ‘hobby horse ‘ along a route from Zwierzyniec to the Main Square accompanied by the rhythm of Krakow melodies.
He is accompanied by a standard-bearer, carrying a majestic banner with the white eagle, twenty Wisła rafters “włóczki” in colourful clothes, as well as an eight-person band called “Mlaskoty”, whose music gives the rhythm to the march.
Lajkonik gently strikes spectators with his mace, which is supposed to bring good luck for the whole year.
The procession ends in the evening at the Main Market Square, where Lajkonik meets with Krakow City officials and receives a moneybag as a tribute. Then he makes a toast to the city prosperity and performs the last dance.
Lajkoink parades through the city from 1230pm arriving on Rynek around 8pm – full route and programme in link below.
Lajkonik Procession Programme & Route 2026
Our video from a previous Lajkonik.
Night Bike Ride (Krakowski Nocny Przejazd Rowerowy)
12th June
The fourth Krakow Night Bike Ride will take place on Friday, 12th June. Bike enthusiasts will gather at 8pm in front of the National Museum, and the ride is scheduled to begin at 8:30pm.
The event is aimed at everyday cyclists, recreational cyclists, and families with children. The pace and route will be adapted to the abilities of participants, ensuring everyone can participate safely and comfortably.
Theatre Night (Noc Teatrów)
13th June
Theatre Night is part of the Kraków Nights series, which this year involves 74 performances, including 8 open-air performances, the participation of 10 institutional theatres and several dozen non-institutional theatres and groups.
Most events are free, but require registration or pre-booking. Tickets will be available from Wednesday 10th June.
Viewers who didn’t obtain tickets are invited to exciting outdoor presentations that will take place in seven locations: Podgórski Market Square, Wolnica Square, the parking lot in front of the Salt Storehouse building, the square by the Church of the Resurrection in Wola Duchacka, the garden of the Białoprądnicki Manor, the Liban Quarry, and the outdoor Supernova Stage – the courtyard of the tenement house at 12 Zyblikiewicza Street.
This year’s Theatre Night program will feature a wide range of options for younger audiences. In addition to the aforementioned Ludowy Theatre production, “The Lame Duck and the Blind Hen” by Mateusz Przyłęcki (TIM Workshop Stage), Teatr Groteska invites children to the play “Staś Wyspiański’s Stained Glass Paintings,” directed by Honorata Mierzejewska-Mikosza, based on the works of Stanisław Wyspiański.
Theatre Night 2026
Facebook Event
Programme – will be added when published
Etnokraków Crossroads Festival
13th-28th June
XXVIII EtnoKraków/Crossroads | rhythms – myths
EtnoKraków/Rozstaje is an international festival dedicated to ethnic, traditional, and world music; one of the most important events of its kind in Poland and Europe. The festival’s 28 editions (1999-2026) have featured music from around the world performed by international and Polish ethno, world, and traditional music groups.
The musical landscape of the 28th edition of EtnoKraków/Crossroads and accompanying events features artists from Poland, Great Britain, Estonia, Ukraine, Hungary, Senegal, Syria, Palestine, and Burkina Faso. A celebration of ethnic music, nearly 100 artists from 10 countries, events in unique locations in the Wesoła creative district: the Strefa Nowa concert hall, Wesoła Immersive spaces, the Meadow on Wesoła Street, the Romana Bobrowska Concert Studio of Radio Kraków, the hall of the Historic Krakow Railway Station, and Poleski Boulevard on the Vistula River. Outdoor and chamber concerts, Dance Nights, Song Nights, music workshops and gatherings, and craft workshops.
Among the artists (among others) are the legend of the Roma scene Kalyi Jag, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess from Senegal, Estonian Puuluup, Burkina Azza from Burkina Faso, and The Petrov Boys (UK). Premiering in Krakow is the project: AX.POLSKI – Sofia Le & Grzech (Ukraine / Poland / Hungary) – a meeting of the extraordinary poetic sensitivity of Sofia Le and the musical universe of Grzech Piotrowski.
The performers also include the Musicians (Słowińscy and Hałasowie) – a two-generation group, the Polish-Palestinian NAP Trio (Nowak x Al Khatib x Pulcyn), Wassim Ibrahim (Syria) with his concert “Ugarit – Songs of Clay Tablets,” Krzysztof Trebunia-Tutka, Brygida Sordyl with the group Poliana, Fiś Banda – Andrzej Jarząbek’s Podhale supergroup, the band Odloty, the festival Orchestra at the Crossroads, the Nierodzinna Kapela Ostrowskich, the ŁADA band with its workshop group, Samo Południe, Lunarie, and bands from the Kraków Dance House initiative.
Let’s listen to Ugaritic myths, Slavic myths, rhythms from the four corners of the world, and the rhymes of songs old and new. Let’s listen to ourselves, and to each other. Let’s meet at the Crossroads!
Etnokrakow 2026
Facebook
Programme
Tickets
Juvenia – Ekstraliga Rugby Cup 5th place Final
13th June, 3pm.
On Sunday at 3pm Juvenia, Kraków’s rugby team, play Budowlanymi Łódź in the 5th place final of the Ekstraliga.
It’s set to be a thrilling clash between two teams with huge ambitions, both keen to end the season with the fifth-place trophy! We’re in for plenty of excitement, but also lots of fun and a great atmosphere. In the stands, there’ll be a catering area with a wide range of refreshments to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger.
Competitions with attractive prizes are planned for straight after the match, there will also be a Juvenia clothing and merchandise store. Come along and cheer on your local rugby team!
www.juvenia.info
Facebook Event
Tickets 25 zl – Free for under 16’s
ul. Na Błoniach 7, 30-213 Kraków, Poland
City Hall Open Day (Dzień Otwarty Magistratu)
14th June
A series of concerts and events take place in and around the City Hall, Wielopolski Palace, Plac Wszystkich Świętych, to mark City Hall open day.
It will begin with a bugle call and a polonaise – The event’s official opening will take place at 11:00 a.m. Moments later, the St. Mary’s bugle call will be played live in front of the city hall by a firefighter from the Municipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Krakow. Members of the “Krakowiacy” Song and Dance Ensemble will then dance a traditional polonaise. One of the attractions of the City Hall Open Day will be the opportunity to tour the Wielopolski Palace
Throughout the day, numerous introductions, shows, and entertainment will take place in front of the City Hall. Children will enjoy the play “The Kingdom of Twisted Time” prepared by the Krakow Municipal Police, while families can participate in competitions, games, and quizzes with prizes run by the Krakow Collective. The program includes a musical encounter with Sinfonietta Cracovia in the Secret Garden: a violin duo concert, musical performances, a music quiz with prizes, and an art competition.
Attendees will also enjoy a magic show by illusionist Mariusz Berkowicz and the circus and theater performance “Marionette” by the Los Fuegos Fire Theater. The day will conclude with a musical Silent Disco at 5:00 PM.
PERFORMANCES AND SHOWS IN FRONT OF THE MAGISTRATE – 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
11:00 am – Welcoming of guests and presentation of the event program.Compere: Przemysław Redkowski
11:10 am – Live St Mary’s trumpet call ( Hejnał Mariacki ) performed by a firefighter-bugler from the Municipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Kraków
11:20 am – Polonaise, performed by the “Krakowiacy” Song and Dance Ensemble
11:30 am – The Kingdom of Twisted Time (1) – a children’s play prepared by the Municipal Police of the City of Kraków – The Secret Garden
12:15 pm – In a Kraków Mood (1) – a performance by the Kraków Collective, a troupe of multi-talented artists consisting of: Marta and Artur Sędzielarz, and Przemysław Redkowski.Games, competitions, and quizzes with prizes for children and adults
12:45 pm – The Kingdom of Twisted Time (2) – a children’s play – Municipal Police of the City of Kraków – The Secret Garden
1:30 pm – In a Kraków Mood (2) – a performance by the Kraków Collective
2:00 pm – Sinfonietta Cracovia – a musical gathering in the Secret Garden
2:45 pm – In a Kraków Mood (3) – a performance by the Kraków Collective
3:15 pm – Harlequin’s Fairytale Travels – a magical illusion show by Mariusz Berkowicz
4:00 pm – In a Kraków Mood (4) – a performance by the Kraków Collective
4:30 pm – Marionette – a circus-theatre performance by the “Los Fuegos” Fire Theater
5:00 pm – Silent Disco – a musical finale to the day and dancing together under the open sky!
Read More – www.krakow.pl
Programme PDF
Wianki 2026
19th-21st June
We will be publishing a separate guide to Wianki article.
Wianki is one of the main Kraków festivals, a highlight of the Summer. During this year’s Wianki, Kraków will transform into a vibrant stage created by people and their energy.
Under the theme “Between Fire and Water,” Wianki will last three days – from June 19th to 21st. The program includes a diverse range of experiences spanning tradition and modernity: a silent disco at the Barbican and Collegium Maius, concerts by Mela Koteluk, Lor, Zuta, and the duo Sw@da x Niczos, barge cruises, wreath-making stations, and a competition for the most beautiful wreath.
Wianki will be like the elements – during the day, they will exude the tranquility associated with water, and after dark, they will ignite the energy of the night, symbolized by fire. Wianki is a unique opportunity to feel the strength of community and immerse yourself in stories of heritage and musical sounds.
Wianki 2026
Wianki w Krakowie Facebook
Facebook Event
Programme
Food Festival – ‘Gastro City’ (Gastro Miasto)
26th-28th June
Gastro Miasto takes place in cities across Poland, throughout the Summer, in Kraków on the last weekend of May-September.
Is the largest culinary festival in Krakow. The 2026 season will feature four weekends, during which the best culinary concepts will converge on the Vistula River. Czerwieński Boulevard near Wawel Castle, which will transform into Kraków’s largest culinary town full of original concepts including the best restaurants from Krakow and beyond, cooking outdoors. Plus, themed zones for entire families and a silent disco with a view of Wawel Castle after sunset. Admission is free.
For each edition of the festival, exhibitors prepare carefully crafted menus showcasing a variety of flavours and inspirations from cuisines around the world. The current offerings are published just before the event.
The second edition of the 2026 season. The longest days of the year, the warmest evenings, and a weekend in full summer on the Vistula River—with views of Wawel Castle and the Dragon. There’s nothing better in this city this summer.
WHAT AWAITS YOU?
- Dozens of top exhibitors—from top Krakow restaurants to creative street food concepts. Signature dishes, cuisines from around the world, fresh seafood, Asian classics, and European delicacies. But Gastro Miasto isn’t just about food:
- Wine Zone — natural wines and artisanal spirits
- Cheese Zone — workshops, tastings, local producers
- Handicraft Zone — ceramics, prints, jewelry from local artists
- Kids Zone — entertainment, creative workshops, and fun for the little ones
- Music Stage — DJ sets, and after sunset, a silent disco — on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:00 a.m.
OPENING HOURS:
Friday, June 26th — 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday, June 27th — 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday, June 28th — 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Gastro City Kraków
Gastro Miasto Kraków Facebook
Facebook Event
Kraków Summer Jazz Festival
27th June-31st August
The Summer Jazz Festival is the largest festival of this type in Poland and one of the longest in Europe, which features all the brightest stars of Polish jazz and international stars. Concerts and event take place at venues across the city, including; Piwnica pod Baranami, Krakow Philharmonic, Krakow Opera, Radio Krakow, the Manggha Centre, ICE Krakow, the Kino Kijów Centre, along with many Krakow jazz clubs.
This years inaugural concert features Pat Metheny on 27th June.
Summer Jazz Festival
Facebook
Programme
On Sunday 5th July, the New Orleans Sunday outdoor event takes place, on Rynek, with concerts from noon then a parade at 5pm from Rynek to Plac Szczepański. (full details have not been published yet)
Events & What’s On resources
We are currently developing a guide to find out what’s on in Kraków, which we will publish and link to here.
If you have any news, events or other stories you think we should feature, please do get in touch.
A Scot in Kraków. The founder and editor of Kraków Expats Directory, and our sister sites Kraków TV and Kraków Stories Podcast.
David fell in love with Kraków 25 years ago, making it his home in 2011.
In 2020 he was awarded the title of Kraków’s Ambassador of Multiculturalism, by the President of Kraków, and is also a member of the GlobalScot network, representing Scottish culture and business abroad.
We’re always looking for interesting stories, events, characters or groups to feature. Likewise, if you’d like to join us, as a contributor, please get in touch.
