Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.

Toruń to Celebrate Polish Armed Forces Day With Ceremonies and Military Picnic

We invite you to participate in the celebrations on the occasion of Polish Armed Forces Day on August 15, 2025.

As every year, Toruń celebrates Polish Armed Forces Day. In addition to the official ceremonies, residents and tourists can enjoy attractions related to military traditions.

Schedule of the ceremony:

9:45 a.m. – laying flowers at the monument of General Józef Haller

10:00 a.m. - Holy Mass in the Garrison Church

11:00 a.m. - March of ceremony participants and subunits to the monument of Marshal Józef Piłsudski in Toruń

11.30 a.m. - Military Roll Call at the monument of Marshal Józef Piłsudski:

  • submission of a report to the Garrison Commander by the ceremony commander;
  • raising the flag and singing the National Anthem of the Republic of Poland;
  • presenting acts of appointment to a higher military rank and distinctions;
  • occasional speeches
  • Roll Call of Remembrance and salute of honour;
  • the military escort laid one common bouquet of flowers on behalf of all participants of the ceremony;
  • Representative Song of the Polish Army;

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the New Town Square there will be an opportunity to see military equipment belonging to the General J. Bem Artillery and Armament Training Center, the Territorial Defense Forces Training Center, the 6th Independent Geospatial Unit and JS 1909 Toruń ZS "Strzelec" JP.

Meanwhile, a picnic with many attractions will be held at the Artillery Museum at 28 Sobieskiego Street from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Guests will be able to enjoy historical and contemporary military equipment, uniformed services, and the Copernican Library. Numerous activities are available for children, and refreshments will be available, including the obligatory military pea soup.

Angel Beach Volleyball Tournament Returns to Toruń With Night Matches and Family Fun

On August 16-17, 2025, Błonia Nadwiślańskie will become the arena of volleyball competitions during the 3rd edition of "Angel's Beach" - a unique event that annually gathers beach volleyball enthusiasts from all over Poland.

The competition program includes professional tournaments for women, men, and a mixed doubles tournament. A total of 12 pairs will participate in the women's and men's tournaments, and 8 pairs in the mixed doubles tournament. During the matches, both on Saturday and Sunday, participants and fans will also be able to participate in open training sessions, workshops, and recreational activities designed for all age groups.

The biggest attraction at "Angel Beach" will be the nighttime exhibition matches, played in a unique setting: players will perform in fluorescent outfits, using a glowing ball, and the entire pitch will be illuminated with special illuminated lines. This is an unforgettable spectacle that attracts crowds of spectators every year.

Admission to the event is free.

Angel Beach Schedule

Saturday, August 16
Women's Tournament
8:30 a.m. – verification of attendance and drawing of pairs
9:00 a.m. – start of matches
8:00 p.m. – decoration ceremony of the winning women's teams

Mixed doubles tournament (night)
9:30 p.m. – attendance verification and pairing draw
10:00 p.m. – start of matches

Sunday, August 17
Men's Tournament
8:30 a.m. - verification of attendance and drawing of pairs
9:00 a.m. - start of matches
8:00 p.m. - ceremonial closing of the tournament and decoration ceremony of the men's teams

The event is organized by Toruń Angels Sp. z o.o., and the project was co-financed by the Toruń City Commune.

Angel Beach isn't just a tournament, but also a range of other activities. Every day of the tournament, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., children and young people will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions on the Vistula Meadows, allowing them to actively spend time learning about healthy lifestyles and addiction prevention.

Starting in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to practice your aim in Cornhole and try your hand at the Connect 4 puzzle game. The sandy area is also perfect for playing badminton, boules, or mini-volleyball.

The real highlight of the attractions will take place between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. An inflatable slide will appear on the Błonia meadow, along with blocks on artificial grass and an inflatable foot dart. In a special workshop area, you can get your face painted, create your own bracelets and vases, and even explore the balloon zoo. Cycling enthusiasts will be delighted by the blender bikes, where you can whip up a delicious and healthy fruit smoothie using your own legs. The program also includes sports and skill competitions. There will also be an opportunity to take souvenir photos with the competitors, coaches, and your favorite mascot, Angelo.

There will also be opportunities to meet experts and players:

Saturday, August 16:

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - meeting with Aniołów Toruń physiotherapist, Mateusz Parulski.

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM - talk with sports psychologist, Jagoda Gręźlikowska.

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM - conversation with Mateusz Podborączyński, Aniołów player, bronze medalist at the 2025 ORLEN Beach Volleyball Tour and silver medalist at the 2024 Polish Beach Volleyball Championships.

Sunday, August 17:

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - another talk with sports psychologist, Jagoda Gręźlikowska.

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM - conversation with CUK Anioły Toruń coach, Marcin Kryś.

  • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM - meeting with Toruń volleyball player, Jakub Skadorwa.
Electric Gingerbread Express Now Operating in Toruń Old Town

A new tourist attraction in Toruń's Old Town. An electric tourist train called the "Gingerbread Express" is now operating in the Old Town. On weekends, the train will also transport tourists and locals along Philadelphia Boulevard.

The train runs through Toruń's Old Town, following a route between the Old Town Square (near the Scout House) and Wielkie Garbary Street. This attraction, prepared by a Toruń entrepreneur, will be available during the summer holidays from Monday to Thursday, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On weekends, the Gingerbread Express will run along the closed Philadelphia Boulevard.

The electric train is styled after a 19th-century train, with faithfully reproduced shapes and details. It has safety certificates for use within the European Union. It travels at a maximum speed of 6 km/h. This speed allows for unobstructed views of the surroundings while simultaneously enjoying the ride.

Due to the fact that the speed of the cable car is close to the average walking speed of a person, people who are not taking part in the ride (e.g. parents with strollers) can follow their children on the cable car at a normal pace.

The Gingerbread Express has an electric drive with a failure-free, overload-resistant, quiet-running motor and an advanced battery support system.

Bolesławiec Beach Volleyball Tournament to Coincide With Ceramics Festival

Sand, sport and competition – we invite you to the beach volleyball tournament!

During the upcoming Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival, sports enthusiasts will be able to watch a unique beach volleyball tournament. Intensive construction is underway at Piłsudski Square in Bolesławiec, which will become the venue for three days of competition – from Friday to Sunday.

Several hundred tons of clean, washed quartz sand, which meets tournament standards, were brought in to prepare the pitch. The stands, which can accommodate several dozen spectators, have already been installed, ensuring the comfort of fans. In the coming days, the net and necessary infrastructure will also be installed – and the game can begin!

The tournament will feature women's, men's, and youth teams. Both local and international players will be on the field. Competition will be held in various age categories, ensuring a diverse level of competition and plenty of exciting sporting events.

This is a great opportunity to popularize beach volleyball in Bolesławiec and promote an active lifestyle. Organizers invite residents and tourists to join in the fun – guaranteed high-level competition in a sporting and family-friendly atmosphere.

Detailed information regarding the tournament schedule, participants and match times is available on the posters and in the official program of the Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival.

31st Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival to Feature Art, Concerts and Clay Parade

The Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival will run until August 17th. It's the largest ceramics fair in Poland. In addition to the fairs, there will be exhibitions, concerts, and other attractions. You can take great photos at the clay figure parade. Check out the program to make sure you don't miss the star-studded concerts. Cyms, IRA, and others will be on stage.

31st Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival

The program for the 31st Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival is truly extensive. There's sure to be something for everyone. Get ready to shop, because you won't be able to resist the wonderful Bolesławiec ceramics, glass, porcelain, and ceramic ornaments and jewelry, as well as local blueberry cakes, breads, casseroles, and other delicacies.

The clay figurine parade will be a huge hit. You'll be able to take great photos there, and those interested can also participate. Ceramic demonstrations and workshops for children and adults are also planned. From August 13th to 17th, you'll definitely have plenty to do in Bolesławiec.

Besides shopping at the fair, you'll definitely enjoy the concerts. They're scheduled for the main stage and the alternative stage on Piłsudskiego Street.

Stage stars at the Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival

  • Oskar Cyms (Friday, August 15),
  • Papa Dance (Sunday, August 17)
  • IRA team (also on Sunday, August 17)
  • On August 16, as part of the "FILMOVE LOVE" project , French singer Chris Schittulli, actors from the Cyprian Kamil Norwid Theatre from Jelenia Góra and the band TANGO ATTACK will perform.

Full program of the Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival 2025

August 13-17

Market Square, Prusa Street - 10:00-21:00 5 days of the Ceramics Fair

August 13, Wednesday

  • Municipal Public Library - Knowledge Center in Bolesławiec, 5 Głowackiego Street 9:00-16: 00 OWL Discovery, Imagination and Activity Zone - interactive exhibition
  • 17.00 Author's meeting with Jerzy Skarżyński, marathon runner, author of books such as: "Take care of your health, naturally", "Running through life"
  • BOK-MCC, 1c Piłsudskiego Square - 7:00 PM Opening of the post-plein air exhibition of the 60th International Ceramics and Sculpture Plein Air, exhibition open August 14-17, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bolesławiec City Hall

August 14, Thursday

  • Bolesławiec Municipal Public Library - Knowledge Center, 5 Głowackiego Street, 10:00-18:00 SOWA Discovery, Imagination and Activity Zone - interactive exhibition
  • 12.00-14.00 Sports arenas – building structures with Linden blocks
  • BOK-MCC, 1c Piłsudskiego Square, "W raz" Gallery, FORUM Cinema hall, 7:00 p.m. Opening of the exhibition "New Design in Bolesławiec Ceramics" (exhibition open August 15-17, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)

August 15-17

BOK-MCC, Bankowa Street 10, school playground - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Antiques Fair

Market

  • 10:00 – 18:00 Pottery wheel demonstrations - artist Mateusz Grobelny, Ceramic Garden behind BOK – MCC
  • 12.00-18.00 Fun and useful games - workshops with clay and more for adults and children
  • 2010 and the clay-people parade at the Caramika Festival in Bolesławiec

August 15, Friday

  • 9:30-21:00 II Open Beach Volleyball Tournament for the Cup of the Mayor of Bolesławiec, Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec, ul. Zgorzelecka 28/29 (9:00-18:00)
  • 12.00-17.00 Workshop "Museum Souvenir", Center of Old Pottery Techniques, Kutuzova Street 14 (11.00-18.00)
  • 12.00, 14.00, 16.00 Workshops "Jewelry from Casting" (limited number of places)
  • 14.00-18.00 Artists at work: Polish-English open-air workshop "Ceramic Cities Exchange", BOK-MCC, stage in the Market Square, green square 17.00-21.00 Performances of musical groups
  • 6:00 PM Official opening of the 31st Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival - artistic program of the Glina Da Ci Wings Theatre and invited guests (French accents - 20th anniversary of cooperation with Nogent-sur-Marne), Asnyka Street, main stage
  • 6:30 PM Pop & The
  • 20:00 Oskar Cyms

August 16, Saturday

  • 9.30-21.00 Women's Beach Volleyball Tournament for the Cup of the Mayor of Bolesławiec, Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre, "Wspierajmy Zdrowie" Foundation, square in front of the Bolesławiec Water Park Orka
  • 10.00-14.00 " Ceramic Run for Health - Get Fit in Clay!" 2nd edition, Bankowa Street, square by the city pond
  • 11.00-15.00 Clay painting, artist performances , competitions, entertainment and other attractions
  • 16:30 Start of the artistic parade of clay figures, Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec, ul. Zgorzelecka 28/29 (9:00-17:00)
  • 11.00-16.00 Workshop "Museum Souvenir"
  • 11.00-17.00 Games at the Syrokomla Knights' Camp (Park near the Museum)
  • 7:00 PM Opening of the exhibition "75th Anniversary of Artistic Ceramics of the Artistic Handicraft Cooperative in Bolesławiec", Centre of Old Pottery Techniques, Kutuzowa Street 14 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • 6:00 PM 59-700 Quartet
  • 20.00 Film LOVE

August 17, Sunday

  • MOSiR, Piłsudskiego Square, skyscraper, 12.00 Bolesławiec Stair Run – Run for a Ceramic Cup
  • Ceramics Museum in Bolesławiec, ul. Zgorzelecka 28/29, (9:00-17:00), 09:00-17:00 Exhibition "75th Anniversary of Artistic Ceramics of the Artistic Handicraft Cooperative in Bolesławiec"
  • 11.00, 13.00 Workshops "Jewelry from Casting" (limited number of places)
  • 12.00 Triangle Theatre
  • 14.00 BOK-MCC workshops: oriental, hip-hop and the Municipal Brass Orchestra "Bolesławiec"
  • 16.00 Mirror Project
  • 17.30 1st Armored Division Brass Band
  • 17:00 Papa Dance
  • 19:00 IRA
Żagań Marks Polish Army Day With Ceremonies and Community Events

It's shaping up to be a wonderful weekend, with celebrations of the Polish Army and Our Lady of the Herbs, as well as a ceramics festival in nearby Bolesławiec. Friday will be a blistering 35 degrees Celsius, so remember to stay hydrated and avoid the harsh sun. If you know of any events nearby that aren't on the program and are worth recommending, please let us know in the comments.

Friday, August 15, 2025 in Żagań

The Polish Army Day is organized by the 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade and the Association of Soldiers and Military Employees of the 3rd Dresden Medium Tank Regiment.

  • 8:30 a.m. ceremonial roll call at Tankman Square on Żarska Street in Żagań
  • 10:00 a.m. Mass for the intentions of soldiers and the Homeland at the Garrison Church on Żarska Street
  • 11.00 Wreath-laying at the monuments of the 3rd Medium Tank Regiment, the Home Army, the 11th Tank Regiment at the municipal cemetery and at General Maczek Square
  • 15:00 IX integration meeting at the military club on Żarska Street (registration required).

Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Żagań

  • 9:00 AM 101st edition of parkrun in the park. Start in the moat beneath the palace.

Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Szprotawa

From 3:00 PM, the Bolesław the Brave Allotment Garden invites you to Allotment Gardener's Day in the garden. The program includes fairs, tastings, and other attractions. From 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM, there will be a dance party in the Allotment Gardeners' Hall, accompanied by music from the 1970s-1990s.

Sunday, August 17, 2025 in Żagań

  • 9:00 AM Polish Armed Forces Day tournament on the courts at the Military Club in Żagań (Żarska Street). The tournament is open to all, open to all. The tournament will be a knockout format with a consolation tournament (entry is free). Matches will be played on 4 courts (at two sports facilities).