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.
Ethno Port 2026: A musical journey around the world in Poznan
Three independent stages, artists from almost every corner of the world, and four days filled with music, meetings and workshops. From June 11th to 14th, Poznań will become the world music capital for the 19th time with the Ethno Port Festival.
The festival, organized by the Zamek Culture Center, has for years created a space that brings together diverse cultures and traditions, as well as contemporary sounds. This year's program will combine musical inspirations from the Carpathians, the Balkans, and the Iberian Peninsula with the sounds of the Caucasus, Anatolia, South Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Alongside traditional songs and polyphonic chants, audiences will hear modern interpretations of folklore, improvisation, electronica, and projects drawing from urban music scenes.
"Over eighteen years, Ethno Port has become a space where diversity is valued and music is a living language that connects people. We invite you to join us on a journey and open yourself to sounds that transcend borders and build bridges between cultures," encourages Bożena Szota, festival director.
Artists from all over the world
The program includes concerts by artists representing diverse musical and cultural traditions. The festival will open with the unique "UNIKO" project by Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen and the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio, conducted by Anna Duczmal-Mróz. Other performances include Hajda Banda, Vigüela from Spain, the South African Thanda Choir, the Georgian Pankisi Ensemble, Turkish musician Deniz Mahir Kartal, Iranian Rastak, the international collective The Turbans, the duo Sw@da x Niczos, Senegalese vocalist Cheikh Lô, and the Moroccan project Azmz - Bnat Louz & Raskas. There will also be Polish accents, including concerts by Czereśnie, Kujawski Ansambl, Teresa Mirga, and Kałe Bała, as well as the Polski Piach gra Reksia project.
Music, conversations and family events
The festival isn't just about concerts. The program also includes music, dance, and family workshops, film screenings, author meetings, a fair, and events as part of the "Listen to the World" series. Younger participants will have the opportunity to participate in the "Little Ethno" program, featuring concerts and workshops designed especially for families with children. In the evenings, organizers also invite everyone to the festival clubs, where they can enjoy dances and DJ sets.
A festival accessible to all
As in previous years, organizers are placing a strong emphasis on event accessibility. Selected concerts and events will be translated into Polish sign language, enhanced with audio description, live subtitles, and the use of portable induction loops. Concerts and accompanying events will be held in locations that everyone can easily reach and fully participate in.
The music festival will take place on three festival stages: the Grand Hall, the Castle Courtyard, and Adam Mickiewicz Park. Additionally, from June 2nd to 28th, the Grand Hall will host the exhibition "Mandala. Listen to the World."
Tickets
Tickets for individual events and festival passes are available for purchase. Concert tickets range from 10 to 45 PLN, while passes cost 320 PLN (3-day) or 350 PLN (4-day). Children under 7 years of age can attend concerts free of charge when accompanied by an adult with a ticket or pass.
A detailed program and tickets are available on the festival website and at the CK Zamek box office.
Summer in Wilda Festival
The fourth edition of the "Summer in Wilda" festival, organized by the Pro Posnania Foundation, will begin on June 9th. For over two months, the district will host cultural, sporting, and family events, including outdoor cinema, concerts, performances, and workshops. Events take place in the district's central locations, which normally serve as meeting places for residents.
The festival aims to integrate residents and build neighborly ties.
" The fourth edition of "Summer in Wilda" is a continuation of our efforts to revitalize public spaces and strengthen the social and cultural life of the district. We want residents to be able to spend time together, get to know each other, and take advantage of valuable events available in their immediate neighborhood," emphasize the organizers.
The festival will run until August 16 and includes four series of regular events. On Tuesdays, an outdoor cinema takes place in the Wilda Market Square, with screenings of films such as "Amelia" and "The Florida Project."
Saturdays will be filled with "Musical Saturdays" concerts featuring various artists, and Sundays in Maria Skłodowska-Curie Park belong to families and children - with theater, workshops and educational activities.
Thursdays are dedicated to sports and health-promoting activities, such as yoga, Pilates, breathing exercises, and self-defense.
As noted, all sessions are open to participants regardless of age or fitness level. All events are free.
A detailed festival schedule is available on the Pro Posnania Foundation website.
In Poznań we have one of the oldest operating cinemas in Europe
There's still a lot going on here.
As the City of Poznań notes, Kino Muza is one of the oldest operating cinemas in Europe. It opened in 1908 as the "Theater Apollo."
"For over a hundred years, it changed names and owners, but... it never disappeared from the city map!" city officials emphasize. "It's one of those places that survived silent films, the communist era, VHS tapes, multiplexes, and streaming. And it still operates – as an intimate repertory cinema in the center of Poznań, but also an important point on the city's cultural map: a venue for festivals, meetings, and events," they add.
Poznań has gained a new vantage point!
It was built on the tower of the Poznań Cathedral.
The investment has been discussed for years. As early as 2014, we wrote on epoznan.pl that the city had boasted about the possibility of creating a new observation deck on the tower of Poznań Cathedral, located on Ostrów Tumski. A concept, cost estimate, and necessary approvals were prepared, but it was reported at the time that funding for the project was lacking.
In 2024, it was announced that work was already underway. It was then announced that in 2022, the Curia had received a loan from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) for the implementation of the project "Expansion and Revitalization of Poznań Cathedral's Tourist Attractions: Adaptation of the Poznań Cathedral's North Tower to Create an Observation Deck, Installation of Fire Protection Systems, and Renovation of the Cathedral's Underground."
As Radio Poznań reports, the new site has been open to visitors for several days.
"We are aware that the wait has been long," says Małgorzata Szewczyk from the Poznań Curia. "The first plans emerged about a decade ago. We had to wait for the conservator's permits and all other construction permits. We were looking for the right people to run the tourist point," he adds.
Space is limited at the top of the tower, so a maximum of 10 people can enter at a time. The attraction has four independent balconies facing all four directions. It will be open at least until the end of September, and depending on weather conditions, even until the end of October.
The observation deck will be closed during ceremonies in the cathedral and in the event of unfavorable weather conditions. A standard ticket costs PLN 14, and a concession ticket costs PLN 12.
Family passes will also be available - PLN 40 for entry to the terrace or PLN 60 for a package that includes a tour of the cathedral's underground passages.
American Style Returns to Poznań for Its Fifth Edition
On June 13, the parking area at Św. Michała 62 in Poznań will once again transform into a vibrant American-inspired gathering space filled with motorcycles, classic cars, live music, great food, and a unique atmosphere. The fifth edition of American Style promises an unforgettable afternoon for enthusiasts of motorcycle culture, classic American vehicles, and outdoor events.
Over the years, American Style has attracted hundreds of visitors, becoming a popular meeting point for both returning guests and newcomers looking to experience the spirit of the open road and the lifestyle associated with iconic American motorcycling culture.
This year’s edition carries additional symbolic significance as it takes place during the celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. While the event is not focused on history itself, it embraces many elements of American culture that have inspired generations of motorcycle riders, road-trip enthusiasts, and fans of classic automobiles around the world.
The event will begin at 3:00 PM and continue until sunset. Visitors can expect a carefully designed setting inspired by the American countryside, featuring rodeo-themed attractions, hay bales, corn displays, sunflowers, campfires, and American-style decorations that create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the day will be a live performance by the country band Electric Cowboyz, bringing authentic country sounds and energy to the event. Alongside an impressive display of motorcycles, guests will also have the opportunity to admire classic American cars and other unique vehicles.
Food will play an important role throughout the afternoon, with a variety of grilled specialties available, including sausages, pork neck steaks, and slow-cooked ribs. The event is designed to combine great flavors with live entertainment and a shared passion for motoring culture.
American Style is open to everyone who enjoys motorcycles, classic vehicles, country music, outdoor gatherings, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether arriving on two wheels, four wheels, or simply looking for a unique way to spend a summer afternoon, visitors can expect a welcoming community and an authentic American-inspired experience in the heart of Poznań.
Admission is free.
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