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.

Francesco Napoli will sing in Toruń

Saturday's "Canzone Italian a" concert will be the highlight of the Toruń Italian Festival. Renowned artists, including a world-class star, will perform live, and Marek Sierocki will DJ and host the entire event.

The Italian Festival takes place from Monday to Sunday. It will include Italian Cinema Week, a car enthusiasts' gathering, and a Culinary Festival. The highlight of the program, however, is a San Remo-themed concert, which will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the PARK Exhibition Center.

The biggest star of the event will be Francesco Napoli. He is a singer, composer, and songwriter, performing primarily Italo disco and pop music. His biggest hits include "Balla Balla," "Arrivederci Amore," "Marina Marina," "Lady Fantasy," "Quando Quando," and "Buona Sera."

Over a career spanning over 40 years, he has sold tens of millions of records. One of his most recent albums, "Lady Fantasy," has sold a combined 12 million copies in 44 countries. The artist continues to perform worldwide, on nearly every continent. He has also gained considerable popularity in Poland and enjoys performing for the enthusiastically receptive Polish audience.

The second Italian musician to take the stage this evening is Marco Bocchino. He is a highly regarded cover artist of major Italian hits, a long-time resident and highly popular artist in Poland, known for his performances on numerous Polsat and TVP productions, including New Year's Eve in Zakopane, the Dwójki Summer Tour, and the program "Jaka to melodia."

In 2009, he placed second in the finals of the "Song for Europe" competition, the national pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song "All My Life," recorded with Aleksandra Szwed. In 2017, he released the album "Ciao Siciliano" in collaboration with Sony Music. During Saturday's performance, he will perform both covers of major Italian hits and his own original compositions. It's worth noting that after moving from Italy to Poland, the artist lived for the first two years... in Toruń.

"This concert also has great sentimental significance for me," emphasizes Marco Bocchino . " I love Toruń and I love coming back here; I always feel great here."

Renowned music journalist and presenter Marek Sierocki will be performing a dual role at the concert. He will first entertain the audience as a DJ, playing a mix of great Italian hits from the '70s, '80s, and the latest, and then he will host the rest of the event as the master of ceremonies.

Saturday's event begins at 8:00 PM. Public admission from 7:00 PM.

Tickets are available for purchase on-site and on the eBilet platform: https://www.ebilet.pl/muzyka/pop/canzone-italiana

The main organizer of the Italian Festival in Toruń is the Association for Polish-Italian Cooperation in cooperation with the event agency Tomasz Niejadlik MEDIA.

More information: https://festiwal-wloski.pl/ and https://www.facebook.com/festiwal.wloski

Archaeological research in the courtyard of the Nicolaus Copernicus House in Toruń

Archaeological research is underway in the courtyard of the Nicolaus Copernicus House in Toruń, aiming to understand the manner and scope of use of the interior of this wealthy bourgeois tenement house – from the Middle Ages to the present day. The plan calls for four archaeological excavations; work is currently underway on the first of these.

So far, a significant number of items have been discovered from a dumpster dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the finds are fragments of tableware signed by Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur and the Chodzież factory, slate tiles and styluses, a colorful stone ball, and a cogwheel from a large clock – most likely related to the watchmaking workshop operating in the building since 1872.

Even more interesting results were obtained from the lower layers, tentatively dated to the 15th century. They uncovered the well-preserved wooden structures of a former passage leading from Ducha Świętego Street to the courtyard (preserved on two levels), as well as a well made of thick planks. Among the movable artifacts from this period are fragments of leather shoes (including children's shoes), a fragment of fabric, glass from thin-walled vessels, and numerous fragments of late medieval pottery. The excellently preserved wooden elements offer the opportunity to obtain precise dates through dendrochronological studies, which will allow for a detailed chronology of the discovered objects.

A significant element of ongoing operations is the structural and security work carried out by the District Museum in Toruń. This work aims to ensure the stability of the outbuildings. Temporary reinforcement of the foundations of the southern wall and the southeast corner has already been completed, and ongoing monitoring of the structure has begun. Currently, the wall remains stable. A specialized external firm is also preparing comprehensive conservation, construction, and construction documentation.

Once the archaeological research is complete, further conservation work is planned to fully protect and preserve this valuable heritage.

The Toruń Old Town is bustling with life: a fair, theater and live music

This coming Sunday, September 14, 2025, promises to be a particularly colorful day in Toruń's Old Town. Starting at 10 AM, we invite you to the Toruń Free Market and Flea Market in the New Town Square. At 1 PM, on Podmurna Street, at the mural, you can watch a performance by the Miejsce Theatre. Sunday's attractions will culminate in a concert by the Igor Nowicki Trio at the outdoor piano in 4 Czerwca Square.

On Sunday, residents and tourists will be able to take advantage of a wide range of events – from shopping at the Free Market, through meetings with city legends, to an open-air piano concert.

Free Fair and Flea Market – flavors, handicrafts and music

Traditionally, every other Sunday, September 14th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, the Toruń Free Fair and Flea Market will take place in the New Town Square. This recurring event attracts lovers of regional flavors, collectors, and fans of handicrafts.

At the stands, you'll find locally sourced meats, goat and cow cheeses, organic bread, honey, oils, spices, sweets, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. There's also fish and handmade artisanal items. Live music will enhance your shopping experience, and you'll have the chance to snag some real collectibles.

Toruń legends in the retablo theatre

On Sunday at 1 PM, a family meeting with a legend will take place on Podmurna Street, organized by the Toruń City Center Office. The performance, performed by the Miejsce Theatre, will take viewers on a journey through the fairytale world of Toruń legends.

The retablo theater, filled with handmade puppets, colorful illustrations, and sounds, will recount stories of gingerbread, frogs, and the city's extraordinary heroes. Admission is free, and the show is suitable for children and adults alike – a cross-generational experience. We invite you to the next performances on September 21st and 28th.

Blues at the Piano – Street Piano Finale

At the end of the day, at 5 PM, the final outdoor concert in the Street Piano series will take place at Plac 4 Czerwca 1989.

Admission to all events is free!

If you're planning to attend events in or around the Old Town, it's best to walk, bike, or take public transportation. If you prefer to drive, use the available parking lots, the locations of which can be found HERE.

2nd Night of Museums at the District Museum in Toruń

The District Museum in Toruń cordially invites you to the 2nd Night of Museums, organized as part of the European Heritage Days celebrations, which this year have the theme: "Towards Architecture. Young Heritage."

The event will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 6 PM to 10 PM and will be an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage in the unique evening atmosphere of the museum.

European Heritage Days is a nationwide celebration of culture and history, aimed at promoting and popularizing national heritage, local traditions, and places particularly important for shared memory. This year's theme – "Towards Architecture. Young Heritage" – encourages us to view history and culture through the lens of architecture as a living testament to bygone eras. It is also an opportunity to recognize that even relatively young buildings and urban spaces constitute an important element of our heritage. They reveal the network of connections and inspirations that have connected people, places, and ideas for generations, creating a shared narrative of the development of culture and identity.

The 2nd Night of Museums in Toruń offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in special events, meetings and visit exhibitions at an unusual time.

The event will include meetings, lectures, and guided tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions at the following locations: the Toruń History Museum at the Esken House, the Museum of Far Eastern Art at the Kamienica pod Gwiazdą (Under the Star), the Tony Halik Travelers' Museum, and the Toruń Fortress Museum. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the program of the 2nd Night of Museums and European Heritage Days:

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF TORUN IN THE ESKEN HOUSE
(ul. Łazienna 16)

6:30 PM – “Toruń History Museum – A Few Buildings, A Few Secrets” – a thematic walk through the complex of buildings (and the surrounding area) that have had different fates, functions, and owners, and today form one institution. It tells the story of their history woven into the city's turbulent history, ground floor
7:30 PM – “A Virtual Walk Through the Streets of Toruń Yesterday and Today” – lecture and presentation, 3rd floor, model room
8:00 PM–9:30 PM – Meeting with King Jan Olbracht – storytelling, 1st floor, mezzanine
8:30 PM – “Toruń Bridges – History and Architecture” – lecture and presentation, Toruń History Museum, 3rd floor, model room
6:00 PM – “The Book of Toruń” 3D – a multimedia show for a maximum of 20 people – admission without a reservation

MUSEUM OF FAR EASTERN ART IN THE TENEMENT HOUSE UNDER THE STAR
(Rynek Staromiejski 35)

7:00 PM – “From Gothic to the 20th Century: The Metamorphoses of the Tenement House under the Star” – a walk through the building
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Family quiz at the “World of the Orient” exhibition

TONY HALIK TRAVELERS' MUSEUM
(ul. Franciszkańska 9/11)

18.00–19.00, 20.00–21.00 – “Lucky Bracelets” – a station for creating your own bracelets symbolizing protection and happiness in different cultures of the world

TORUŃ FORTRESS MUSEUM
(ul. Wały gen. Sikorskiego 23)

6:00 PM – results and opening of the post-competition exhibition of the 4th Photography Competition “Fortifications of Kujawy and Pomerania in the Lens”
6:30 PM – opening of the temporary exhibition “Toruń fortifications in aerial photographs 1920–2025”
7:00 PM – “Breakthrough periods in fortification construction as exemplified by the Toruń fortress” – curatorial tour of the permanent exhibition
8:00 PM – “Breakthrough periods in fortification construction as exemplified by the Toruń fortress” – curatorial tour of the permanent exhibition

All EDD events are available at: https://edd.nid.pl/wydarzenia/.

We invite you to take part in the event.

Free admission!

European Heritage Days 2025 in Toruń

On September 13–14, 2025, we will celebrate European Heritage Days in Toruń. A wealth of attractions and events are planned!

European Heritage Days is a recurring cultural, social, and educational project of exceptional scale and scope: every September, residents of the Old Continent can visit the most interesting monuments in their area for free and take advantage of a wide range of cultural and educational events. During EDD, even monuments that are not normally accessible welcome visitors, and participants of numerous meetings, lectures, and workshops learn about national, regional, and local history and culture.

The main goals of European Heritage Days are historical and cultural education, promoting the diversity of regional cultural heritage, highlighting the common roots of European culture, and promoting intercultural dialogue. As part of the European Heritage Days, curators of local cultural facilities and institutions provide free access to monuments and other cultural sites—museums, open-air museums, parks, and gardens—that are not always open to the public on a daily basis or require admission. They also offer numerous other attractions, such as concerts, exhibitions, historical festivals, presentations of endangered professions, lectures, and art and craft fairs; they encourage people to experience culture and monuments, and popularize regional traditions and customs.

Program of events:

September 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday) DISTRICT MUSEUM IN TORUN

II Toruń Night of Museums, September 13, 2025, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Four branches of the District Museum in Toruń will participate in the event:

  • Toruń History Museum in the Esken House
  • Museum of Far Eastern Art in the Tenement House under the Star
  • Tony Halik Travelers' Museum
  • Toruń Fortress Museum

Events in individual branches of the District Museum in Toruń as part of the 2nd Night of Museums and European Heritage Days:

I. Toruń History Museum at the Esken House – September 13, 2025

6:30 PM "Toruń History Museum – A Few Buildings, A Few Secrets"
A thematic walk through the complex of buildings (and their surroundings) that have had different fates, functions, and owners, and today form a single institution. A story about their history woven into the turbulent history of the city and the Museum.
Meeting point: Ticket office at the Toruń History Museum
. Guide: Dr. Iwona Markowska.

7:30 PM "Virtual walk through the streets of Toruń – yesterday and today"
Lecture with presentation
Location: model room
Host: Katarzyna Pietrucka

8:30 PM "Toruń Bridges – History and Architecture"
Lecture with presentation
Location: Model Room
Moderator: Robert Żytkowicz

II. Museum of Far Eastern Art in the Tenement House under the Star

6:00 PM "From Gothic to the 20th Century: Metamorphoses of the Tenement House under the Star"
A walk through the building showcasing its architectural transformations over the centuries.
Led by Katarzyna Paczuska

III. Tony Halik Travelers' Museum

6:30–7:30 p.m. and 8:30–9:30 p.m. "Bracelets of Happiness"

We invite you to create your own lucky bracelet – a thread ornament inspired by the traditions of various cultures around the world. It's a symbol of protection, happiness, and positive energy. During the workshop, you'll not only be able to make your own bracelet but also learn about its significance in the context of travel, intercultural encounters, and local beliefs.
Led by: Katarzyna Kudzewicz-Kossakowska

IV. Toruń Fortress Museum

7:00 PM and 8:00 PM Lecture: "Breakthrough periods in fortification construction on the example of the Toruń fortress"
Chair: Dr. Mirosław Giętkowski, Adam Kowalkowski

Admission to all events during the 2nd Night of Museums and EDD is free.

September 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday) Ethnographic Museum of Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa in Toruń

Between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, tours of the museum's storage rooms, which are not normally open to visitors, will be available. Pre-registration for guided tours is required: sklepik@etnomuzeum.pl , tel. +48 56 622 80 91. Space is limited (15 people per group).

Additionally, as part of your visit to the Ethnographic Park, you can take part in a mobile field game.

Admission to the museum at a promotional price of 4 PLN

September 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday) Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Events at Nicolaus Copernicus University as part of the European Heritage Days 2025 "Towards Architecture. Young Heritage"

September 13, 2025 (Saturday)
12:00-14:00 – inauguration of the provincial EDD celebrations in the building of the Institute of Psychology of the Nicolaus Copernicus University
14:30-15:30 – tour of the Radio Astronomy building in Piwnice

September 14, 2025 (Sunday)
11:00-12:00 – visit to the Copernican Integration Center
12:00-13:30 – walk around the university campus in the footsteps of modernist architecture and design (visiting the Aula, the Rector's Hall, the Faculty of Chemistry, the Institute of Psychology)

September 20, 2025 (Saturday)
10:00-11:00 – visit to the Copernican Integration Center
11:00-12:30 – field game "Discover the campus and find the cornerstone"

September 13 (Saturday), 12:00 p.m. ARTHUS COURT CULTURAL CENTER

Artus Court Behind the Scenes – an exclusive tour unlike any other!
Dreaming of experiencing Toruń from a completely new perspective? Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the depths of Artus Court – a place that holds more secrets than you might imagine! We invite you on a one-of-a-kind guided tour, during which you will discover spaces normally closed to the public – those reserved exclusively for employees and special guests.

During this extraordinary journey you will discover:

  • Majesty and Functionality: Discover the spaces of the Great Hall, the Mirror Hall and the Small Hall – a place where history meets events at the highest level.
  • The Invisible Heart of the Manor: Step into the technical backstage area, where the magic of events comes to life. See up close the unique freight elevator and the offices where the Artus Court team works – including the lounge and director's office!
  • Attic and Hidden Passages: Are you ready for a thrill? Explore the attic—a place never before accessible! Sneak through hidden passages and experience the thrill of discovery.
  • The Republic Rehearsal Space and Selfie from the Great Hall Balcony – these will be your moments!

Our guide will dispel any doubts and surprise you with anecdotes about the architecture, people, and events that have shaped this iconic place over the centuries.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the true face of Artus Court! Space is limited.

September 13th (Saturday), 12:00 PM: The Architecture of Toruń's Melpomene - Tour of the Baj Pomorski Theatre and the Shakespeare Stage.
The theatre's wardrobe opens its doors! During this 1.5-hour tour, we'll visit the backstage area, peek into the puppet warehouse, and explore other nooks and crannies of the theatre. This time spent here will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the theatre's backstage, learn a bit about the nature of work at the institution, and discover its many secrets. The tour will also include the second Shakespeare Stage in Poland, connected to the theatre. Tours of the theatre will be held in an organized group. Registration is required.

September 13 (Saturday), 12:00 p.m. - presentation of the ongoing archaeological research in the area of ​​Philadelphia Boulevard (the so-called Holy Spirit complex) - meeting at the square of the Naval Officers' School, registration required brt@um.torun.pl Organizer: Prof. Wojciech Chudziak and Dr. Ryszard Kaźmierczak - Faculty of Historical Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University

September 13 (Saturday), 2:00 p.m. Tour of the Toruń City Hall buildings at Wały gen. Sikorskiego 8 and 10. Tour of the UMT buildings with a guide Andrzej Zieliński – meeting in front of the main entrance to the UMT building at Wały gen. Sikorskiego 8, registration required : brt@um.torun.pl

September 13 (Saturday), 2:00 p.m. COURTYARDS REVITALIZED AS PART OF THE "MY COURTYARD" PROGRAM Meeting at 5 Żeglarska Street
Courtyards located at the following properties:

  • Żeglarska Street 5
  • Prosta Street 7
  • Małe Garbary Street 23

September 14 (Sunday), 12:00 PM, Cathead Tower.
Tour of the Cathead Tower at 74 Podmurna Street. The tour will start at 12:00 PM. The number of visitors is limited to 15 people.

September 13 (Saturday), 6:00 PM Orthodox Parish in Toruń, Guide Section of the Toruń Lovers Society
Visit to the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in Toruń (Guide Nadzieja Hajduczenia)
Location: 69 Podgórna Street
Free admission, no registration required

September 14 (Sunday), 10:00-11:00 AM MZK Museum, Guide and MZK employee, Michał Gordon
Entry to the museum on September 14 at 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Free admission, up to 25 people, no prior reservations required.

September 14 (Sunday), 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Toruń - Monastery Gate
Visit to the 3rd floor of the Monastery Gate, where the Lithuanian Consulate is located, September 14, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (limited number of places: 6-10 people in a group)

September 14th (Sunday), 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM TORUN ENTHUSIASTIC:
A thematic walk "In the Footsteps of the Teutonic Knights," with guides and animators in costume who will act out historical micro-scenes. As part of this event, we'll be taking groups to the Leaning Tower and the castle. Tickets are required. More information is available at https://tomito.torun.pl/aktualnosci/na-tropie-krzyzakow-spacer-tematyczny

Toruń Festival of Flavors this coming weekend

On the weekend of September 13–14, 2025, Toruń will become the culinary capital of the region. The Toruń Festival of Flavors will take place at the Młyn Hotel and Młyn Smaków Restaurant – an event brimming with aromas, traditions, and modern culinary inspirations. Admission to the festival is free, and activities begin each day at 11:00 AM.

The program includes numerous culinary demonstrations, lectures, meetings, and tastings, during which participants will have the opportunity to sample regional and international specialties. A highlight of the event will be the Presidential-Rectoral Dinner, during which Toruń's Mayor Paweł Gulewski and Toruń's Rector, Professor Andrzej Tretyn, will cook for the residents.

There will also be plenty of culinary excitement during the Mayor of Toruń's Ladle Competition, where the metropolitan area's best restaurants will compete. The festival will also feature a culinary shopping zone featuring regional products and delicacies.

The special guest of this year's edition will be Pascal Brodnicki, a renowned chef and culinary arts promoter, who will lead a unique demonstration and tasting.

Renowned chefs and culinary experts will also perform during the festival, including:

  • Ewa Politowska and Tomasz Strubiński ("Kashubian Goat"),
  • Dr. Bogdan Galazka,
  • Dr. Marta Sikorska,
  • Joanna Jakubiuk,
  • Rimvydas Laužikas (Vilnius University),
  • Sebastien Miraux (Bistro Miraux in Toruń),
  • and guests from Ukraine – Lola Landa and Marianna Dushar.

Additional attractions will include performances by the House of Toruń Legends, gingerbread-making demonstrations, and outdoor culinary workshops.

The event is organised by: the City of Toruń, Nicolaus Copernicus University, the Silesia Culinary Foundation and Hotel Młyn.

The event takes place on September 13 and 14, 2025.at the Młyn Hotel, Łokietka Street 3 in Toruń. Starting at 11:00 AM.

Harvest Festival in Bożnów, film screenings, and races. Check out the program of events in Żagań and the surrounding area.

A grand harvest festival is coming up in Bożnów near Żagań on Saturday, but there's something for everyone in Żagań and the surrounding area. If you know of an event worth recommending that isn't on the program below, please let us know in the comments.

Friday, September 12, 2025 in Żagań

  • 11:00 a.m. ceremonial roll call at General Maczek Square to celebrate the 80th anniversary and the Black Division Day, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. military picnic at the Military Club on Żarska Street.
  • 11.30 National Reading on the outskirts of the Żagań Palace of Culture.
  • 8:00 PM, outdoor cinema near the palace. We will be showing two films: Borderlands and Delusion.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 in the rural commune of Żagań

  • The Mayor of Żagań, together with the Bożnów Village Council, invites you to the Bożnów Harvest Festival, at the village hall. 2:00 PM – Mass for farmers and residents, 3:00 PM – Harvest Festival procession, 3:30 PM – Opening of the Harvest Festival, 4:00 PM – Diabolinki from Drożków, Złote Łany, Luna Rosa, and the results of the Harvest Wreath Competition. 6:00 PM – Blondino Latino headlines the evening, 7:30 PM – Dance party with the band Relax. There will be delicious regional dishes, activities for children, and a shared celebration with neighbors and friends.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Żagań

  • 9:00 AM 5km parkrun in Żagań park. Start in the moat beneath the palace.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Sieraków near Szprotawa

  • 15.30 we meet in Sieraków Potato Festival 2025

Sunday, September 14, 2025 in Żagań

  • A walk along the trail of restaurants and entertainment venues to celebrate the 80th anniversary of PSS in Żagań. The meeting will be on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot next to the former Piastowska restaurant on Keplera Street.
The Black Division from Żagań will begin celebrating on Thursday. It was also present in Vienna, commemorating the 342nd anniversary of the Relief of Vienna.

On September 7, 2025, soldiers of the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division participated in the 342nd anniversary of the Relief of Vienna at the Polish National Sanctuary on Kahlenberg in Vienna. On Thursday, the Black Division will begin its celebrations in Żagań.

On Sunday, September 7, on Kahlenberg Hill near Vienna, ceremonies were held to commemorate the 1683 battle in which troops under the command of King John III Sobieski (patron of the Black Division) stopped the might of the Ottoman Empire.

The Black Division was represented by a delegation headed by its commander, Major General Piotr Fajkowski.

The 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division's celebration falls in September, commemorating the victory over the Turks at Vienna. The Vienna victory took place on September 12, 1683. The Polish hussars caused a real panic on the battlefield.

For several years, the Black Division has celebrated its anniversary alongside St. Michael's Fair in Żagań, which this year (2025) falls from September 19th to 21st. However, this time, the 11th Armored Division will celebrate earlier, on September 11th-12th, 2025, on the anniversary of the Battle of Vienna. This year will also mark the formation's 80th anniversary.

Celebration program

One of the highlights of these commemorations will be the unveiling of a monument to King John III Sobieski, which will be erected in Tankman Square, next to the monuments to General Maczek and an unnamed soldier from the 1st Armored Corps. The monument was designed by Tomasz Filar, who also designed the other monuments in Tankman Square.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

  • 12:00 Mass at the Garrison Church on Żarska Street
  • 7:00 PM – caption and ceremonial unveiling of the monument to King John III Sobieski at Tankman Square on Żarska Street.

Friday, September 12, 2025

11.00 a.m. ceremonial roll call at General Maczek Square, with a show by the "Husaria Rzeczpospolitej" reenactment group, at General Maczek Square

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM family picnic at the Czarna Dywizji club on Żarska Street with artistic performances, equipment demonstrations, and other attraction.