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.

Poznań tram conductors are vice-world champions

Monika Bocian and Dariusz Graj, who normally transport passengers for MPK Poznań, took second place in the world's first Tramdriver World Championship. The spectacular competition, held on the square in front of Vienna's City Hall, attracted thousands of spectators, with tens of thousands watching the live broadcast online.

Twenty-five teams from six continents traveled to the Austrian capital. Alongside European cities like Oslo, Brussels, and Budapest, competitors from more exotic locations also competed, including Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, and Casablanca. Against such a diverse field, the Poznań team performed admirably, second only to the hosts. Third place went to the Norwegian team.

The competition included eight demanding events that tested precision, reflexes, and teamwork. Drivers had to, among other things, perfectly stop the tram at a designated spot, maintain a set speed without the aid of a speedometer, and perform a reversing maneuver in cooperation with a partner. Spectacular tasks such as "tram bowling" and "tram curling" generated a lot of excitement.

The silver medal in Vienna is another major success for Monika Bocian and Dariusz Graj. In June of this year, during the Polish Championships in Warsaw, the MPK Poznań representatives won the title of best tram driver in the country. It was this triumph that gave them the opportunity to represent Poland on the world stage and ultimately led to a podium finish in Vienna.

Thanks to their achievements, Poland has found itself among the best, and Poznań can proudly emphasize that it is here that some of the best tram drivers in the world work.

The Poznan animal shelter opens its doors

Those who want to see what the daily lives of the Poznań animal shelter staff are like and meet its residents will have the opportunity to do so this coming Saturday. The open house will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. Registration is required.

"It's worth visiting us to see what the daily lives of our staff, volunteers, and, of course, the animals are like. These meetings will allow you to learn more about the unique character of this place and meet the people who put their hearts into ensuring the best possible lives for the animals waiting for a new home," encourages Katarzyna Frąckowiak from the Poznań shelter.

The shelter currently houses over 600 animals. During the open house, visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the animals and learn about their daily care. There will also be an opportunity to discuss responsible adoption and how to care for a pet at home.

Tours will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., every half hour. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

Space is limited - registration is required. To register, simply send an email to promocja@schronisko.com . Please include "open doors" in the subject line and include the number of people and your preferred time of visit. Registration will be open until Thursday, September 18th, or until all spots are filled (there are still a dozen or so spots left).

Andy Warhol in Poznań - exhibition at Stary Browar

The legendary pop artist will be the subject of the exhibition "Andy Warhol: A Kind of Retrospective," which opens on September 11th at the Pop Culture Gallery in Stary Browar. The exhibition will feature a selection of works and materials from private and institutional collections.

On three floors of the gallery, visitors will see original graphics, Polaroids, films, sketches, archival advertisements, and Warhol-designed album and "Interview" magazine covers. Some of the works for the Poznań exhibition are being provided by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. This is a rare opportunity to see works from the American institution's collection – most exhibitions in Europe are organized in collaboration with the Warhol Museum in Slovakia.

The king of pop art in the pop culture gallery

The exhibition "Andy Warhol. A Kind of Retrospective" will open with a vernissage on September 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM and will run until February 28, 2026. The exhibition is part of the long-term program of the Pop Culture Gallery in Stary Browar – a space dedicated to multidisciplinary exhibition projects at the intersection of art, fashion, and design.

Previous exhibitions here include the virtual reality exhibition "Björk Digital," a David LaChapelle photography exhibition, a Gianni Versace retrospective, and an exhibition on the history of sneakers organized in collaboration with the Design Museum in London. The space has also hosted works by Polish artists such as Ryszard Kaja, Noriaki, and members of the Polish School of Posters.

The exhibition is being created in collaboration with private collectors. Tickets are 20 PLN and will be available at the gallery entrance. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of the month. A "1+1 Free" promotion is available for students and seniors from Tuesday to Thursday. Free admission is also available for those with receipts from Stary Browar stores and outlets worth at least 90 PLN.

Retro Motor Show 2025 - a time machine in the heart of Poznań

Over 1,000 vehicles, unique prototypes, anniversaries of automotive legends, and dynamic live shows – this promises to be Poland's largest celebration of classic cars. The Retro Motor Show 2025 will take place from September 19th to 21st at the Poznań International Fair, offering an unforgettable journey through the history of four wheels.

The 2025 Retro Motor Show will be a unique opportunity to explore Poland's automotive heritage. The Wielkopolski Automobile Club will showcase Formula Promot racing cars – race cars that competed in national championships for years, becoming a symbol of Polish engineering. Another special attraction will be the only surviving Syrena 607 Hatchback prototype from the WENA Automotive Museum in Oława – a truly unique specimen with a cinematic history.

Among the exhibitors, attendees will be able to see the winners of last year's best stand competition, as well as museums and private collections related to the automotive industry of the Polish People's Republic from around the country. They will present, among other things, a replica of the "Garbi/Herbi" from the film. Additionally, thanks to cooperation with the Military Property Agency, a collection of military vehicles and equipment will be on display.

Global automotive icons

The fair will also be an opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of global automotive legends. A separate pavilion will be dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Volkswagen Transporter – a model that has remained a symbol of culture and lifestyle since the 1950s. Citroën Oldtimer Club Polska will also prepare an exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the DS, commonly known as the "Goddess." The car captivated the world with its technology and its blend of French innovation and Italian temperament.

The Classics Market will showcase a wide range of cars from various eras and continents. There will also be plenty of strong overseas presence: muscle cars, pickups, and trucks, including the '68 Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, and the iconic C3 Corvette. The event's retro atmosphere will also be enhanced by a band playing classic hits, and those eager to dress up in vintage clothing will be able to enter the event with a special ticket priced at PLN 29.

Opportunities to fulfill dreams

The Retro Motor Show is also an opportunity to fulfill the dream of owning your own classic car. At stands from companies such as Sportivo Silesia, Fabryka Klasyków, Novanty Classics, and individual exhibitors, you'll be able to not only view but also purchase unique vehicles.

The Renovation Academy will remain a key element of the fair – a space where specialists will demonstrate live how to restore the luster of classic cars. This is a particularly inspiring place for young mechanics enthusiasts who want to pursue this career. A new addition to this year's edition will be dynamic drifting shows at Mark's Square. Those interested can sit in the passenger seat for a true adrenaline rush.

The fair will be complemented by meetings with well-known internet creators and classic car clubs, which, in addition to creating a unique atmosphere, will also encourage support for charitable initiatives such as Złombol and Retro Banda.

Organizational information

The Retro Motor Show 2025 will take place in Halls 3, 3A, 4, 5, and 5A of the Poznań International Fair. Tickets are available at tobilet.pl and the Grupa MTP app, at a discounted price until September 15th. More details are available at https://retromotorshow.pl/pl/ .

You can reach the fair by bus or tram. Tickets purchased online for the Retro Motor Show entitle you to free travel on public transport in Poznań on the day of their validity.

Car Free Day is approaching. Free travel on public transport and trains.

We will celebrate Car Free Day next week, on September 22.

Car-Free Day is the culmination of Mobility Week, which is just beginning. "As every year, the goal is to promote alternative forms of transportation to the car. This is especially true since this year's theme focuses on accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable transportation for everyone—the kind we've been striving to create for many years," says Jan Gosiewski, director of the Poznań Public Transport Authority.

Next week, on Monday, September 22nd, car registration certificate holders will be able to use ZTM Poznań services completely free of charge. The rule will apply: one certificate per person.

POLREGIO has a special offer. Starting Tuesday, September 16th, for seven days, travelers will be able to take advantage of a 25% discount on single journeys on any of the carrier's trains. Simply enter the discount code ETM when purchasing online. 25,000 tickets will be available at discounted prices.

That's not all. Further offers for passengers have been prepared in individual voivodeships. In Greater Poland, from September 20th to 22nd, passengers can travel free of charge on POLREGIO trains upon presentation of their passenger car or motorcycle registration certificate. " For the first two days, the promotion will cover groups of people based on the number of seats indicated on their registration certificate, and on September 22nd, free travel will be available to one person based on this document. Car and motorcycle owners in Greater Poland will also be able to extend their season tickets by three days – simply obtain a ticket validity certificate from the train staff between September 20th and 22nd and bring their vehicle registration certificate," explains the carrier.

Wielka Szama - the largest food truck rally in Greater Poland this weekend! 35 exhibitors and flavors from around the world

On September 20 and 21, Enea Stadion will once again become the city's culinary center. Over 30 food trucks will serve their specialties from mobile kitchens.

This Saturday and Sunday, Poznań's Enea Stadium will transform into a true gourmet paradise! Wielka Szama is a perfect opportunity to sample dishes from almost all over the world. Come and sample the cuisine of Asia, Mexico, Georgia, Italy, and Spain – all in a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere!

Full list of food trucks:

Arizona Pastrami - pastrami sandwiches
Pasta in a wheel - Italian pasta with a wheel of cheese
Dim Sum - steamed dumplings
Food Patrol - smash burgers
Greco Truck - Greek cuisine
Churros Amigos - Spanish churros
Cool Food Truck - Argentinian empanadas
Gruzin - Georgian cuisine
Wokgang - pad thai
Cactus - Mexican cuisine
Węgierska FaBryczka - traditional Hungarian lángos
Jack Burger - burgers
coś Innego - gluten-free dishes
Marietta Foccaceria - Italian focaccia
Smaki Ulicy - grilled ciabatta with seasoned beef
Tajski MŚ - Thai ice cream
Top Burgers - beef and pulled pork burgers
Los Santos Bar - international cuisine
Belgian - crispy Belgian fries
W pamięci - grilled skewers and sausage
Kapsalon Pomorze - Dutch Kapsalon
Dzik food truck - wild boar burgers
Yetz Tu food truck - ramen
Kultowe Bagiety - artisanal casseroles
Choco Kebab "Amelia" - sweet kebab with chocolate
Chicken Vibe - chicken in various versions
Poszarpani - bagels with pulled meat
Wrap'n Roll - fresh wraps
Wheel Meal - Tex-Mex cuisine
Szamaman - koftas
UP IN SMOKE - pulled pork and smoked burger
Foczka food truck - kebab
Fragola - fresh fruit in chocolate

Drinks:
Wyciskami - refreshing citrus lemonade
Bella Caffe - coffee
Cydrowóz - cider
Browar Amber - beer and alternative drinks

Attendees of the Wielka Szama Festival will be treated to not only a rich culinary offering but also a wealth of additional attractions! A special relaxation area will offer a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, while prize contests will provide excitement and even more fun. The organizers haven't forgotten about the youngest either – children will enjoy colorful inflatables and a creative art corner filled with coloring pages that will spark their imagination and provide joyful entertainment.

There will also be attractions for thrill-seekers. A specially prepared, completely safe airsoft shooting range allows you to test your aim and challenge your friends. Fans of big machines will have a unique opportunity to see the legendary Peterbilt 379 truck, which makes a truly impressive impression in person. What's more, you'll be able to climb inside and feel like you're in the cabin of the true king of American highways.

The Great Shama is an event best enjoyed in good company. So, it's worth bringing your family, friends, or even a whole group of acquaintances along – because in addition to the unique flavors, there are plenty of attractions waiting to be had, guaranteeing a great time!

Admission: free Date: September 20-21, 2025 Location: Enea Stadion, 17 Bułgarska Street Hours: Saturday 12:00-21:00, Sunday 12:00-20:00