Wianki in Kraków 2025: Your Complete Guide to the Festival of Music and Tradition (June 20-22)

When the June sun lingers longest in the sky and the air is filled with the scent of flowers and the promise of summer, Kraków awakens for one of the most magical moments of the year. This is the time of Wianki, an extraordinary festival deeply rooted in Polish tradition, celebrating the summer solstice. It’s a unique event that masterfully blends ancient Slavic rites with the vibrant energy of a modern city.

“Wianki” literally means “wreaths,” and the festival is Kraków’s take on Noc Kupały or Noc Świętojańska (St. John’s Eve), the traditional Midsummer celebration. It’s a time of joy, music, and a little bit of magic. This year, get ready for something truly special! Under the theme “From Dusk till Dawn,” Wianki in Kraków 2025 will be a three-day spectacle, running from Friday, June 20th, to Sunday, June 22nd. Expect concerts from top Polish artists, atmospheric silent discos, traditional wreath-making workshops in historic locations, boat cruises on the Vistula River, and dancing until the sun comes up.

If you’re planning to spend this midsummer weekend in Kraków, you’ve come to the right place. This article is your complete guide, designed to walk you through all the attractions. You’ll find out what’s happening where, get the full schedule, and discover how to make the most of your time—including ideas for incredible activities to enjoy between the concerts and the iconic floating of the wreaths. Let’s begin!

Wianki 2025 in a Nutshell: The Key Info

For those who love the essential facts, here’s everything you need to know at a glance. Save it to your phone!

• 📅 When? Friday, June 20th – Sunday, June 22nd, 2025.
• 📍 Where? Main locations include Powiśle (the main stage area at the foot of Wawel Castle), the Vistula River Boulevards, the historic Barbican, the Planty Park green belt, the square in front of Galeria Kazimierz shopping center, and selected clubs around the city.
• ** Motto:** “From Dusk till Dawn.”
• 🎟️ Admission: Most of the events, including the main stage concerts, are completely free of charge!

Wianki 2025 Schedule: Day by Day, Stage by Stage 🎶

This year’s lineup is so diverse that there’s something for everyone—from soul and alternative pop to folk and high-energy electronic music. Here’s what’s happening, where, and when.

Friday, June 20th: The Warm-up for Midsummer Night

The festival weekend kicks off with a bang on Friday evening! The opening event is an energetic Silent Disco held in the square in front of Galeria Kazimierz, a strategic partner of this year’s edition. Starting at 8:00 PM, you can grab a pair of headphones and get lost in the music on one of two channels:

• Channel 1: Eltron – A nostalgic journey into the world of soul, disco, and timeless summer hits.
• Channel 2: Kacha – Heating up the dance floor with fiery rhythms of dancehall and reggaeton.

It’s the perfect way to get into the festival spirit, dance under the open sky, and feel the first festive vibes.

Saturday, June 21st: The Heart of the Festival – From Tradition to Modernity

Saturday is the absolute peak of Wianki, a day when the entire city pulses with music and Midsummer magic. Attractions will be waiting for you all over Kraków.

🎤 Main Stage Concerts at Powiśle

This is where the hearts of Polish music fans will beat the fastest! The colorful dome stage, with its picturesque view of the Vistula River and Wawel Castle, will host some true gems of the Polish music scene. The evening’s host will be Mateusz Opyrchał, and the lineup includes:

• Projekt WOW – An extraordinary combination of talented artists that is sure to surprise you.
• Dawid Tyszkowski – One of the most interesting voices of the young generation, known for his moving lyrics and charisma.
• Sorry Boys – The headliner of the evening! A band that has been captivating audiences for years with their unique alternative sound and lyrical compositions. Their concert in such a setting guarantees a magical experience.

🏰 Electronic Barbican

This is an absolute first and a landmark event! For the first time in history, the Gothic Barbican will be transformed into an arena for modern electronic music. Thanks to a partnership with the Museum of Kraków, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the walls of this historic fortress will be filled with dance beats. Behind the decks will be the local collective Swawola People, known for creating an incredible, open atmosphere and energetic sets. Tradition will meet modernity in the most spectacular way.

🌳 Slavic Sounds at the Planty Park Gazebo

If you’re looking for a moment of respite and more intimate, folk sounds, be sure to visit the Altana (Gazebo) in the Planty Park. There, surrounded by greenery, you’ll hear Slavic melodies performed by the incredible duos: Wspak (Adrianna Maria Kafel and Aleksandra Puro-Cidyło) and Droga (Joanna and Zosia Słowińskie). It promises a musical journey to the roots of the tradition.

🎸 Street Performances & Wianki in the Clubs

Throughout the day, Kraków’s squares will come alive with talented artists as part of the Uliczne Granie (Street Playing) initiative. And when night falls, Wianki will move into Kraków’s best clubs: Poczta Główna, Piękny Pies, and Sekta Selekta. The party will continue there until dawn with artists like Woja, wrubel, Patsi Parisi, Vagt, Lil Dave, Nadezh No, and Human Inside.

Sunday, June 22nd: A Magical Finale at Sunrise

For the most dedicated festival-goers and those who want to experience something truly mystical, Wianki will conclude on Sunday morning. At the Poleski Boulevard, the beloved Concert at Dawn will take place. This extraordinary event, part of the EtnoKraków/Rozstaje festival, allows you to greet the rising sun to the sounds of soothing, ethnic music. It’s an unforgettable end to the “From Dusk till Dawn” celebration.

Tradition Meets Today: Wreath-Making and Midsummer Rites 🌿

Wianki is more than just concerts—it’s about celebrating beautiful Slavic traditions. This year’s edition offers plenty of opportunities to become a part of these unique customs.

🌸 Wreath-Making – Create Your Own Masterpiece!

What’s a Wianki festival without a wianek (flower wreath)? All over the city, you will find special wreath-making stations where anyone can create their own unique headpiece. You don’t need to bring anything—fresh flowers, grasses, herbs, and assistance from instructors will be available on-site. Where to find them?

• At the Barbican
• At Skwer Ewy Demarczyk (a city square)
• At Skwer Piotra Skrzyneckiego
• Near St. Kazimierz Church
• In the square in front of Galeria Kazimierz
• At the Novotel and ibis Kraków Centrum hotels

🏆 The Most Beautiful Wreath Contest

If you feel your creation is exceptionally beautiful, be sure to enter the contest! It will take place on Saturday afternoon at Powiśle, offering a chance to win attractive prizes and have great fun.

🌊 Floating the Wreaths on the Vistula – A Magical Ritual

This is the climactic moment of the Midsummer celebration. In the evening, as darkness falls, everyone with their handmade wreaths will gather at the Museum’s Harbor (Przystań Muzeum) on the Rodło Boulevard to float them on the water together. According to pagan beliefs, the fate of the wreath could predict the romantic future of its creator. Today, the sight of hundreds of glowing wreaths floating towards Wawel Castle is a breathtaking image that you will remember for a long time.

⛵ Historic Boat Trips & Workshops

The Museum of Kraków’s Harbor will be bustling with life from 11:00 AM on Saturday. The program includes historic Galar boat trips under the theme “The City from the River,” art workshops, and traditional matchmaking games. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see Kraków from a different perspective and dive into its history.

💡 Your Weekend in Kraków: How to Maximize Your Time During Wianki

Wianki offers a packed schedule, but there are also quieter moments, like the Saturday afternoon before the main concerts begin. How can you use that time to experience something even more unique in Kraków? We have a few proven suggestions right in the heart of the city, perfect for rounding out your festival weekend.

Escape the Crowds and Dive into a World of Mystery: Escape Room Wawel

You’re already at Powiśle, right next to Wawel Castle. Before the concerts start, why not travel through time in a different way? Escape Room Wawel is the perfect challenge for a group of friends to warm up your minds before the evening’s festivities. Rooms full of secrets connected to Kraków’s fascinating history await. Can you solve all the puzzles and escape in 60 minutes? It’s a fantastic test of teamwork and a great way to bond.

➡️ Check out the available rooms and book your slot at escaperoomwawel.pl!

Immerse Yourself in a World of Fun for All Ages: House of Attractions & Pixel Planet

Looking for something that will delight both kids and adults? Or perhaps the weather has taken an unexpected turn? We have the perfect solution! House of Attractions is a place where reality bends. It’s filled with interactive exhibits, mirror rooms, optical illusions, and incredible photo opportunities for your Instagram feed. Right next door is Pixel Planet, a paradise for video game fans with retro arcade machines and old-school consoles. It’s a guaranteed blast from the past for adults and a history lesson in fun for kids. A great Plan B for any weather!

➡️ Discover a world of illusion and nostalgia – buy tickets online at houseofattractions.pl and skip the lines!

Practical Information for Tourists & Accessibility

The organizers have made every effort to ensure Wianki is an open, safe, and comfortable event for everyone.

• ♿ Accessibility: The official event website provides detailed descriptions of barriers and facilities at each location. Audio descriptions are available for the visually impaired. On Saturday, Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreters will be available via a mobile app at Powiśle and the wreath-making stations. It is also possible to request assistant support to get from the nearest public transport stop to the event area.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Children: A special “quiet zone” will be set up at Powiśle, offering a place to rest from the noise. It’s also a comfortable space for parents, equipped with a changing table and a feeding chair.
• 🛡️ Safety: Medical services and security personnel will be present to ensure the safety and order of all participants. As with any large-scale event, be mindful of your belongings.
• 🚎 Getting Around: Due to the festival’s popularity and potential street closures, it is highly recommended to use public transport. Leave your car at the hotel or a Park & Ride lot. The city center is very walkable, and apps like Jakdojade are excellent for navigating buses and trams.
• 🗣️ Language: In tourist areas, restaurants, and among younger people, English is widely spoken. However, learning a few Polish phrases will be greatly appreciated! Try “Dzień dobry” (jin DOH-brih) for “Good day,” “Dziękuję” (jen-KOO-yeh) for “Thank you,” and “Na zdrowie!” (nah ZDROH-vyeh) for “Cheers!”.
• 💰 Currency: Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), not the Euro. While card payments are common, it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller stalls or street food.

❓ Wianki 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have some questions? We’ve gathered answers to the most common ones.

• Is there an entrance fee for Wianki?
  No, the vast majority of Wianki events, including the main concerts, workshops, and contests, are completely free and open to everyone.
  
• Where is the best spot to watch the concerts and the wreath floating?
  The concerts are best viewed from the main stage area at Powiśle. The magical wreath floating ritual is most beautiful from the Bulwar Rodła (near the Museum’s Harbor). Remember, these are popular events, so it’s a good idea to arrive a bit early to secure a good spot.
  
• Do I need to bring my own flowers for the wreath-making workshops?
  Not at all! The organizers provide everything you need at all official stations—fresh flowers, herbs, greenery, and flexible bases to create your perfect wreath.
  
• What happens if it rains?
  Keep an eye on the organizer’s official announcements on the wianki.krakow.pl website and their social media channels. In case of heavy rain, some outdoor events might be rescheduled or canceled. However, events in covered locations like the Barbican or the clubs will go on as planned. And a sudden downpour is always a great excuse to take shelter in the world of illusions at House of Attractions!
  

See You in Kraków!

Three days filled with music, thousands of smiling people, ancient traditions, and modern energy—that’s Wianki 2025 in Kraków. The theme “From Dusk till Dawn” is a promise of unforgettable experiences that will charge you with positive energy for the entire summer.

Whether you come to listen to your favorite band, weave your first-ever flower wreath, or simply soak up the incredible atmosphere, one thing is certain: a weekend of magic awaits you. Mark your calendars, plan your trip, and come to Kraków. We’ll see you by the Vistula!