Jewish Culture Festival (June/July): Week-long celebration featuring klezmer concerts, workshops, film screenings, and traditional food in Kazimierz. One of Europe's largest Jewish cultural events.
Kraków Film Festival (May/June): International documentary and short film festival, one of Europe's oldest (founded 1961). Screenings across various venues.
The 2026 festival ran from 27 June to 31 August, with concerts at venues across Kraków; tickets were required for at least some performances. Atmospheric evening performances.
Sacrum Profanum (September): Contemporary classical music festival bringing avant-garde composers and performers to historic venues.
Unsound Festival (October): Experimental music and audiovisual art festival attracting electronic music enthusiasts worldwide.
Easter (March/April): Palm Sunday processions with elaborate palm decorations, Easter markets, traditional święconka (food blessing) ceremonies.
The annual procession’s date varies; in 2026 it took place on 11 June, the first Thursday after Corpus Christi. Costumed figure representing Tatar warrior parades from Salwator to Main Market Square.
Christmas Market (December): Festive wooden chalets fill Main Market Square selling handicrafts, gifts, regional foods, and mulled wine (grzane wino). Live nativity scenes and carol singing.
New Year's Eve (December 31): Massive celebration in Main Market Square with outdoor concert, fireworks at midnight, street parties throughout Old Town.
Note: During major holidays, many shops and restaurants close. Museums may have altered hours. Book accommodations early for festival periods.