It’s time to start spring – What’s interesting in Zakopane April 2025

It’s time to start spring – What’s interesting in Zakopane April 2025

Mar 31, 2025 | EVENTS

April 2025 is the perfect time to visit Zakopane and feel the magic of nature coming to life. The Tatra Mountains delight with their spring charm, and the city is full of cultural and sports events. It is a time of Easter workshops, concerts, and mountain challenges during the Avalanche and Ski Touring Days. Regardless of whether you are looking for relaxation or active recreation – in April 2025 Zakopane has something for everyone.

Jump to Freedom – Guided Tour of the Exhibition at the Palace Museum

On April 3 at 5:00 PM, the Tatra Museum invites you to a special guided tour of the exhibition “Jump to Freedom – Selected Stories of Escapes from Palace Prisoners.” The meeting will take place at the museum’s headquarters at 7 Chałubińskiego Street, a place that inspired fear during World War II – today it is a space of remembrance and stories of bravery.

During the event, participants will learn about touching stories of escapes from the Palace – a Gestapo torture site where members of the resistance and people connected to the Podhale region were imprisoned. These escapes were desperate acts made in moments of greatest danger. Prisoners, seizing moments when guards were distracted, would jump through windows – choosing freedom, even if it turned out to be an illusion or their final act before death. This event not only pays tribute to heroes but also reminds us how precious freedom was during the occupation. Admission is free – part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion.

Easter Workshops at the Tatra Museum – Creative and Family-Friendly

On Saturday, April 5, the Tatra Museum invites you to two special events full of spring creativity and Highland traditions. It’s a great opportunity for families, children, youth, and anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the upcoming Easter holidays.

The first workshop will take place at 11:30 AM at Villa Koliba (18 Kościeliska Street) and will focus on creating paper flowers for Palm Sunday. Participants – both children from age 7 and adults – will learn how to make colorful decorations that can become part of an Easter palm or spring arrangement.

The second meeting begins at 2:30 PM at the Kornel Makuszyński Museum (15 Tetmajera Street). This time, participants will learn about Easter traditions and decorations in the Podhale region. The workshop is aimed at families with children aged 5 to 12. It’s a chance to create festive ornaments together and discover regional customs. Registration required: rezerwacja@muzeumtatrzanskie.pl or call 533 925 111. Free admission – part of the museum’s promotion.

12th Avalanche and Ski Touring Days in the Five Ponds Valley – A Mountain Training Weekend

The first weekend of April is traditionally a time for mountain enthusiasts to gather – and this year will be no different. On April 5–6, 2025, we invite you to the Five Ponds Valley for the 12th Avalanche and Ski Touring Days – a unique training event for lovers of winter hiking, ski touring, splitboarding, and mountain safety.

This is the only event of its kind in the Tatras, where under the guidance of TOPR rescuers, IVBV guides, PZA instructors, and TPN educators, participants can take part in practical field training and specialized workshops. The program is divided into blocks – for both beginners and more experienced participants. Trainings take place on-site – registration opens daily at 7:00 AM, with classes starting at 9:00 AM.

What awaits participants?

For beginners:

  • avalanche gear (ABC) training,
  • learning to walk in crampons and use an ice axe to stop a fall,
  • basics of belaying and winter movement,
  • navigation and splitboard workshops.

For advanced participants:

  • partner rescue, crevasse exit, emergency bivouacking,
  • first aid in winter conditions – treating fractures, hypothermia, immobilizing limbs,
  • advanced avalanche techniques and modern transceiver use,
  • glacier travel, technical transitions, building stretchers from gear.

Also:

  • training on the Easy Searcher avalanche field,
  • ski touring and avalanche gear testing,
  • outdoor gear presentations,
  • ski tours and hikes with overnight stays in mountain huts.

This event is created by mountain people – for mountain people. In the stunning scenery of the Five Ponds Valley, you can gain practical knowledge, improve your safety for winter adventures, and meet others who feel at home in the mountains. Saturday training is free. Some activities require registration – details on-site.

Red Bull Skoki w Punkt – A New Dimension of Ski Jumping in Zakopane

On April 5, 2025, at the Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane, a unique event will take place – Red Bull Skoki w Punkt. This innovative team competition will revolutionize traditional ski jumping.

A New Competition Format

Five teams will compete, each led by legendary jumpers: Adam Małysz, Martin Schmitt, Gregor Schlierenzauer, Thomas Morgenstern, and Andreas Goldberger. Each team consists of four top athletes, and the goal is to achieve a total of 1000 meters in two rounds. Strategy and precision will be key – not just the longest jumps.

Stars on the Hill

At the Zakopane venue, we’ll see the world’s ski jumping elite, including:

  • Ryoyu Kobayashi – Olympic champion and three-time Four Hills Tournament winner,
  • Andreas Wellinger – Olympic champion and world vice-champion from Trondheim,
  • Daniel Tschofenig – Four Hills Tournament winner and current World Cup leader,
  • Paweł Wąsek – top Polish jumper of the 2024/25 season.

Not Just Jumps

In addition to exciting hill action, there will be bonus attractions. Between rounds, freestyle motocross (FMX) shows by Poland’s best riders will wow the audience with thrilling aerial stunts.

Why be in Zakopane on April 5?

  • Meet the legends: A chance to see ski jumping icons in action and get autographs.
  • Innovative competition format: A fresh 1000-meter goal-based approach to ski jumping.
  • Additional attractions: FMX shows and direct interaction with athletes make this event unforgettable.

Tickets for Red Bull Skoki w Punkt are now available. Don’t miss this historic event in the heart of the Tatras.

Evening at the Red Manor: Life Sculpted by Music – Meeting with Czesław Jałowiecki

Red Manor Villa invites you to the next evening in the series. On April 7 at 6:00 PM, the guest will be Czesław Jałowiecki – sculptor, educator, and a figure closely associated with Zakopane’s art scene.

The artist will talk about his work, inspirations, and connections to Zakopane’s artistic culture. It will be both a recollection of his professional journey – from studying at the famous Antoni Kenar high school to numerous exhibitions in Poland and abroad – and a personal reflection on how music can shape life and art.

The meeting will be held at the Center for Native Culture in Red Manor at 27 Kasprusie Street in Zakopane. Free entry.

Family Meetings at Kornel Makuszyński’s – Puppets with Koziołek Matołek

On Wednesday, April 9, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the Kornel Makuszyński Museum (15 Tetmajera Street) invites the youngest visitors with their guardians for another creative workshop in the Family Meetings at Kornel series.

This time, children aged 5 to 10 will become little artists and create their own puppets for a miniature theater inspired by the adventures of Koziołek Matołek – one of the most beloved characters in Polish children’s literature. Participants will use various materials: wood, felt, paper, yarn, and more, and present their work in a short performance at the end.

It’s not only great fun but also an opportunity to develop imagination and manual skills in a friendly, family atmosphere. Admission is free as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion. Registration required: rezerwacja@muzeumtatrzanskie.pl, phone: 533 925 111.

Exhibition “Zofia Szwajnos – My Whole World” at the Red Manor

The Center for Native Culture at Red Manor Villa invites you to a unique exhibition dedicated to the work of Zofia Szwajnos – an artist deeply rooted in the Podhale tradition, yet extremely versatile and modern in expression.

Entitled “My Whole World,” the exhibition presents the artist’s rich painting, sculpture, and photography work. Her main source of inspiration is the mountains – a place where, as she says, she finds silence, space for reflection, and creative impulse. Her works are full of energy, color, and emotion – from paintings and photographs to artistic silk scarves.

Although the mountain motif runs through nearly every form of her work, the exhibition surprises with its variety of techniques and themes. It’s a treat for anyone who values expressive, lively, and authentic art.

The vernissage will take place on April 11 at 5:00 PM. The exhibition will be open from April 12 to June 28, 2025, at Red Manor Villa, Kasprusie Street in Zakopane. Free entry.

Amateur Spring OPEN Table Tennis Tournaments – Sports Emotions in Zakopane

Sports and competition enthusiasts have a real treat this spring! The MOSiR Sports Hall at 8 Chramcówki Street in Zakopane launches a series of Amateur Spring OPEN Table Tennis Tournaments. The event is aimed at locals, tourists, children, youth, adults, and seniors – anyone who enjoys ping-pong competition.

Tournament dates:

  • April 12 (Saturday), 4:00 PM
  • April 27 (Sunday), 9:00 AM
  • May 17 (Saturday), 4:00 PM
  • May 25 (Sunday), 9:00 AM
  • May 31 (Saturday), 4:00 PM
  • June 7 (Saturday), 4:00 PM
  • June 8 (Sunday), 9:00 AM

Registration takes place 30 minutes before each tournament at the competition office. Players may participate in any number of tournaments – the general classification will include their six best results. The top players will be invited to the TOP-8 final tournament.

Eligible participants:

  • Adults (born 2009 and earlier) – entry fee: 20 PLN per tournament
  • Children and youth (born 2010 and later) – entry fee: 5 PLN
  • Active seniors 60+ – entry fee: 5 PLN

The tournaments will follow the 6+1 system, and matches will be played to three winning sets. Participants will collect points for the general classification, and at the end of the cycle, the best in each age category will receive trophies, diplomas, statuettes, and material prizes or vouchers.

It’s a great opportunity to stay active, feel the thrill of competition, and play with fellow table tennis enthusiasts. The event is organized by the Zakopane City Sports and Recreation Center and welcomes both beginners and experienced players. Players up to the 5th league are eligible.

16th Tatra Highlander Folk Group Festival “Golden Kierpce”

On the last weekend of April, Zakopane will again resound with Highlander music and children’s songs. On April 26–27, 2025, the 16th Tatra Highlander Folk Group Festival “Golden Kierpce” will take place – an event that has attracted young artists from Podhale and many fans of regional culture for years.

This is a unique opportunity to see children’s and youth Highlander groups from the Tatra and Nowy Targ counties performing with pride in dance, singing, and instrumental skills. The festival has a competition format, with performances judged by a professional Artistic Committee. The best will receive Golden, Silver, and Bronze Kierpce statuettes and a chance to represent the region at the Carpathian Festival of Children’s Regional Groups in Rabka-Zdrój.

An additional prize is the opportunity to perform at the prestigious International Festival of Highland Folklore in the “Little Highlanders” concert. The festival will be held at the Zakopane Education Center at 35 Kasprusie Street. The event starts at 10:00 AM. Free admission.

Transformation Week with Ewa Chodakowska

From April 25 to May 1, 2025, a unique event will take place at Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa in Zakopane.

This is an intensive training program aimed at people looking to improve their physical fitness and make positive lifestyle changes. Participants will train under one of Poland’s most famous fitness trainers – Ewa Chodakowska. The program includes daily workout sessions, motivational workshops, and dietary consultations.

Additionally, participants can enjoy the resort’s wide spa offerings and other attractions, providing full regeneration and relaxation after intense workouts. It’s a great opportunity to take care of your health, stay active in the picturesque Tatra setting, and gain motivation for your fitness journey.

“August Zamoyski. Thinking in Stone” – Sculpture Returns to Zakopane

After more than a hundred years, the works of August Zamoyski return to Zakopane. From April 30 to September 28, 2025, an extraordinary exhibition will be held at the main building of the Tatra Museum at 10 Krupówki Street, dedicated to one of Poland’s greatest 20th-century sculptors.

“Thinking in Stone” showcases both the artistic work and the colorful life of this rebellious artist, who worked primarily in France and Brazil. His output is often compared to Xawery Dunikowski, and for the first time in decades, his works will be displayed in the Tatra region.

The exhibition is multifaceted – combining art, history, and biography. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a world of forms that Zamoyski “extracted” from stone with precision and philosophical depth.

The Zakopane edition of the project is carried out in cooperation with the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature and the National Museum in Warsaw, as part of the national Zamoyski Project 2017–2021.

21st Zakopane Jazz Spring – United Europe Jazz Festival

May Day weekend in Zakopane will once again resonate with jazz! From April 30 to May 3, 2025, we are in for a special musical celebration – the 21st edition of Jazz Spring. This festival combines the stage presence of top artists with the energy of street parades and open-air concerts. Jazz in the heart of the Tatras is already a tradition – for locals, tourists, and those who come to Zakopane just for these sounds.

This year’s festival promises to be particularly diverse – featuring both renowned artists and young jazz talents. The program includes club concerts, outdoor performances, street parades, and international jazz acts. All of this will take place in iconic and atmospheric venues like Kino Sokół and Nosalowy Dwór.

Full concert schedule:

April 30 (Wednesday) – Kino Sokół, Orkana 2 Street, 6:00 PM

  • Hania Derej – winner of the “Jazz Talents” Competition
  • Laboratorium (Janusz Grzywacz, Marek Stryszowski, Krzysztof Ścierański, Marek Raduli, Marcin Ścierański)
  • Krystyna Prońko – recital with band (Paweł Raminiek, Krzysztof Barcik, Jakub Łaciak, Przemek Twardoch)

May 1 (Thursday)

12:00 PM – Krupówki Street

  • Jazz parade with vintage cars and the New Market Jazz Band

2:00 PM – Corner of Krupówki and Weteranów Wojny Streets

  • Outdoor concert by Funky Flow

6:00 PM – Kino Sokół

  • The Epilogue – honored in the “Jazz Talents” Competition
  • Myrczek & Schmidt Quintet (featuring Krzysztof Herdzin) – project “Młynarski. Not at All”
  • Soyka Quartet – Stanisław Soyka with band

May 2 (Friday) – Nosalowy Dwór, Balzera 21d Street, 6:00 PM

  • Pikoschky (Slovakia)
  • Tribute to Zbigniew Jakubek – project featuring Marek Raduli, Tomasz Grabowy, Przemek Dobrowolski, Rafał Stępień, Adam Wendt, Bernard Maseli, and Bartek “Eskaubei” Skubisz

May 3 (Saturday) – Nosalowy Dwór, Balzera 21d Street, 6:00 PM

  • Ondřej Štveráček (Czech Republic)
  • Daryl Strodes (USA) with band: Bartek Topolski, Łukasz Gorczyca, Tomasz Dominik

The festival will be broadcast live on Polish Radio Program 1, and the open-air concerts and jazz parades will blend music into the landscape of the city. Zakopane Jazz Spring is not just music – it’s emotion, connection, spring energy, and a unique vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Join us!

April 2025 in Zakopane – Ongoing Exhibitions

CHASIOR – Exhibition in Dialogue with Hasior

At the Władysław Hasior Gallery in Zakopane, the “CHASIOR” exhibition is ongoing, where the Krakow Underground Group (Libera, Rzepecki, Kosałka, Lutyński) enters an artistic dialogue with the assemblage master’s work. The artists present both new and archival pieces that humorously and ironically correspond with Hasior’s creations. The exhibition is open until December 31, 2025.

Woven in Zakopane – Maria Bujakowa’s Doilies at “Atma”

At Villa “Atma,” a unique exhibition of utilitarian textiles is on display, including bobbin lace from the National Lace School in Zakopane, created under the direction of Maria Bujakowa. The display showcases the craftsmanship and imagination of the creators, with a highlight being the work “For Szymanowski” from the 1980s. The exhibition runs until August 31, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

“The Wild Woman” – Exhibition at Villa Oksza

At the Art Gallery in Villa Oksza, Katarzyna Depta-Garapich’s exhibition explores women’s freedom and connection with nature through symbolism and animals. The artist brings to life extraordinary Zakopane women from a century ago, designing costumes inspired by wilderness and carnival masquerade. The exhibition is open until May 25, 2025.

March Salon 2025 at the Municipal Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in the world of “woven impressions” by Helena Sułkowska-Pawlik. Known for combining painting, sculpture, and textile art, the artist presents unique works with rich textures and intense colors. The exhibition runs from March 8 to May 17, 2025, at 41 Krupówki Street in Zakopane. Free admission, including for children – a great chance to experience this expressive art form.