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 Padel Courts Open in Poznań’s Rataje District
The growing popularity of modern racket sports has led to increased investment in new facilities across Europe, and Poland is no exception. One of the latest examples comes from the city of Poznań, where new padel courts have recently been opened at the sports complex located in the Rataje district. This development reflects both the rising interest in padel and the city’s commitment to expanding access to recreational infrastructure for its residents.
Padel is a relatively young sport compared to traditional disciplines like tennis, yet it has experienced remarkable growth worldwide in recent years. Originating in Mexico in 1962, padel combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on a smaller, enclosed court measuring 20 by 10 meters, surrounded by glass walls and mesh fencing, which are actively used during gameplay. Players use solid rackets without strings and slightly modified tennis balls, making the game accessible even to beginners. Because of its dynamic nature and social character—most often played in doubles—padel is widely considered easy to learn and highly engaging.
In Poznań, interest in padel has been steadily increasing over the past few years. The first court at the Piastowskie housing estate was opened in 2022 and quickly became very popular, often fully booked throughout the day. Recognizing this demand, the city authorities decided to expand the infrastructure. As emphasized by Deputy Mayor Marcin Gołek, the investment was a response to the needs of residents who were eager to take up this fast-growing sport.
The construction of three new courts began in October 2025 and was largely completed by December of the same year. Final preparations took place at the turn of February and March, ensuring that the facility would be ready for use at the beginning of April 2026. The new courts were built adjacent to existing tennis courts at the Piastowskie estate, creating a modern and cohesive sports area.
As a result of the investment, the complex now offers a total of four padel courts, all equipped with lighting systems. This allows players to enjoy the game not only during the day but also in the evening hours, significantly increasing the availability of the facility. The courts are open on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., providing flexible options for both casual players and more dedicated enthusiasts.
The facility is managed by Poznańskie Ośrodki Sportu i Rekreacji, which has introduced a clear and accessible pricing system. On weekdays, court rental costs 50 PLN per hour between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and 70 PLN per hour in the late afternoon and evening. Weekend rates are set at 70 PLN per hour throughout the day. Additionally, players can rent rackets for 10 PLN and balls for 10 PLN per game, making it easy for newcomers to try the sport without investing in their own equipment.
The total cost of the completed investment amounted to nearly 959,000 PLN gross, demonstrating a significant commitment to the development of local sports infrastructure. Such initiatives not only promote physical activity but also strengthen community ties by creating spaces where people can meet, compete, and spend time together.
The expansion of padel facilities in Poznań highlights a broader trend visible across Poland and Europe. As more people discover the appeal of this fast-paced and inclusive sport, cities are increasingly investing in modern courts and amenities. The new courts in Rataje are therefore not just a local improvement—they are part of a wider movement that is reshaping the recreational landscape and encouraging more active lifestyles among urban populations.
From Poznań to the Adriatic Sea by hitchhiking - the great race returns
A journey, an adventure, and a community gathering – this is what the first edition of the new hitchhiking festival organized by the Pyrkostop Poznań association promises. On April 24th, participants will set off from Poznań to the Croatian town of Ražanac.
After a four-year hiatus, the hitchhiking race is returning to Poznań. The new edition of the festival is being organized by the Pyrkostop Poznań association, under the name Pyrkostop 2026. The event will begin on April 24th, with a return planned for May 3rd. The finish line will be the Croatian town of Ražanac. Registration is open until April 6th. The tradition of hitchhiking races dates back many years. Every year, during the May long weekend, two-person teams set off from several Polish cities, aiming to reach their designated destination. In addition to Poznań, groups from Krakow, Warsaw, and Wrocław also organize hitchhiking races.
The idea of the event is to show that hitchhiking is not only a way of traveling, but also a community of people open to the world, adventure and meetings with others - emphasize the organizers from the Pyrkostop Poznań Association.
The race finish line was announced in the second week of March. Previously, its location had been kept secret. During the closing event of the winter season, it was revealed that participants would travel to the Croatian town of Ražanac. The second round of registration lasted until March 31st, but coordinators decided to launch an additional round. Registration is still open until April 6th using the form available on Pyrkostopp's social media channels. Registration form PYRKOSTOP 2026 - Poznań's Hitchhiking Road!
Participation in the event costs 250 PLN per person. The price includes a kit of essential materials and attractions at the finish line. Those without a travel partner can find one through "Pyrozłączka" – a special Instagram post where participants pair up . The duos travel exclusively by hitchhiking, arranging their own transportation.
What matters in the competition isn't the time it takes to reach the destination, but the journey itself—meaning encounters with drivers, adventures, and teamwork. The race organizers, who are passionate about hitchhiking, emphasize that the most important thing is the experience and stepping outside your comfort zone, which allows you to meet inspiring people and their stories. To further enhance their journey, participants will also complete challenges along the way, which are crucial to winning the race. Pairs who accumulate the most points from completing tasks will receive prizes.
The event's finale will take place at a campsite in the Croatian town of Ražanac on the Adriatic Sea. Hitchhikers can expect a five-day integration program, including travel talks, games, concerts, group excursions, and cultural events. The entire event will run until May 2nd, with the return trip scheduled for the following day. The meeting is intended to be a space for exchanging experiences, sharing stories from the road, and building a hitchhiking community, so there's no set date for reaching the finish line.
"We discover places we never thought we'd find ourselves. To reach our destination, we often have to take many steps and catch up with dozens of drivers. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a few steps forward, and sometimes you get a "golden shot" that takes us straight to our destination," says Krzysztof Gerkowski, initiator of Pyrkostop 2026.
The Pyrkostop Poznań Association promotes hitchhiking, the integration of young people and active exploration of the world.
More information about the event can be found on Facebook and Instagram
Robbie Williams will perform in Poznań at the BitterSweet Festival
Robbie Williams is Saturday's headliner at BitterSweet Festival. The British pop icon joins the Poznań festival lineup, which will take place at the Citadel from August 13th to 15th. Among the artists announced today are Jessie J., Leisure, Giant Rooks, and the first Polish artists, Mrozu and Sobel. They will play alongside previously announced Gorillaz, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, Major Lazer, and Tom Odell.
A mysterious pink phone in the city center and an equally mysterious message coming from the receiver, with a female voice speaking excerpts from the biggest hits of third headliner BitterSweet2. This is precisely how the news about the next announcement of artists who will play at the Citadel in Poznań in mid-August spread across social media.
Pop Offensive at its Best, Robbie Williams and Jessie J
The bittersweet anticipation of BitterSweet2's third headliner has turned into a promise of a return to the '90s and 2000s. Back then, Robbie Williams reigned supreme on radio. The British pop icon, the voice of countless hits and emotional ballads, will transport audiences to a world brimming with nostalgia on August 15th. The musical empire he built over the decades (solo and with Take That) encompasses everything we love most about pop: tear-jerking ballads and danceable beats.
The already impressive lineup of Thursday concerts has just been expanded by another mainstream artist: Jessie J. Pop, R&B, a passion for soul, a powerful voice, and stage confidence combined with a sense of humor have become her recipe for success. A decade ago, people were singing along to "Price Tag," and now you can dance along to "Living My Best Life."
Good mood has many sounds, i.e. Leisure and Giant Rooks on BitterSweet2
A pleasant break will be a concert by New Zealand band Leisure. They'll be appearing at the BitterSweet Festival on August 14th, hosting a relaxing, chill-out set.
Another shade of sweetness and bitterness hidden in BitterSweet2's lineup is the work of the German band Giant Rooks. What happens when cousins and their school friends form a band? The result is an explosive indie-rock mix, which will play at the Citadel on August 15th. Their version of "Tom's Diner" went viral on TikTok, and their self-titled albums have earned them exposure at major European festivals.
The first national element, i.e. Mrozu and Sobel
"If not us, then who?" "We're breaking the bank," because "the night shift is coming in" – Mrozu will perform on Friday at BitterSweet2. He's been a staple on the Polish scene for over 15 years, proving that there's always the right moment to surprise with his sound. "Zew" took him to "Szerokie Wody," and two years later, everyone felt his "Aura," and the waves began to resonate.
"Don't tell anyone, it'll spread," that Sobel will perform at the BitterSweet Festival on August 15th. Since his debut, he's been a household name, with his songs generating millions of streams, his albums earning diamond and platinum awards, and he's been nominated for the most important music awards in Poland.
Time flies - see you in August!
The second edition of the festival, which debuted last year to widespread acclaim, will take place August 13-15, 2026, at Poznań's Citadel. Artists already announced include Gorillaz, Twenty One Pilots, Robbie Williams, Lorde, Tom Odell, Major Lazer, Rita Ora, Jessie J, Chet Faker, Faithless, and Paul Kalkbrenner.
More information can be found at www.bittersweetfestival.pl , where you can also purchase one-day tickets and passes.
Current festival schedule:
- 13/08/2026 - Gorillaz, Lorde, Paul Kalkbrenner, Meute, Becky Hill, Charlotte Cardin, Jessie J
- 14/08/2026 - Twenty One Pilots, Tom Odell, Rita Ora, Alok, Chet Faker, Mrozu, Parcels, Ashnikko, Leisure
- 15/08/2026 - Robbie Williams, Major Lazer, Giant Rooks, Faithless, Sobel.
May 3rd Constitution Day in Poznań
This year marks the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the May 3rd Constitution. The city's celebrations will take place at Freedom Square, beginning at noon. The Air Force Representative Orchestra will perform beforehand. Residents will also be able to view historic MPK (Municipal Transport Company) vehicles and uniformed services vehicles.
On Sunday, May 3, the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world will be celebrated.
At 10:30 a.m., a solemn Mass will be celebrated at the Poznań parish church. At 11:20 a.m. in Freedom Square, the Air Force Representative Orchestra will play a concert of patriotic and marching music, as well as original arrangements of well-known songs.
The main ceremonies will begin at 12:00 noon. The orchestra will play the national anthem. After the white-and-red flag is raised, the preamble to the 3 May Constitution will be read, soldiers will fire a salute, and then Jacek Jaśkowiak, Mayor of Poznań, will deliver a speech.
The celebrations at Freedom Square will end with a ceremonial parade of the accompanying subunits of the Polish Army and uniformed services.
The historic MPK fleet and uniformed services vehicles
Both young and old residents of Poznań will be treated to a display of vehicles used daily by soldiers and uniformed officers while performing their duties. This will be an opportunity to take a closer look at the vehicles' equipment and learn about the specific features of military vehicles such as the Rosomak and Żmija.
During the ceremony, the historic rolling stock of the Municipal Transport Company will also be on display at Freedom Square. Guests will be able to tour the vehicles and then take a short ride.
Social Sharing