August 2025 in Zakopane promises to be exceptionally intense. Tourists and locals can look forward to concerts, folklore festivals, workshops for children and adults, guided walks, exhibitions, sports events, and outdoor happenings. It’s a month when everyone can find something for themselves – regardless of age, interests, or the weather. If you’re planning a holiday in the Tatras, be sure to check what’s going on in Zakopane during this time.
August Holidays with the Tatra Museum – Creative, Colorful, and Imaginative
In August, the Tatra Museum continues its rich program of educational summer workshops that started already in July. Each day of the week brings a different activity – from art classes to meetings with highlander traditions. Activities take place in various museum branches, including the Koliba Villa, the Hasior Gallery, Oksza, and the Kornel Makuszyński Museum.
Selected August Events:
- August 1, 8, 22, 29 – Fridays at Kornel’s – adventures with Koziołek Matołek and felt pins at the Kornel Makuszyński Museum (for children aged 5–11)
- August 4 – Badges Inspired by the Tatras – workshop at the Sołtys’ Homestead in Jurgów (for children aged 6 and up)
- August 5 and 19 – What Does It Mean to Be an Artist? – activities inspired by Witkacy’s work at the Oksza Villa (for children aged 8 and up)
- August 6, 13, 20, 27 – Painting on Glass – workshop at the Kornel Makuszyński Museum (for children aged 7+, teenagers, and adults)
- August 7 and 21 – Can Sculptures Tell Stories? – workshops inspired by the work of August Zamoyski at the Museum’s main building (for children aged 7–12)
- August 12 and 26 – Imaginative Fun – creative explorations at the Hasior Gallery (for children aged 8+)
- August 14 and 28 – Embroidery in the Garden – ethno-workshops at the Koliba Villa (for teenagers aged 13+)
- August 18 – Painting on Glass – at the Korkosz Homestead in Czarna Góra (for children aged 7+, teenagers, and adults)
All activities are conducted in small groups and last from 1 to 1.5 hours (sometimes longer – depending on the topic). The cost of participation is 20 PLN, and for residents of selected Podhale municipalities – 10 PLN.
Reservations are mandatory and must be made no later than the day before the workshop, and for Monday workshops – by the preceding Friday. August with the Tatra Museum is the perfect opportunity to combine a vacation with creative fun and exploring local culture.
During the three-hour walk, participants will discover places associated with figures who influenced the development of Zakopane – in terms of culture, art, and architecture.
Route:
- Start: Dworzec Tatrzański, 12 Krupówki Street
- Tatra Museum (exterior only)
- Old Church and Old Cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek
- Kościeliska – walk toward the “Koliba” Villa
- Final stop: In front of the Koliba Villa
The walk will last from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Participation is free, but prior registration is required at the following number: 18 263 70 79 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM).
Evening at the Red Manor: A Tribute to Andrzej Haniaczyk
On Monday evening, August 4, at 6:00 PM, the Red Manor villa in Zakopane will host an event dedicated to the memory of Andrzej Haniaczyk – an outstanding folk musician, teacher, and maker of traditional pastoral instruments. The event will be led by his son, Janusz Haniaczyk.
Andrzej Haniaczyk was born in Jurgów and spent most of his life in Orawa, where since the 1940s he tirelessly promoted highlander culture. He founded and led the group “Małe Podhale,” performing over fifteen hundred times both in Poland and abroad. A special place in his work was given to the trombita and shepherd horns – powerful wooden instruments he crafted himself, restoring their rightful place in highlander tradition.
For his contributions, he received, among others, the Oskar Kolberg Award and the Shepherd’s Horn awarded by the municipality of Jabłonka. For years, the sound of his trombita opened the International Festival of Mountain Lands Folklore in Zakopane.
This August evening will be a chance not only to commemorate his extraordinary life but also to honor the living culture he safeguarded and represented for decades. Admission to the event is free.
Zamoyski Street Celebration – History and Retro Fun
On Wednesday, August 6, Zakopane invites you to the Zamoyski Street Celebration – a unique event combining local history with a family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor attractions.
The celebration will begin at 10:00 AM at the Cemetery of the Distinguished at Pęksowy Brzyzek with the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honor of the Zamoyski family. Later, at 11:00 AM, by the statue of Count Władysław Zamoyski, there will be a short lecture about his contributions to Zakopane.
From noon onward, activities will move to the garden of the Oksza Villa and the vicinity of Zamoyski Street. There, a retro picnic will await with a scavenger game, residents’ memories, gymnastic performances by “Sokół,” and thematic workshops.
- regional food from the Rural Housewives’ Circle of Nowe Bystre,
- period costumes and a photo frame with the count,
- board game “Train to Zakopane”,
- booths of local institutions and light refreshments at restaurants on Zamoyski Street.
Admission is free, participation in the outdoor game requires prior registration. It’s a great opportunity to learn the history of a place that lives not only in its name but also in the memory of Zakopane residents.
Zakopane Music Salon – A Romantic Opening at Dom pod Jedlami
On Thursday, August 8 at 6:00 PM, in the unique interior of the Dom pod Jedlami on Zakopane’s Kozińiec, a new musical series will begin – Zakopane Music Salon: Four Seasons with Song. The inaugural concert will feature romantic romances by Michał Kleofas Ogiński as well as works by Józef Elsner.
The evening will be enriched by soprano Katarzyna Wiwer and harpsichordist Joanna Solecka. Their performance is not only a journey into the world of music from a bygone era, but also a rare opportunity to experience the sound of the harpsichord in a historically significant villa.
Admission is free, but due to limited seating, the organizers ask for prior contact with the Kulturalny Szlak Foundation – by email or phone. This event will not only be a musical feast but also a beautiful start to a new cultural tradition in the Tatras.
History in Song – Outdoor Concert in Front of the Tatra Museum
On August 6 at 7:00 PM, in front of the main building of the Tatra Museum on Krupówki Street, a unique concert will take place combining music and the history of Poland – “History in Song: The Millennium of the Crown of the Polish Kingdom.”
The evening will be filled with emotions, beautiful melodies, and reflections on the thousand-year path of the Polish monarchy – from the coronation of Bolesław the Brave to the last rulers of the Commonwealth. Songs about the homeland, its landscape, and national identity will intertwine with a colorful, chronological story of the Polish kings – their deeds, victories, and challenges.
Performers include Anna Sokołowska-Alabrudzińska, Mateusz Mijal, and Marcin Jajkiewicz, accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Maciej Nieć. The script and narration were prepared by Łukasz Lech, and the artistic setting was created by Marzena Pytel.
The concert is part of the project “By the Village Road – Małopolska Cultural Route,” and admission is free. That evening, the square in front of the Museum will transform into an open-air stage, once again proving that history and art can go hand in hand – in a beautiful, outdoor setting.
Two Women, Two Perspectives – Exhibition at Dom Doktora
On Friday, August 8 at 6:00 PM, an exhibition of works by Magdalena Kraszewska and Zofia Bolechowska – two artists connected to Zakopane – will open at the Contemporary Art Gallery Dom Doktora at 19 Witkiewicza Street. Their meeting lies on the borderline of drawing, painting, and sensitivity.
Magdalena Kraszewska, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, has been involved in painting and artistic textiles for decades. Her current works are mainly subtle ink drawings and watercolors, whose atmosphere fits perfectly into the Podhale-style villa, where she runs her own gallery. Her works are included in the collections of the Tatra Museum and the National Library.
Zofia Bolechowska, a native of Zakopane, combines painting with multimedia activities. She creates in the mountains, engaging in a dialogue with the landscape. Her art is both aesthetic and educational – she runs the project “Into the Tatras with Brushes and Sketchbooks,” inspiring creative perspectives on nature. The exhibition will run until August 24. Admission is free.
Tour de Pologne 2025 – Stage 5: Katowice → Zakopane
On Friday, August 8, Zakopane will be the finish line for the longest stage of this year’s Tour de Pologne. Cyclists will cover 206 kilometers from Katowice, through Silesia and Małopolska, ending the race in the heart of the Podhale landscape. It’s a spectacle you can’t miss — where sports passion meets mountain atmosphere and the unique spirit of the city.
The stage route includes three sprint sections and three mountain prizes, including the key ascent to the Krowiarki Pass. Although the route continues for another 60 km of climbs after Krowiarki, the finish in Zakopane will still be demanding. The last time the capital of the Tatras hosted the finish was six years ago — that year’s winner was Jonas Vingegaard, who also took the overall lead.
This is a world-class event — one of the most important stage races in the UCI WorldTour calendar. Cyclists return for the eighth time to finish under the Tatras, and for many residents and visitors, this stage will feel like coming home.
Why be in Zakopane?
- It’s the longest stage of the 2025 Tour de Pologne – over 200 km long.
- The finish line at Górna Rówień Krupowa offers an amazing opportunity to cheer in the picturesque Tatra scenery.
- Spectacular competition for sprint points and mountain bonuses adds drama to the race.
- This stage is also a moment when the sports peloton connects with the local community — all of Zakopane lives the race.
This day is not only about sport — it’s a true burst of color and emotion, set against the backdrop of Zakopane’s mountains and streets. The route, the finish, and the atmosphere make this an event that stays in your memory for a long time.
XVI European Regional Products Fair – a celebration of flavor, tradition, and craftsmanship
For the sixteenth time, the European Regional Products Fair will take place at Górna Rówień Krupowa in Zakopane — an event that has attracted both locals and tourists from all over Poland for years. This year’s edition will run from August 8 to 12, 2025, and as always, it will combine tradition, craftsmanship, and culture with a culinary feast.
Visitors can expect numerous stalls with handicrafts and local products, craft demonstrations, tastings, concerts, workshops, and meetings with artisans. It’s a great chance to sample authentic flavors — cheeses, meats, honeys, and baked goods — and to purchase unique artistic items and natural cosmetics.
Each day will have its own theme and program:
August 8 – Polish Day
The celebrations will begin at Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery, and throughout the day there will be workshops, concerts, and events dedicated to the traditions of Zakopane families and Podhale culture.
August 9 – Lithuanian-Latvian Day and the Oscypek Festival
This day will be filled with the tastes and sounds of Lithuania and Latvia, dance performances, and culinary presentations. The national final of the “Battle of the Regions” competition will also take place.
August 10 – Sunday with the Gąsienica Family
The program includes presentations, lectures, and workshops dedicated to one of Zakopane’s oldest families. In the evening, the band “50 Years of the Gąsienica Lineage” will perform.
August 11 – Hungarian Day
In addition to performances by guests from Hungary, there will be workshops, tastings, and a concert by the band “MITRA.”
August 12 – Closing of the Fair
The fair will conclude with a fashion show inspired by tradition, contest results, and a performance by the group “JAKARMAZAR.”
The XVI European Regional Products Fair is not only a celebration of culinary and artistic heritage but also a chance to bring together locals and visitors, creating a unique atmosphere of highlander festivity.
What’s Rustling in the Grass – nature and art workshops for children
On Tuesday, August 12, the Zakopane Culture Station invites children on a creative journey into the world of forest undergrowth and its hidden mysteries. “What’s Rustling in the Grass” is an art workshop for children aged 8 to 12 that combines nature, imagination, and paper.
The classes will be led by Magdalena Wanat-Drobisz, and participants will create three-dimensional pop-up cards inspired by forests and meadows – using stamps, ink, colored paper, and cutouts. The outcome will not only be a handmade creation but also an opportunity to reflect on what often remains unseen in nature. Workshops will be held in two sessions: at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the café-club Kawa & Kultura at 35 Chramcówki Street.
Zofia Stryjeńska in Czerwony Dwór – the Tatras, Highlanders, and Slavic Imagination
From August 14 to September 27, the Native Culture Center in the Czerwony Dwór Villa invites visitors to a unique exhibition presenting the works of Zofia Stryjeńska – one of the most colorful figures in 20th-century Polish art. The opening will take place on August 12 at 5:00 PM.
The exhibition, titled “Tatras, Highlanders, and Slavic Rituals”, portrays the artist as a mythmaker and master of style – the author of vibrant compositions that, for decades, have shaped the Polish vision of the Podhale region and its folk culture. The works come from a private collection and focus on themes close to Zakopane – highlander life, tradition, and the magical rituals of the Slavs.
Stryjeńska, connected with Zakopane for many years, had an exceptional sense of form and narrative. Her vivid visions of life in the Tatras gained huge popularity, becoming part of Poland’s national iconography. The exhibition will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
56th International Festival of Highland Folklore – a celebration of tradition, identity, and cultural encounters
From August 15 to 21, 2025, the heart of Zakopane will once again beat to the rhythm of highland music, singing, and dancing. Górna Rówień Krupowa will transform into a bustling festival town, where ensembles from around the world will gather to celebrate the diversity of mountain cultures together. This is the 56th edition of the International Festival of Highland Folklore – an event that for decades has created a living bridge between tradition and modernity.
The festival is not only a prestigious competition for the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ciupaga (Highland Axe Awards), but above all, a vibrant celebration of community – open to everyone: locals, tourists, children, youth, and adults. Each day offers open-air concerts, workshops, exhibitions, craft fairs, activities for children, and unforgettable moments of cultural exchange passed down from generation to generation. It’s an event worth experiencing – even for just one day. Ideally, for the whole week.
What’s happening day by day?
August 15 – Friday | Polish Highlanders’ Day
The celebration will kick off with a strong local touch – the Podhale Carriage Driving Championships and the Coachman of the Year contest. Children’s highlander groups will perform on stage, and later we’ll attempt to break the record in the zbójnicki (bandit) dance!
We will attempt to break the record in the zbójnicki dance! The day will conclude with a concert by Barbora Botošová and Agata Siemaszko – a fusion of Slovak temperament and Polish folk at its finest.
August 16 – Saturday
Villa Czerwony Dwór will host a seminar on Carpathian folk art, followed by a highlander wedding performed by the “Białcanie” ensemble from Białka Tatrzańska. In the evening, the stage will come alive with music – Kayah will perform with Bum Bum Orkestar and FiśBanda. It will be one of those unforgettable nights.
August 17 – Sunday
A solemn Holy Mass and a colorful parade through the streets of Zakopane will open the day. In the afternoon, the festival village will host a show of Podhale shepherd dogs. In the evening – the official opening concert. All ensembles will appear together, forming a mosaic of traditions from around the world.
August 18 – Monday
Ceramics, children’s activities, and band concerts – a day that combines fun, craft, and music. The evening competition concerts will take us to Greece, France, Macedonia, Romania, Spain, and of course – Poland.
August 19 – Tuesday
A day dedicated to reverse glass painting and performances by groups from Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Also, the National Day of Greece and further band and instrumentalist competitions. A true feast for the ears.
August 20 – Wednesday
Workshops on playing the złóbcoki (traditional string instruments), the concert “Music Along the Carpathian Arc”, and a farewell ball with festival ensembles – all in one day! An evening full of dance and laughter is the traditional climax of the festival.
August 21 – Thursday | Finale
House blessings, a prayer for peace at the Sanctuary in Krzeptówki, and in the evening, the grand final concert. The announcement of contest results, the Ciupaga Award ceremony, and one last musical feast – “Highlanders of the World and Music of the World.”
And throughout the entire week:
- folk art and crafts fair,
- photo and post-contest exhibitions,
- open galleries, studios, and museums across Zakopane,
- daily children’s activities and workshops,
- festival tent with regional products and delicious food.
Admission to all events is free.
You don’t need to be a folklore expert to feel its power. Just come, immerse yourself in the sounds, colors, and warmth of the people who came from around the world to share their culture. This August week in the Tatras might be one of the most beautiful moments of the whole summer.
Sonia Nester in Kmicic – a painted journey through botanical worlds
From August 23 to September 19, the Kmicic Café in Zakopane will host an exhibition of works by Sonia Nester – an artist deeply connected to the Tatras, nature, and tradition.
The vernissage is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, August 23 at 6:00 PM at Staszica Street 11a. The exhibition, titled Botanical Art, presents delicate, light-filled paintings inspired by flora – from the Tatra region, British gardens, Spiš, and the Kampinos Forest.British gardens, Spiš, and the Kampinos Forest.
Sonia Nester, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Toruń, works in various techniques – from watercolor and mosaics to stained glass and furniture decoration. She is also known as the creator of stained glass in the Bonifratr monastery in Krzeptówki. Nature is not only her inspiration but also her way of life – as a certified moxibustion therapist and herbalist, she continues the female traditions of her lineage.
The exhibition in Kmicic is not only a feast for the eyes but also an invitation into a world where plants become a pretext for stories about art, memory, and harmony.
I Zakopane Crime Festival “Crime under the Tatras”
Crime and mystery lovers will have a reason to visit Zakopane in August – the first edition of the Zakopane Crime Festival “Crime under the Tatras” will take place. This is a brand-new cultural initiative combining literature, history, mountain riddles, and local inspirations.
The event is organized by the “Urwany Film” Foundation for the Promotion of Culture and is supported by the Municipality of Zakopane. Meetings, author talks, and concerts will be held at the Mediateka on Chramcówki 35a. The program includes appearances by crime fiction writers, journalists, and experts who will try to answer the question: what really happened in the Tatras 100 years ago?
Festival Program:
Friday, August 29
- 17:00 – Uniform in the Closet – Iwona Grzebyk-Dulak and Kazimierz Kyrcz, hosted by Janusz Mika
- 18:30 – Caliber of Crime – Agnieszka Graca in conversation with Anna Głowinkowska
- 20:00 – An Alternative Image of the City – Beata Sabała-Zielińska in conversation with Hubert Jarzębowski
Saturday, August 30
- 17:00 – Crime in the Small Homeland – Mariusz Koperski and Janusz Mika, interviewed by Krzysztof Maćkowski
- 18:30 – Lodowa and Other Terrors – Maciej Kwaśniewski recounts the mysterious 1925 tragedy
- 20:00 – Kiej wywinem ciupazeckom, krew cerwonom wytoce – highlander band Siompawica concert, hosted by Jan Trebunia-Tutka
Accompanying event – August 3: On the 100th anniversary of the mysterious death of three people near Lodowa Pass, there will be a symbolic mountain hike along the trail of the tragic incident – a commemoration of one of the most enigmatic accidents in Tatra history. Admission to all festival events is free for people with cystic fibrosis.
On-site, at 10:00 AM, the 5 km race will start with electronic time measurement. The route runs through the streets of Zakopane and is suitable for both runners and Nordic walking participants. For those who can’t be in Zakopane that day, there is also a virtual participation option – between April 1 and September 30, it’s enough to complete 5 km anywhere in the world.
This anniversary edition will include special highlights – participants who register by August 10 will receive a commemorative golden t-shirt and medal, designed especially for the event’s tenth anniversary.
There will also be a charity picnic for all participants and their families, with contests, games, and surprises. The run is once again supported by Olympic champion Justyna Kowalczyk‑Tekieli, who participates in every edition and lends the event a unique character with her presence.
All proceeds from the run support PTWM’s activities – funding for medications, medical equipment, rehabilitation, and psychological care for those living with cystic fibrosis. Every starter pack is a contribution to those who fight daily for every breath.
Registration is ongoing, and package prices – depending on the option – range from 40 to 105 PLN. You can also make an additional donation to support the sick.
If you love running, Zakopane, and helping – this event is for you. See you at the start!
What’s on at the Witkacy – a theatre-filled August
August at the S. I. Witkiewicz Theatre promises to be intense and diverse. The repertoire includes premieres, theatrical classics, concerts, and events for both children and adults. For all who value unconventional form and the highlander spirit combined with artistic madness – this is a must-see during a summer stay in Zakopane.
The stage will feature well-known and beloved productions such as Mrożek’s “The Slaughterhouse” and the iconic “Człapówki – Zakopane.” As part of the theatre’s 40th anniversary, the premiere of “Wahazar” directed by Andrzej St. Dziuk will be presented – a symbolic and metaphorical performance filled with the characteristic absurdity and philosophy of Witkacy.
The youngest audiences can enjoy “Ciałogranie” – an interactive theatre game, while music lovers can look forward to recitals, including Adam Makowicz and the concert “A Musical Journey Around the World.”
Highlights include:
- August 13 – “The Slaughterhouse”, a drama about humanity and the limits of freedom
- August 15 – “Wahazar” – the latest premiere inspired by Witkacy’s works
- August 17 – Adam Makowicz concert – a master of jazz piano
- August 20 – “The Cherry Orchard” – a Chekhov classic in a new rendition
- August 23 – “Ciałogranie” – a family performance full of movement and sound
- August 30 – “Treatise on Shelling Beans” – a reflective monodrama closing the month
August’s repertoire is the essence of Witkacy – full of contrasts, reflection, and artistic freedom. It’s worth booking in advance – some performances are staged only once.
Ongoing Events from July
Summer Workshops at the Tatra Museum
The Tatra Museum keeps up the pace – throughout the summer it invites children, teenagers, and adults to a series of educational workshops. The program includes glass painting, cross-stitch embroidery, and pins inspired by the Tatras. Activities are held in various locations, also outside the city center, offering a chance for creative time in the spirit of Podhale tradition.
“Tatras – Space and the Sacred” at the Czerwony Dwór
The exhibition at Villa Czerwony Dwór presents the mountains in a completely new light – as a spiritual, symbolic, and often intimate space. Contemporary artists’ works explore the sacred embedded in the landscape and culture of the Tatras. The exhibition runs all summer and is a significant stop on Zakopane’s cultural map.
Permanent Exhibition of Władysław Hasior
The Hasior Gallery is a must for those seeking emotion and contrast in art. The sculptures and installations of one of the 20th century’s most important artists remain relevant and stirring. In summer, especially August, the gallery becomes a space for meetings and reflection – it’s worth stopping by, even briefly.
Summer Stage of the Witkacy Theatre
In August, the Witkacy Theatre continues its summer program, presenting classic, experimental, and intimate performances. Evening shows attract both regulars and tourists hungry for culture with character. The Zakopane theatre offers more than entertainment – it’s an artistic conversation about the world and humanity.
Zakopane Style at Villa Koliba
The Museum of the Zakopane Style at Villa Koliba reveals the roots of local architecture to visitors throughout August. Wooden interiors, furniture designed by Witkiewicz, and details that create the atmosphere of old Zakopane – it’s a true journey through time. A must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
Summer Open-Air Cinema
August evenings are perfect for outdoor cinema. The open-air screenings that began in July continue into August – mainly on the Upper Krupówki Meadow. Both classics and contemporary films are shown. It’s a casual cultural experience and a great option for summer nights.
“Landscape-Country” – Klaudia Kot’s Exhibition at STRH Bistro Art Cafe
Klaudia Kot’s exhibition at STRH Bistro Art Cafe combines observation of nature with reflections on landscape as an expression of emotion and identity. Her works balance between painting and illustration, telling stories of the human-nature relationship. It’s an intimate yet vivid experience – perfect for an afternoon break with coffee and art.
“Assembling a Personality. Witkacy” – New Exhibition at Villa Oksza
The new exhibition at Villa Oksza is a journey through the life and work of Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz. It presents him as a total artist – painter, philosopher, writer, and photographer. It’s also a story about the search for identity, form…
