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.
New hall for Abrams tanks completed in Poznań
This is another very important stage related to the establishment of the Abrams Regional Competence Center at WZM.
Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (Polish Armaments Group) has announced the completion of its investment in Poznań. "The new hall of Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne SA (Military Automotive Works) is ready for ABRAMS!" it announced. "Another, crucial stage related to the establishment of the Abrams Regional Competence Center at WZM has been completed, " it added.
The 20,000 m² production hall at Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne SA is now fully prepared for use and the commencement of work on the first vehicles and technical maintenance. The renovation included, among other things, thermal modernization of the facility, replacement of the flooring, renovation of the social facilities, and a comprehensive modernization of the installations.
According to Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne), four overhead cranes with a lifting capacity of 50 tons have also been modernized. Two of them, working in tandem, enable the transport of tanks within the hall. Additionally, renovations were carried out to improve the safety level within the facility.
"The primary goal of the Abrams Regional Competence Center is to maintain the capacity for maintenance, repairs, and overhauls, as well as future modifications and modernization of Abrams tanks in service with the Polish Armed Forces," PGZ reports.
"Building this capacity is crucial for the security of our country, ensuring full and rapid support for the Polish Armed Forces in the field of Abrams tanks," it emphasized.
Where to find the best doughnuts for Fat Thursday in Poznań
This year, we'll be feasting on doughnuts and angel wings early, on February 12th. Right after Fat Thursday, those eager to party will be able to enjoy the last of the Carnival festivities. February 18th is Ash Wednesday, after which we'll begin Lent, ending with Easter. This year, Easter falls in early April – on the 5th.
Although doughnuts are eaten year-round in Poland, they become significantly more popular on Fat Thursday. On this day alone, we eat an average of 2.5 doughnuts per person. Last year, nearly 4,900 votes were cast, and, as in recent years, Fawor took first place with a staggering 29 percent. A strong second place went to Zagrodnicza (21 percent), and the Elite confectionary, which received 9 percent of the votes, finished third. Błaszkowiak confectionary received 6 percent, and Dobra Pączkarnia and Pączek w maśle each received 5 percent.
The Poznań Doughnut Eating Championship is already a tradition.
The rules have been the same for years. Dozens of volunteers gather in one place to quickly eat 10 doughnuts without drinking anything. This year, the fastest competitor achieved a remarkable time of 4 minutes and 22 seconds. Same person already won the title last year, but his time was slower then – 4 minutes and 52 seconds. This year, he hoped to break the Poznań record, but fell short by 10 seconds.
The absolute record for Poznań is the time achieved in 2011. Back then, the winner devoured the contents of his plate in 4 minutes and 12 seconds.
The championship is held every year just before Fat Thursday. It takes place at the Confectioners' and Bakers' Guild in Poznań. As a reminder, Fat Thursday is this week!
Free craft map of Poznań district now available
There are currently 38 points on it.
On the craft map of the Główna district, you can find everyone from model makers, furniture restorers, artisans, and stained-glass artists to hairdressers, barbers, mechanics, sheet metal workers, chimney sweepers, beekeepers, and seamstresses.
"We use the concept of craftsman very broadly. It encompasses both workshop and studio production, as well as services based on specialized knowledge and manual, technical, or artistic skills," emphasizes art historian and animator Maciej Szymaniak, who collaborated on the map's creation.
The map covers the residential and historic parts of Główna, defined by Bałtycka Street, Hlonda Street, and the railway tracks. It marks 38 locations, from home workshops to service establishments, both established and newly established. Some are open to customers, others are dedicated solely to in-housework.
The publication also includes a historical introduction, recalling the craft traditions of Główna. "For decades, the current district was home to carpenters, wheelwrights, coopers, seamstresses, hairdressers, shoemakers, confectioners, distillers, and cigarette makers. Residents of Główna Street were working people, using each other's services, and exchanging experiences," reports the Association of Young Cultural Animators.
The map's graphic design was created by Poznań-based graphic artist Jakub Haremza. The publication is available free of charge at selected service points in the district and at the Social Cultural Center at Główna Street 42. While working on the map, the project's initiators also decided to highlight Głowno's craftsmen, expanding the project with a series of posts on Instagram.
"While working on the map, we managed to visit and talk with some of the craftsmen. We plan to publish reports from these meetings and micro-interviews on our social media, so it's worth following them," encourages Asia Gruszczyńska from the Association of Young Cultural Animators.
Estrada Poznańska announces 2026 event schedule
With the new year comes a time for reflection and planning for the future. Estrada Poznańska announces that 2026 will be even more vibrant than the past in terms of the number and scale of cultural events.
"I think that both the past year and the one that has just begun have been the most intense in the history of Estrada Poznańska," emphasizes Jędrzej Solarski, Deputy Mayor of Poznań. "Estrada has become absolutely multidisciplinary – from large-scale projects like the Animator International Animated Film Festival to everyday activities like those run by Kino Muza."
Summary of the year
For Estrada Poznańska, 2025 was a year of intense work, high attendance, and strengthening its position as one of the city's key cultural institutions. Its program reached over 434,000 people through over 360 live events, 5,756 film screenings, and 247 online materials – podcasts, videos, and Dynks magazine publications.
"Last year was a very eventful one for us. We continued series such as Animator International Animated Film Festival, British Film Festival, Summer with Estrada, Estrada w Centrum, and a whole host of other events. We also celebrated the first anniversary of the cultural magazine Dynks, which brings readers closer to the city not only in terms of culture, but also sports, entertainment, and lifestyle," summarizes Małgorzata Kempa, director of Estrada Poznańska.
One of the most important events of last year was the opening of the Antoninek-Zieliniec-Kobylepole Cultural Center, which has become an important venue for cultural events and meetings of residents.
Plans for the near future
Estrada Poznańska is planning many events in 2026. "Everything indicates that it will be difficult not to see us in the city this year," says Jadwiga Maria Troczyńska, deputy director of Estrada Poznańska.
The program will be based primarily on regular events already familiar to residents. The tenth anniversary edition of Summer with Estrada will take place. It will feature approximately 100 free events in 20 locations, organized in collaboration with 16 neighborhood councils. This year's theme is "Full Movement." A parallel edition of Estrada w Centrum will be held under the theme "Modernism," with events in the Old Market Square and Wolności and Kolegiacki Squares.
Due to the renovation of the Stage on the Floor, performances from the Kids on the Floor series will be held in schools, just like last year.
"This approach was very well received, and we currently have a long list of schools to which we are invited. This is an important project because some of our audience members included children who had never been to the theatre before. Performances like these can be very moving for our producers, because these children are deeply moved and participate wholeheartedly in what we present. I believe that is our mission," emphasizes Jadwiga Maria Troczyńska, deputy director of Estrada Poznańska.
A new addition will be Estrada Stage Pop Up, a spring and autumn series of concerts taking place in unconventional spaces across the city, including those not intended for artistic activity. Details will be released as they become available, so it's worth following Estrada's announcements. The first concert is scheduled for March 12th.
There will also be city events co-organized by Estrada: Night of Museums, Poznań Pride Festival, Midsummer's Eve, Whole Poznań Ukulele Festival, City Harvest Festival and Bread Festival, Taxi Driver of the Year Gala, and Uprising Singing.
Film year
The Muza Cinema has three auditoriums and 246 seats. Last year, it was recognized as the best cinema in Poland, winning a prestigious award from the Polish Film Institute.
- We are constantly expanding our film offerings, trying, above all, to respond to the needs of the city's residents - says Joanna Piotrowiak, deputy director of Estrada Poznańska for film.
One of the most important events in 2026 will be the 19th edition of the Animator International Animated Film Festival. It received a record 3,890 submissions, which are currently being selected. This year's theme is "To Be Human," and the curator is British animator Tim Allen.
Millennium Docs Against Gravity will also be held for the 23rd time, an event for all fans of documentary cinema, as well as the British Film Festival, the two previous editions of which were warmly received by viewers.
Kino Muza organizes numerous events for children. "About 2,000 children visit Kino Muza every month in the morning. They listen to lectures and watch films tailored to the core curriculum and various topics related to social and psychological development. Observing them in the cinemas, we understood how important this latter aspect is," admits Joanna Piotrowiak. "This is why the film series 'Filmoczułość' (Film Sensitivity) was born, supporting psychological education for children and youth, as well as many other educational projects."
New scene
The most important investment to be carried out by Estrada Poznańska in 2026 is the renovation of its headquarters on Masztalarska Street.
"The modernization primarily encompasses the legendary Stage on the First Floor, but also the foyer. An elevator will be installed, which will increase the accessibility of our space, along with new restrooms, a restaurant, two recording studios, storage rooms, and space for the technical department. The building will gain a new look, with renovated facades and windows," says Marcin Mikołajczak, Deputy Director of Administration at Estrada Poznańska.
The PLN 31.8 million investment is co-financed by PLN 19.5 million from European Union funds (Feniks program). It is scheduled to open in July 2027.
The year 2026 promises to be a time for the continuation of many events already familiar to residents at Estrada Poznańska, but also for a significant number of new ones that will certainly contribute to the development of culture in the city.
Major artists to perform in Poznań in 2026
January is usually a time to reflect on the past year. In February, we can already look ahead to the coming months and start planning, for example, which concerts are worth attending. Although further information will likely be forthcoming, the list of artists and bands performing in Poznań in 2026 already looks promising.
On February 13th, Wishbone Ash will perform at Tama. This is the band's long-awaited return to Poland. They last performed on a club tour in Poland eight years ago, playing a series of concerts to packed houses. The "Time Was Tour" will feature both the band's biggest hits and songs that haven't appeared on their live setlists for years. It's a tribute to the loyal fans who have supported the band for decades, and a perfect opportunity to rediscover the rich musical heritage of Wishbone Ash.
On March 4th and 5th, jazz, rock, and world music guitar legend Al Di Meola will come to Poznań (Blue Note) for two concerts. He is currently touring as part of a series of exclusive concerts celebrating the 50th anniversary of his artistic career, combined with the release of his latest album, "Twentyfour," a personal summary of his many years of creative work.
On March 13th, Acid Drinkers will play in Hall 3A at the Poznań International Fair . Last year, they reunited with their original '80s and '90s lineup, featuring Titus, Ślimak, Popcorn, and Litza. For Litza, it was a return after 27 years. In 2025, they could be seen in several cities during the Rockowizna festival. In October, they embarked on a mini tour. The Poznań concert will be the fourth and final installment of the tour. Those who miss it will have the opportunity to hear Acid at the next Rockowizna festival, or in Jarocin, an hour's drive from Poznań, during the festival.
On March 17th, the Earth Hall will host the last of seven concerts in Poland by the Belgian band Hooverphonic. The band is known for its eclectic sound, combining elements of trip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic music.
Rosalie Cunningham, one of the most charismatic and original figures on the contemporary rock scene, will perform at Pod Minogą on March 18th. During the concert, she will perform songs from her new album, as well as earlier classics that have cemented her position among the most respected artists of progressive and psychedelic rock.
The first concert of the year for Enter Enea Festival will take place on March 19th. First up on the Earth Hall stage will be Dave Holland and Lionel Loueke, followed by Leszek Możdżer and Lars Danielsson.
Although St. Patrick's Day falls on March 17, the musical celebrations will take place on March 26. The 2Progi club will feature Celtic punk, filled with pub energy, performed by The Rumjacks.
On April 13th, Grammy Award-winning Kurt Elling will perform at the Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium. He will once again join forces with producer and guitarist Charlie Hunter, accompanied by the multi-instrumental duo of drummer Corey Fonville and bassist-keyboardist DJ Harrison.
If you enjoy symphonic sounds and familiar melodies, you can head to Earth Hall on April 25th. On that day, the over 80-person CoOperate Symphony Orchestra & Choir, conducted by Adam Domurat, will meld the musical space to the rhythm of a film, showcasing the world's most spectacular landscapes, incredible animals, interesting people, and unique moments captured on camera. "Visual Concert 4" will feature soloists Kasia Moś, Maria Antkowiak-Świątek, and Kuba Jurzyk. This symphonic sound and new repertoire will feature works by the greatest film composers: Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Howard Shore, and others. from such Hollywood films as "Star Wars", "Harry Potter", "Jurassic Park", "No Time to Die", "The Lion King", "Thor", "X-Men", "Avatar", "Indiana Jones" or "Wonder Woman".
Weatherday returns to Poland. The Swedish project will perform on May 11th at Klub Pod Minogą. The artist behind this group is Sputnik, who, since her debut album "Come In," has been building her own emotional soundscape at the intersection of noise pop, emo, indie, and lo-fi.
On May 13th, Tama will host a celebration of punk rock legends, the British band Sex Pistols. While they won't be seen or heard until August at the Rockowizna festival, this time Public Image Ltd (PiL) will be taking the stage on Niezłomnych Street. This post-punk band is fronted by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon.
On May 16th, the B17 club, located beneath the Enea Stadium stands, will host Amy Winehouse's original band, led by her longtime musical director, bassist, and close friend Dale Davis. The live performances keep Winehouse's spirit, legacy, and sound alive. Featuring on-screen visuals and unique film footage, the concert promises to be an unforgettable experience and celebration for audiences young and old.
On May 17th, American hip-hop icon Xzibit will perform at the same venue. This will be the West Coast legend's only concert in Poland as part of his European "Kingmaker Tour."
On May 25th, the Grand Theatre will host a concert as part of the Tre Voci trio's anniversary tour (10 years in the making). It combines operatic voices with popular music. The musicians will be joined on stage by some of Poland's most beautiful voices – undisputed stars with whom they will create unforgettable duets: Olga Szomańska, Olga Bończyk, and Maryla Rodowicz.
On May 29th, after the Ekstraklasa football season ends, Enea Stadion will be under Sanah's control for one day. Her concert will be a continuation of the sold-out "Sanah at the Stadiums" tour. This time, tickets are still available.
On June 19th, the British band Red Box will perform at the Tama Arena. The band is still fronted by vocalist and songwriter Simon Toulson-Clarke. Along with Talk Talk, The Waterboys, Scritti Pollitti, The The, and Aztec Camera, they can be considered part of a wave of British bands that emerged from the punk revolt, providing an artistic vehicle for expressive, vocal leaders.
Summer is primarily a time for festivals, but in Poznań, it's the time when the " Scena nad Rusałką " (Rusałka Stage) returns to Lake Rusałka. This is likely Poland's largest outdoor concert series dedicated to the emerging Polish music scene. This year's program is not yet known. So far, organizers have announced that 33 events will take place.
On October 18th at B17, you'll have a unique opportunity to hear Sixpence None the Richer perform live in Poland for the first time. This iconic band from the late 1990s and early 2000s was known for their unique blend of indie rock and subtle pop.
On the same day (October 18th), two concerts were held at the Blue Note da Mica Millar club. The artist visited Poznań twice last year. The first time, in April, she performed at the club, and at the end of July, she was one of the headliners at the Blue Summer Jazz Festival held in Stary Browar Park. Millar's concerts feature a generous dose of soul, R&B, blues, gospel, and jazz.
On October 22nd, at Pod Minogą, Maiden uniteD will pay tribute to Iron Maiden's 1980 debut album, playing their unique acoustic-rock style. Dennis Stratton, original Iron Maiden guitarist, is scheduled to appear on stage.
The legendary German band Alphaville returns to Poland for a 40th anniversary tour.
On October 23rd, Hall 3A at the Poznań International Fair will host an unforgettable musical journey back to the golden 1980s, featuring their biggest hits, such as "Forever Young," "Big in Japan," and "Sounds Like a Melody"—songs that have forever etched their place in synth-pop history.
At the end of November, the legendary band Jethro Tull will visit Poznań as part of their European tour "The Curiosity Tour." Led by Ian Anderson, the band will present exceptional concerts combining classic compositions with new material—full of the distinctive flute playing, rock energy, and unique atmosphere for which Jethro Tull has been renowned for decades. The concert, which will take place on November 27th at the Earth Hall, will feature classics such as "Aqualung," "Locomotive Breath," and "Thick as a Brick," as well as tracks from their latest album, "Curious Ruminant."
Tarja Turunen will be coming to Poznań in December. She is one of the most recognizable artists emerging from the Finnish music scene and a voice long associated with symphonic metal. She gained international recognition through her work with Nightwish, with whom, at the turn of the century, she co-created a sound that combined metal intensity with operatic soprano. Since 2006, she has consistently pursued a solo career, moving freely between rock, symphonic, and classical music. In the capital of Greater Poland, she will perform at the Earth Hall just before the holidays, on December 12th, presenting a repertoire that balances the light and shadow of the holiday season.
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