St John's Fair Krakow 2025: Programme, Attractions and the Magic of Midsummer Night on the Vistula River

Imagine the shortest night of the year, when the world holds its breath for a moment. The scent of herbs and damp earth is in the air, and the last rays of the sun are dying down on the horizon. This is Midsummer Night - a time of magic, fire, water and ancient rituals, when for one moment the world of legends becomes reality. What if it were possible to experience this extraordinary atmosphere in the heart of historic Krakow? As early as June 2025, the Czerwieński Boulevard at the foot of the Wawel Castle will turn into a vibrant, colourful settlement where ancient traditions will come alive again. The St. John's Fair is back!

We invite you on a journey through this unique event. In our complete guide, you will find a detailed programme, discover the most interesting attractions, learn about the fascinating history of Midsummer customs and find out how best to plan your visit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that combines heritage with modern fun.

St John's Fair 2025 in the Pill

For those who want to know the specifics, here is the most important information gathered in one place:

• What? St. John's Fair 2025
• When? 19 June (Thursday) - 29 June (Sunday) 2025
• Where? Czerwieński Boulevard, near the Wawel Castle, Kraków
• Introduction: Free! The event is an open-air event.
• For whom? For whole families, handicraft lovers, fans of folk music and anyone who wants to experience the unique atmosphere of Krakow.

From Pagan Rites to Krakow Fair

Before the colourful handicrafts appear on the stalls and the folk tunes flow from the stage, it is worth going back in time. The roots of the St. John's Fair go back much further than the history of Krakow itself - to pagan times. Our Slavic ancestors celebrated the Kupala Night during the summer solstice - a joyful festival of water and fire, but also of love, fertility and vitality. It was a magical time when huge bonfires were lit to purge themselves of evil and disease, and jumping over the flames was supposed to guarantee good fortune and health. The maidens would weave garlands of herbs and flowers and then float them on the water, divining their fate for marriage. On this night, daredevils also went into the forest to search for the legendary fern flower, which was supposed to bring the finder eternal happiness and wealth.

With the advent of Christianity, pagan rituals were attempted to be replaced by celebrations in honour of John the Baptist. However, the strength of the old beliefs was such that many customs survived, adapting and turning into a form of folk entertainment. Over the years, cities began to hold lavish fairs during this period, which became not only an occasion for trade but also for celebrating together.

Today's St John's Fair, organised with passion by the IMAGO Centre for Folk Art, is a beautiful tribute to this centuries-old tradition. Referring to folk rituals, it perfectly fits in with the trend of restoring the local colour of Krakow. Its aim is to promote unique handicraft, authentic folk culture and regional craftsmanship - everything that makes up the wealth of our city and Malopolska.

Highlights of the Fair - What's not to miss?

The St. John's Fair is a real kaleidoscope of experiences. Walking along the alleyways of the Czerwieński Boulevard, you will discover something new with every step. To help you navigate this wealth, we have divided the main attractions into several categories.

Artisan Treasures: Art That Has Soul

The heart of the fair is undoubtedly the stalls bending under the weight of handmade wonders. This is no place for mass production. Here, every object tells a story and bears the trace of its maker's hands. Let yourself be taken for a stroll among the stalls, where you will find:

• Ceramics: From traditional, folk-painted mugs and bowls, to dishes that are modern in form and glaze to decorate any table.
• Jewellery: Unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets made of silver, copper, natural stones and even wood or resin with flowers embedded in it.
• Wood and leather products: Carved figurines, practical kitchen accessories, hand-sewn bags, belts and wallets that smell of real leather and will last for years.
• Clothing and textiles: Linen shirts with embroidery reminiscent of Slavic patterns, woollen scarves, as well as bags and accessories created by local designers. This is an ideal opportunity to buy a unique souvenir from Krakow or a special gift while supporting small local artists and craftsmen.

Music Stage on the Vistula: Sounds of Folk and Energy

An event reminiscent of Slavic culture could not take place without an appropriate musical setting. Throughout the fair, the stage will be buzzing with life, hosting well-known and popular folk, ethnic and folk bands. The 2025 programme includes such stars as the charismatic Pre-Slavic women, an energetic team Folklezzas well as traditional bands, including The Fedak Band or Cmolaskie Chłopoki. The sounds of violins, accordions and drums, combined with the powerful voices of the singers, will create a unique atmosphere. In the evenings, the concerts will turn into a real celebration of music, and on Saturday, 28 June, you can't miss the dancing with the Merry Wave Band - it will be the perfect opportunity to dance under the stars overlooking Wawel Castle!

Workshops and Demonstrations: Become an Artisan for a Day

The St. John's Fair is not only about seeing and buying, but above all about experiencing! The extensive programme of workshops is one of the highlights, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of traditional techniques and create something with your own hands. This year, the organisers have prepared something for everyone:

• For traditionalists: Take part in workshops the braiding of Cracow garlands with the Babski Duo. This is the quintessential Midsummer Night!
• For lovers of working with clay: See a demonstration of turning on the potter's wheel and try your hand at it yourself under the guidance of Dorothy Kouba.
• For artistic souls: Discover the technique wood embroidery with Burmese Shavings or create a unique image from pressed plants.
• For families with children: Popotam Academy invites you to create holly lanterns and painting with plants, while the Living Lab will teach the youngest braids.

It's an amazing opportunity to learn something new, spend creative time and go home with a souvenir that has personal value.

Tastes of Traditional Poland: A Feast for the Palate

A stroll through the fair will certainly whet your appetite, and the organisers are also prepared for this. Forget the usual festival food - the flavours of Polish and regional cuisine will reign supreme here. The food stalls will offer traditional dishes to warm the heart and the stomach. Expect aromatic dumplings, a slice of bread with lard and cucumber, grilled oscypek with cranberry or hearty soups. You will be able to take home local treasures: honey from Małopolska apiaries, homemade preserves, juices, as well as regional sweets and drinks to keep the flavour of the fair alive.

The Magic of Fire and Midsummer Rituals

The highlight, which most strongly links the fair to its ancient roots, will be the events relating to magical rituals. Children will be able to take part in a field game in the the search for the fern flowerwhich will certainly be a great adventure for them. However, an absolute spectacle not to be missed will be Saturday's Fire Mystery performed by the Mandragora Fire Theatre. As dusk falls, the Czerwieński Boulevard will be illuminated by flames in an amazing fire dance show. This mesmerising performance, with the Wawel Castle in the background and the sound of the Vistula River, will be a powerful and symbolic reference to the ancient rituals of burning holly bonfires. It is an experience that will live long in the memory.

St John's Fair 2025 - Detailed Programme Day by Day

To get the most out of your visit to the Fair, it is advisable to plan ahead. Below you will find a detailed schedule to help you choose the perfect time to visit. We have divided it into thematic blocks to make it easier for you to navigate this abundance of attractions.

First Weekend (19-22 June): Opening, Concerts and Fire Magic

The fair is off to a great start, offering family attractions and atmospheric concerts from day one, with the weekend culminating in the spectacular Fire Mystery.

• Thursday 19 June: The fair kicks off, immediately inviting the little ones to play in the search for the legendary fern flower. The evening is pure music!
  
  • 11:00-12:00: The search for the fern flower - children's field game (Popotam Academy)
  • 12:00-13:30: Midsummer lanterns - family workshops (Popotam Academy)
  • 16:00-17:00: Concert - Band Korale
  • 18:00-19:00: Concert - Pre-Slavic Women
• Friday, 20 June: An official opening day that will combine music, art and performance, bringing everyone into the Slavic atmosphere.
  
  • 16:00-16:30: Official opening of the Fair
  • 16:30-17:30: Concert - SWADA
  • 17:00-19:00: Wheel turning demonstration and clay workshop (Dorota Kouba)
  • 18:00-20:00: Performance Slavic tree (Living Studio and Living Corpse)
  • 20:00-21:00: Concert - Kapela Fedaków
• Saturday, 21 June: Saturday will be marked by the most beautiful Midsummer tradition - the weaving of garlands. And as dusk falls, the sky will light up with fire.
  
  • 11:00-16:30: Krakow head garlands - three rounds of workshops (Babskie Duo)
  • 16:00-17:00: Concert - Kapela Kasi Chodoń
  • 19:00-20:00: Concert - ZAKUKA
  • 21:15-22:00: Mystery of Fire - Mandragora Fire Theatre (the event of the evening!)
• Sunday, 22 June: A quieter, family day with art workshops and craft demonstrations, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
  
  • 11:00-13:00: Painting with plants - family workshops (Popotam Academy)
  • 14:00-15:00: Concert - Iglika band
  • 15:00-16:00: Casting demonstration and workshop (Paweł Kulawiak)
  • 16:00-17:00: Concert - Non-archaic composition

Workshop Week (23-27 June): Discover the Craftsman in You

After an intensive weekend, the Fair focuses on crafts during the week, offering a series of unique, free workshops (including those aimed at the socially excluded) and more evening concerts.

• Monday, 23 June: 11:00-13:00: Lace-making workshops
• Tuesday, 24 June: 11:00-13:00: Wood embroidery
• Wednesday, 25 June: 11:00-13:00: Pressed plant images
• Thursday 26 June: 11:00-13:00: Feather ornaments
• Friday, 27 June: The week culminates with another portion of adult workshops and a strong folk-rock beat on stage.
  • 17:00-19:00: Wood embroidery - Adult workshops (Bure Chip)
  • 18:00-19:00: Concert - Cmolaskie Chłopoki
  • 20:00-21:00: Concert - Folklezz

Grand Finale (28-29 June): Dance, Bees and Last Shopping

The last weekend of the Fair is time for dancing madness, an encounter with the fascinating world of bees and a last chance to buy unique handicrafts.

• Saturday, 28 June: A day full of movement and joy, from a dance flash mob to an evening dance under the stars.
  
  • 11:00-13:00: Midsummer braid - workshops for children (Living Lab)
  • 14:00-14:30: Flash mob - Dancing to welcome summer (Michal Kostempski)
  • 19:00-21:00: Dance - Merry Wave Band
• Sunday, 29 June: Farewell to the Fair in a family atmosphere, with bees buzzing in the background and a final concert on stage.
  
  • 11:00-13:00: Meeting the bees - workshops and activities for children (Bee Academy)
  • 14:00-15:00: Concert - Sopa band

Planning a Visit? Combine Tradition with a Modern Adventure in the Heart of Krakow!

The fair on Czerwieński Boulevard is the perfect starting point for further discoveries in Krakow. Once you've enjoyed the folk atmosphere, smelled the handicrafts and listened to the traditional music, immerse yourself in completely different worlds that await just around the corner!

Secrets of Wawel Hill at Escape Room Wawel

You are standing at the foot of Wawel Castle, a place steeped in history and legends. From the Fair you look up at the majestic walls of the castle. What if I told you that you could step inside one of its stories? Our Escape Room Wawel, located right next door, will take you into a world of riddles, ciphers and historical mysteries. It's the perfect complement to a day full of Krakow legends. Gather your team and see if you can outwit history and get out in time.

Check out the rooms available and book your adventure at escaperoomwawel.co.uk!

Family Fun after the Midsummer Workshop at Pixel Planet

Creative workshops at the fair sparked your children's imagination? The appetite for fun is only growing? Instead of heading back to the hotel, move to a world where art and technology create a magical show together! Pixel Planet is an interactive museum of the future that will delight young and old explorers alike. Immerse yourself in extraordinary light installations, create and play in an environment that responds to your every move. It's an adventure that is the perfect modern contrast to the traditional fair.

Transport yourself to a world with a million lights! For tickets and more information, visit pixelplanet.co.uk.

All Attractions in One Place - House of Attractions

If you're looking for even more options or want to plan a whole weekend of excitement, our House of Attractions is your command centre for Krakow entertainment. This is where we bring together the best and most exciting experiences in the city. Whether you're looking for a thrilling escape room challenge or interactive fun for the whole family, there's something for you here.

Discover the full range and plan the rest of your day with houseofattractions!

Practical Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How to get to Czerwieński Boulevard? The most convenient way to get here is by public transport (stops: "Jubilat" or "Wawel") or on foot - it is only a few minutes' walk from the Main Square. We advise against coming by car, as it is difficult to find parking spaces in the area.
  
• Is it possible to pay locally by card? At larger food stalls and at some artisans, payment by card will be possible. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially with smaller exhibitors and traditional crafts in mind.
  
• Is the Fair accessible to people with disabilities? Yes, the event takes place in the open, largely flat and paved area of Czerwieński Boulevard, which makes it easy to navigate with a pushchair. Be aware, however, that it can be crowded at peak times.
  
• Is it a good place for children? Definitely yes! The fair is extremely family-friendly. Dedicated workshops, outdoor games, demonstrations, a large open space and the proximity to the Wawel Dragon make it the perfect place to spend time with children.
  
• What is the best day to visit? It depends on what you are looking for. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and want a relaxed chat with the artisans, choose a weekday (Monday-Thursday). If, on the other hand, you love it when there's a lot going on and want to see the main events, such as the Fire Mystery or the dance, aim for the weekends.
  

Summary

Jarmark Świętojański is much more than just an ordinary market. It is a vibrant heart of tradition, a place to meet enthusiasts and a celebration of the most beautiful time of the year in the magical scenery of Krakow. Whether you come for a concert, a workshop or just a stroll, you will take a piece of this extraordinary atmosphere with you.

See you at Wawel Castle in June!