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.
Toruń Days 2026 – City Festival Overview
Toruń Days 2026 will be held from June 19 to June 28, 2026, transforming the city into a vibrant space filled with culture, music, entertainment, and community events. The festival will feature nearly 70 different activities designed for residents and visitors of all ages, combining outdoor concerts, family-friendly attractions, artistic performances, educational initiatives, and cultural projects inspired by the city’s heritage.
The celebrations will begin on June 19 with the traditional city bugle call from the Old Town Hall Tower, followed by major musical performances on Philadelphia Boulevard, including orchestral concerts and special live shows. On the same day, the city will also open the Letni Jarmark Toruński (Summer Fair), offering regional crafts, local products, and traditional Hanseatic-style market attractions.
Throughout the festival, various locations across Toruń will host events such as open-air concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, sports activities, ecological projects, and interactive workshops. Philadelphia Boulevard will serve as one of the main hubs of the celebration, featuring music stages, food zones, and family entertainment.
Weekend highlights include the Vistula Picnic with live performances and recreational activities, as well as concerts spanning classical, alternative, and modern music genres. A key cultural moment of the festival will be the “Wianki” celebration, taking place along both banks of the Vistula River, featuring workshops, parades, artistic performances, and a symbolic release of floral wreaths on the river, accompanied by a fire show at Dybowski Castle.
The festival will conclude on June 28 with film screenings and additional cultural events, marking the end of ten days of citywide celebrations.
Most events are free of charge, while selected performances may require tickets or invitations. The festival aims to bring together different generations and showcase Toruń as a dynamic center of culture and community life.
More details about the program, schedule, and individual events can be found on the official website: ilovetorun.pl
Banner for the 12th GSU in Torun
On June 11, 2026, a ceremony was held in the Old Town Square to award the banner to the 12th Garrison Support Unit named after Major General Karol Otto Kniaziewicz stationed in Toruń.
"For every city that shares its history with the Polish Army, a day like today is a special moment. We are therefore undertaking an act of profound historical and national significance. We are awarding a distinctive symbol that will symbolize honor, courage, loyalty to the Homeland, and a proud military tradition for the 12th GSU. It is around this symbol that the entire military community of this Unit will unite. We jointly recognize that this banner complements the Unit's existing traditions and confirms its excellent performance of national defense duties," said Toruń Mayor Paweł Gulewski. "I am pleased that, as residents of Toruń, we were able to participate in this unique undertaking and jointly fund a symbol that will serve future generations of soldiers of the 12th GSU."
The event brought together representatives of state and local government authorities, commanders of the Polish Army, uniformed services, social organizations and residents of Toruń.
The banner was awarded by decision of the President of the Republic of Poland and is the highest symbol of honor, tradition, and military service. It is an expression of recognition for the Branch's activities to date and its contribution to the logistical support system of the Polish Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Commander of the 12th GSU, Colonel Tomasz Czekaj, the Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Piotr Całbecki, representatives of the Polish Army command, uniformed services, local governments, and institutions cooperating with the unit.
The ceremony emphasized the importance of the 12th GSU for the functioning of the Polish Armed Forces. Established in 2011 and subordinated to the 1st Regional Logistics Base in Wałcz, the unit is responsible for a wide range of tasks related to the logistical support of military units, support for exercises and training, financial support, military infrastructure, facility security, and medical support.
The special significance of the ceremony stemmed from the fact that the banner was funded by the public. In October 2025, the Social Committee of Banner Founders was established, chaired by Toruń Mayor Paweł Gulewski. The committee included representatives of local governments, social organizations, and the 12th GSU.
Thanks to the commitment of residents, donors, and the soldiers and staff of the unit themselves, the funds necessary to fund the banner were raised. The honorary roles of Godmother and Godfather of the Banner were accepted by Karolina Sokalska, Chancellor of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The ceremony ended with a parade of subunits and congratulations addressed to the Commander and the entire staff of the 12th GSU.
The awarding of the banner is an important moment in the history of the unit and symbolically confirms its place in the tradition of the Polish Army and in the social life of Toruń and the region.
Public Viewing Opportunities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Bolesławiec, Poland
Residents and visitors in Bolesławiec, Poland, will have the opportunity to follow the FIFA World Cup 2026 through live public screenings held throughout the duration of the tournament.
The matches will be broadcast on a large screen at a venue located in the city center, providing football fans with a communal setting to watch some of the world's most anticipated sporting events. The initiative is intended to offer local supporters, international visitors, and football enthusiasts a place to experience the tournament atmosphere and follow the performances of national teams competing on the global stage.
The FIFA World Cup remains the most prestigious international football competition, attracting billions of viewers worldwide. As the tournament unfolds across North America in 2026, local viewing events in European cities such as Bolesławiec will allow supporters to stay connected with the competition despite the geographical distance from the host venues.
Attendance at the screenings will be free of charge, making the event accessible to a broad audience. In addition, dedicated seating areas may be reserved for groups wishing to watch selected matches together in a more private setting.
The public screenings are expected to serve as a gathering point for the local community, bringing together football fans to share in the excitement, drama, and international spirit that characterize the FIFA World Cup. Such events have become increasingly popular during major sporting tournaments, offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy matches in a social environment while supporting their favorite teams.
The public screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Bolesławiec will take place at Plac Popiełuszki 2, 59-700 Bolesławiec, Poland, throughout the duration of the tournament.
Guitar and Dance – Flamenco on the Drawa River (Drawsko Pomorskie)
Residents and visitors are invited to a unique outdoor cultural event taking place in Drawsko Pomorskie on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The “Guitar and Dance – Flamenco on the Drawa” performance will transform the kayak marina on Staszica Street into a vibrant open-air stage filled with Spanish rhythm, music, and dance.
The event will feature a combination of live flamenco-inspired dance and guitar performances, creating an atmospheric evening inspired by the traditions of southern Spain. The program is designed as an open-air cultural experience, making use of the natural surroundings of the Drawa River, especially its riverside landscape and sunset setting.
Among the performers will be the “Baila Conmigo” Flamenco Dance Ensemble, led by Iwona Makowska, presenting expressive choreography and traditional Spanish-inspired costumes. The musical part of the evening will be provided by the “Compadres” guitar duo, composed of Przemek “Prze-moll” Bielec and Marian “Mario” Mazurek, blending classical guitar, flamenco influences, and Latin rhythms.
The organizers emphasize the informal and outdoor character of the event, highlighting the combination of live performance, natural scenery, and cultural atmosphere as key elements of the experience.
Event details:
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Kayak marina, Staszica Street, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland
Admission: Free
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