May 2025 in Zakopane promises to be incredibly intense and diverse. The days are getting longer, the Tatra Mountains are coming to life, and the town is bustling with events—from concerts by legends of the Polish music scene, through exhibitions and nighttime museum visits, to antique fairs and sports tournaments.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll along Krupówki, an active weekend at the sports hall, or an inspiring encounter with art and history—this month has something for everyone. Check out what to see, hear, and experience in Zakopane in May—we’ve prepared a guide to the most exciting events that will not only enrich your stay but also leave a lasting memory. Read on and plan your exceptional May under the Tatras!
August Zamoyski in Zakopane – “Thinking in Stone” Exhibition at the Tatra Museum
After over a hundred years, the works of August Zamoyski return to Zakopane. From April 30 to September 28, the main building of the Tatra Museum at 10 Krupówki Street will host the exhibition “August Zamoyski. Thinking in Stone”—an extraordinary story about one of the most outstanding Polish sculptors of the 20th century.
The exhibition combines sculptures with rich documentation of the artist’s life: sketchbooks, films, photographs, and correspondence from the collections of the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature. Twenty-four sculptures from the National Museum in Warsaw will be displayed—ranging from Formism, through Classicism, to the expressive, distorted forms of his later period.
This is not just a sculpture exhibition—it’s a portrait of the artist against the backdrop of his era. Zamoyski is accompanied here by his friends and co-creators of Zakopane’s bohemia: Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, Leon Chwistek, Rafał Malczewski, and Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska. Among the exhibits is Witkacy’s famous self-portrait, “The Last Cigarette of a Condemned Man.”
The exhibition was created in collaboration between three institutions: the Tatra Museum, the Museum of Literature, and the National Museum in Warsaw as part of the Zamoyski 2017–2021 project. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art that remained out of reach for Zakopane’s audience for decades.
234th Anniversary of the Constitution of May 3 – Celebrations in Zakopane
On May 3, 2025, Zakopane will celebrate the 234th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of May 3—one of the most important events in Polish history. This national holiday reminds us of values such as freedom, responsibility, and community.
Adopted in 1791, the Constitution was the first of its kind in Europe and the second in the world. It introduced significant political reforms, limiting the liberum veto, strengthening executive power, and protecting the rights of townspeople and peasants.
The celebrations in Zakopane will begin in the morning and last until early afternoon. Traditionally, they will include solemn masses, marches of honor guards, and communal festivities with the participation of residents, authorities, and guests.
This is a day that connects generations—we invite everyone to pay tribute to the creators of the Constitution and celebrate our national identity together.
Alternative May Weekend at Sokół Cinema – A Concert Full of Contrasts
On Saturday, May 3, Sokół Cinema invites you to a unique musical evening that will bring together two completely different sound worlds. The prog-alternative sextet Nieład and the folk-metal duo Jarzmo will share the stage.
Nieład is a proposition for listeners seeking ambitious, complex music. They blend prog-rock structures with jazz-like freedom, creating multi-layered compositions full of surprises and emotions. Their performance is an intellectual journey through sounds that defy conventions.
Jarzmo, on the other hand, takes the audience to more primal realms—their folk melodies set against a metal backdrop create an intense, dark, and energetic atmosphere. The duo attracts those who appreciate music with character and depth.
This meeting of two musical poles promises to be an unforgettable May weekend feast. The concert starts at 8:00 PM—a perfect opportunity to spend an evening outside the usual patterns.
Antique Fair at Independence Square – A Feast for Collectors
If you enjoy discovering unique items with soul while strolling through Zakopane during the May weekend, be sure to visit Independence Square from May 1–4, 2025. In the upper part of the square, right by the distinctive brick wall, the May Antique and Collectors’ Fair will take place for four days.
Daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, you can browse stalls full of extraordinary items—from antique books, jewelry, and ceramics to lamps, paintings, and trinkets with history. This is where antique enthusiasts meet exhibitors who present their collections with great knowledge and passion.
Evening at the Red Manor – János Esterházy: A Hero of Two Nations
On Monday, May 5, at 6:00 PM, the Red Manor Villa invites you to another inspiring evening with history. This time, the meeting will focus on the figure of János Esterházy—a politician, social activist, and candidate for sainthood, regarded as a hero by both Hungarians and Poles.
The figure of Esterházy will be introduced by Dr. Imre Molnár—a Hungarian Polish studies scholar, translator, writer, and diplomat long associated with Poland. In his talk, he will show how this aristocrat of conviction and action opposed both Nazism and communism, helping the persecuted—including Polish refugees and Jews. Sentenced by the communist regime, he died in a Soviet prison, remaining a symbol of courage, fidelity to Christian values, and solidarity among Central European nations.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about the life of a man who believed that only love and mutual respect could become the foundation of Europe’s shared future. Free admission.
20th Tatra Vintage Car Rally – A Motoring Journey Through Time
On the second weekend of May, from May 9–11, true legends of motoring will take over Independence Square in Zakopane. The Tatra Oldtimer is the 20th anniversary rally of pre-1945 vintage cars—an event that attracts lovers of style, history, and engineering precision every year.
Each car on display is more than just a means of transport—it’s a testament to its era. They captivate with elegant body lines, meticulously restored details, and interiors that still smell of history. All vehicles meet modern road requirements and have valid registrations, meaning these classics can still grace the roads with style.
This is not just an attraction for motoring enthusiasts—it’s a family-friendly event that will also appeal to the youngest. Children, adults, and seniors—everyone will find something for themselves while admiring the elegance of bygone eras and chatting with car owners eager to share their machines’ histories.
Don’t miss this chance to travel back in time and see motoring gems from nearly a century ago up close.
Skier’s Day at the Tatra Museum – New Date: May 10
The Tatra Museum invites all skiing enthusiasts to a special Skier’s Day, which will take place on Saturday, May 10, at the Museum Palace at 7 Chałubińskiego Street. The event, originally planned for April, was postponed due to a declared national mourning period.
From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, visitors can participate in lectures, demonstrations, and activities related to the history of “white madness.” There will be attractions for the youngest, who will learn about old skiing curiosities and create their own decorative phone stands.
Adult enthusiasts will surely be interested in the presentation of old ski bindings and stories about the Kalatówki shelter and the legendary 1939 FIS competitions. The event will be hosted by, among others, Piotr Jasieński and Wojciech Szatkowski from the Tatra Museum.
Admission is free—a great opportunity to wrap up the ended season and meet among people for whom snow, skis, and the Tatras are more than just a winter adventure.
Maryla Rodowicz in Zakopane – A Unique Concert on May 11!
The grande dame of the Polish stage returns to the Tatras! On Saturday, May 11, Maryla Rodowicz—an artist who needs no introduction—will perform on stage at 2 Zamoyskiego Street in Zakopane. Her concert is not just a musical encounter but a journey through the history of Polish song.
That evening, we’ll hear her greatest hits—”Małgośka,” “Niech żyje bal,” “Sing-sing,” and “Kolorowe jarmarki”—performed with the energy that has captivated audiences of all ages for years. Maryla promises an energetic show full of emotion, color, and charisma. It’s the perfect opportunity to let yourself be carried away by memories, dance, sing, and simply have a great time.
The concert will take place in the atmospheric interior of Browar Watra—a venue revitalizing Zakopane’s music scene. Limited seating—reserve your tickets early.
Date: May 11, 2025
Venue: Browar Watra, 2 Zamoyskiego Street, Zakopane
Ticket reservations: kupbilecik.pl – Maryla Rodowicz
Contact: +48 512 351 742
Long live the party—see you under the Tatras!
Spring Open Table Tennis Tournament – Thrills at the Table
Table tennis enthusiasts have another chance to step up to the table! The MOSiR Sports Hall at 8 Chramcówki Street in Zakopane invites you to the Spring Amateur Open Tournament, which will be held in a series of 7 matches from April to June 2025.
The tournament is aimed at amateur players (up to and including the 5th league) and is divided into three categories:
- OPEN adults (born 2009 and earlier) – entry fee: PLN 20
- OPEN children (born 2010 and later) – entry fee: PLN 5
- OPEN Active Seniors 60+ – entry fee: PLN 5
Registration takes place at the tournament office 30 minutes before each event.
Match schedule:
- May 17, 2025 (Saturday) – 4:00 PM
- May 25, 2025 (Sunday) – 9:00 AM
- May 31, 2025 (Saturday) – 4:00 PM
- June 7, 2025 (Saturday) – 4:00 PM
- June 8, 2025 (Sunday) – 9:00 AM
The tournament will take place in a friendly, family atmosphere, and every participant—regardless of age or skill level—will find a place for themselves. It’s a great opportunity to combine sports, integration, and fun. The organizer is MOSiR Zakopane. The event is supported by, among others, Termy Zakopiańskie and the “Discover the Magic of the Queen of Krynica” center.
Museum Night 2025 at the Tatra Museum – In Search of Chamois
On Saturday, May 17, the Tatra Museum will open the doors of all its branches and invite residents and guests to a special Museum Night under the slogan “In Search of Chamois.” The event will run from 4:00 PM to 11:40 PM. Admission to all attractions and exhibitions is free.
Visitors can enjoy not only nighttime tours but also a museum detective game—”Museum Special Mission.” In each branch, you’ll need to find a specially marked object, collect a stamp, and after visiting all seven locations—claim a prize (for the first 500 people).
Main Building of the Tatra Museum (10 Krupówki Street)
This is where the chamois adventure begins:
- 4:00 PM – workshop “Building a Home for Maya and Gucio,” creating shelters for bees. Registration required (limited spots).
- 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM – curator-led tour of the “August Zamoyski. Thinking in Stone” exhibition.
- 6:00 PM – storytime “If the Little Goat Didn’t Jump…” about chamois and Tatra wildlife.
- 7:00 PM – lecture “The Story of a Certain Brochure”—about the first publication on Tatra nature conservation, published 160 years ago.
Palace Museum (7 Chałubińskiego Street)
The former Gestapo prison opens its doors for nighttime tours:
- 4:00–11:00 PM – open reading room, a chance to browse the collections.
- 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 10:30 PM – guided tours of the permanent exhibition.
- 8:30–10:00 PM – outdoor game “Tatra Couriers”—participants will step into the shoes of wartime couriers. Limited groups of up to 5 people.
- 8:45 PM – storytelling session “Tatra Guides Like Chamois” by Wojciech Szatkowski.
Kornel Makuszyński Museum (15 Tetmajera Street)
Family attractions and lighthearted tales:
- 4:00–6:30 PM – workshop “Horseshoes for Luck” inspired by the adventures of Koziołek Matołek.
- 8:30 PM – meeting “Is It Koziołek or a Chamois?”—analyzing the family ties of these iconic characters.
- 10:15 PM – lecture “Do They Shoe Chamois in Pacanów?” about the mysteries of hooves and horseshoes in culture.
Art Gallery at Oksza Villa (25 Zamoyskiego Street)
An encounter with art and… old cinema:
- 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM – curator-led tours of the exhibitions.
- 10:30 PM – screening of the 1935 film “Day of Great Adventure,” introduced by Zofia Radwańska.
Władysław Hasior Gallery (18B Jagiellońska Street)
Avant-garde, experimentation, and an exhibition within an exhibition:
- 4:00–11:30 PM – exhibition “CHASIOR” featuring contemporary artists (Libera, Kosałka, Rzepecki).
- 6:00 PM – opening of the post-workshop exhibition “Scale of Strangeness VIII.”
- 7:00 PM – performative tour with the artists.
Zakopane Style Museum at Koliba Villa (18 Kościeliska Street)
Immersion in Tatra aesthetics:
- 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM – workshop creating Tatra-inspired pins.
- 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM – guided tours in highland style—with humor and dialect.
- 8:00 PM – meeting “Koliba Architecturally” with Dr. Zbigniew Moździerz.
- 9:00 PM – presentation “Tomasz Skupień’s Bagpipes” with live music featuring Dorota Trebunia.
Gąsieniców Sobczaków Cottage (6 Droga do Rojów Street)
Old-time highlander life in an authentic setting:
- 5:00 PM and 9:15 PM – guided tours of the exhibition.
Eastern Carpets Gallery at Koziniec (8 Droga na Koziniec Street)
For lovers of details and conservation:
- 6:30 PM – demonstration “Museum Under the Microscope”—a conservator’s look at museum objects.
Sołtysów Homestead in Jurgów
A nighttime gathering in the spirit of pastoral tales:
- 7:00 PM – tour of the historic homestead interiors.
- 8:00 PM – traditional “Evening at the Sołtys’”—storytelling and archival photo display.
Museum Night at the Tatra Museum is a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Podhale up close, listen to extraordinary stories, and discover art in a whole new light. Set off in search of chamois and let yourself be swept away by the museum adventure!
Closing of the “Wild Woman” Exhibition – Meeting the Artist at Oksza Villa
On Saturday, May 24, at 6:00 PM, the Art Gallery at Oksza Villa invites you to the closing of the “Wild Woman” exhibition—an extraordinary project by Katarzyna Depta-Garapich. This is your last chance to see this unique display, which over the past weeks has moved, inspired, and provoked reflection on what femininity, wildness, and freedom mean.
During the closing, there will be a meeting with the artist, who will talk about her creative process, inspirations, and the heroines of the exhibition—women associated with Zakopane’s artistic community in the first half of the 20th century. The project features, among others, Rita Sacchetto, Maria Olska, Maria Witkiewiczówna, and Katarzyna Sobczak—women who broke conventions in their time and sought freedom in art, nature, and their own identity.
“Wild Woman” is not just an exhibition—it’s a story about female strength, courage, and intuition. The forest, carnival, masks, and animal disguises become metaphors for inner transformation and a return to roots. Admission is free, as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion.
20th Anniversary of the Tatra “Szumny” Choir – “Ave Maria” Concert at the Holy Cross Church
Zakopane’s Tatra “Szumny” Choir celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The ensemble, which has delighted local audiences and music lovers across the country since 2005, will mark its jubilee with a special concert titled “Ave Maria.” The event will take place on May 31 at 6:00 PM at the Holy Cross Church and will also inaugurate this year’s Zakopane Days.
The choir was founded at the initiative of Mirosława Lubowicz—a conductor and educator with years of experience. Under her direction and accompanied by Andrzej Guziak, “Szumny” developed artistically, performing in many prestigious venues, such as the Warsaw Archcathedral and the Lviv Cathedral. The choir has also performed at important local and national events, including a mass under the Wielka Krokiew to mark the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit.
The choir’s output includes four albums, and the jubilee fifth—dedicated to Marian Songs—is already in preparation. It will feature both well-known compositions and lesser-known pieces from around the world. The “Ave Maria” concert will be not only a musical celebration but also a moving summary of two decades of the ensemble’s activity, which has long been part of Zakopane’s cultural landscape.
Zakopane Days 2025 – A Town Celebration Connecting Generations
From May 31 to June 8, Zakopane will host Zakopane Days—a special event commemorating St. John Paul II’s visit to the Tatra capital in 1997. This is a time full of emotions, meetings, and inspiration, when the entire town lives with culture, sports, and local identity.
As every year, the program includes concerts, performances, exhibitions, outdoor events, and sports competitions. Local cultural institutions, sports centers, NGOs, and entrepreneurs join forces to create a festive atmosphere that engages residents and tourists of all ages. A special moment of the celebrations will be the Zakopane Town Council’s ceremonial session, during which the annual Mayor’s Awards—recognitions for exceptional contributions to the town’s life—will be presented.
Zakopane Days is a celebration of community, tradition, and pride in a place that attracts the hearts of thousands every year. Whether you’re a resident or a guest—it’s the perfect opportunity to feel the true spirit of Zakopane.
Ongoing Events in May
Exhibition “August Zamoyski. Thinking in Stone” – Sculpture Returns to Zakopane
The main building of the Tatra Museum hosts an exhibition dedicated to August Zamoyski—one of the most outstanding Polish sculptors of the 20th century. The exhibition combines art with the artist’s biography and creative philosophy. It runs until September 28, 2025—don’t miss the chance to see it in person.
Zakopane Jazz Spring – Jazz Sounds Under Giewont
Until May 3, Zakopane buzzes with music as part of the Jazz Spring festival. Concerts, parades, and performances by international artists fill the town with jazz energy. A perfect proposition for a musical May weekend!
“Wild Woman” – An Exhibition on Freedom and the Power of Nature
Oksza Villa hosts Katarzyna Depta-Garapich’s exhibition, which through animal symbolism and costumes explores female wildness and independence. The artist creates a world inspired by nature and the history of extraordinary women of Podhale. The exhibition runs until May 25, 2025—worth seeing before it’s gone.
March Salon 2025 – Fabric, Texture, Emotion
The Municipal Art Gallery at 41 Krupówki Street presents works by Helena Sułkowska-Pawlik—an artist combining painting, sculpture, and artistic fabric. “March Salon” is an explosion of colors, textures, and expression. The exhibition runs until May 17, 2025—ideal for lovers of contemporary art.
CHASIOR – Artistic Dialogue with Hasior
The Władysław Hasior Gallery hosts the “CHASIOR” exhibition—a project by the Kraków Underground Group inspired by the Master of Assemblage. It’s a humorous and ironic confrontation of different generations and styles. The exhibition runs until December 31, 2025—you still have time, but don’t postpone your visit.
Woven in Zakopane – Lace and Doilies at “Atma” Villa
“Atma” Villa showcases intricately crafted lace and utility fabrics designed under Maria Bujakowa’s guidance. The exhibition reveals the beauty of Podhale craftsmanship and artistic precision. It runs until August 31, 2025—a must-see for lovers of tradition and applied arts.
