uly 2026 in Zakopane is shaping up to be exceptionally eventful. The start of the summer holidays will bring concerts by the biggest stars of the Polish music scene, sporting events, festivals, family picnics, open-air cinema and numerous encounters with culture and art. The calendar will also include plenty on offer for fans of highlander tradition, literature, classical music and active recreation. In this roundup we’ve gathered the most interesting events taking place in Zakopane in July 2026. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a weekend trip to the Tatras, or looking for inspiration on how to spend your free time, you’re sure to find something for yourself. Check out what’s happening in the capital of the Polish Tatras and plan your summer stay so you don’t miss the best attractions.
Open-air cinema returns to Zakopane
From July 1 to August 31, Independence Square will once again turn into an open-air cinema, one of the most popular summer attractions in Zakopane for years. As part of the 19th edition of the LOTTO Summer Cinema Sopot–Zakopane, every evening you’ll be able to watch a film on the big screen for free and spend a summer evening in a unique atmosphere right beneath the Tatras.
The organizers have prepared a programme to suit viewers of every age. It includes the latest Polish productions, world box-office hits, comedies, family films, films awarded at international festivals, and cult titles that have permanently earned their place in the history of world cinema. Thanks to the varied lineup, each day will bring a different film, so it’s worth stopping by Independence Square more than once.
Evening screenings are a great way to end the day after mountain hikes or a stroll along Krupówki. Screenings in July start every day at 9:00 PM, and admission to all showings is free. It’s a perfect way to combine a summer holiday with cinema under the stars and soak up the unique atmosphere of summer evenings in Zakopane.
Summer holidays at the Tatra Museum – July event calendar
Throughout July, the Tatra Museum has prepared a rich programme of workshops, walks, lectures and meetings for children, teenagers and adults. Most events are part of the “Summer Holidays at the Tatra Museum” series, and some require advance registration.
The July programme includes:
- July 3 – curator-led tour of the exhibition “Black-and-white madness. The Tatras, modernism, photography”,
- July 4 – opening of the exhibition “Korkosze. Return”,
- July 9 – the workshop “Collecting – at the museum and at home” and the lecture “Antoni Słonimski and his Zakopane (co)relations”,
- July 10 – a highlander walk “From the ladle to the Zakopane style” and an event accompanying the exhibition “Our Craft. 150 Years Since the Founding of the Woodcarving School in Zakopane”,
- July 13 – felting workshop “Secrets of Wool”,
- July 15 – a walk following in the footsteps of Bronisław Piłsudski and a glass-painting workshop,
- July 17 – music activities “Why Are You Playing on a Stick?”,
- July 22 – another glass-painting workshop,
- July 25 – sensory activities “Museum for Toddlers” and the workshop “Little Goat, Big Adventures”,
- July 28 – glass-painting workshop “Saints and Highland Outlaws”,
- July 29 – another glass-painting workshop at Willa Oksza,
- July 31 – music activities “Kapela, podegrojciy!”.
This is only part of the Tatra Museum’s summer offering, which lets visitors explore the history, culture and traditions of Podhale in an active and engaging way. Thanks to the varied programme, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age.
FREE CITY TOUR – discover Zakopane from a completely different perspective
In July the FREE CITY TOUR project returns to Zakopane – a series of free thematic walks and tours that let you get to know the capital of the Tatras beyond its most popular attractions, exploring its history, culture and highlander traditions. It’s a great option both for visitors seeing the town for the first time and for locals who want to look at familiar places from a new perspective.
The programme includes walks devoted to prominent figures connected with Zakopane, such as Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz and Bronisław Piłsudski, as well as meetings with PTTK guides and a new tour, “Zakopane of the True Highlanders,” during which participants will visit places tied to the old culture of Podhale and hear stories passed down through generations.
July’s schedule includes, among others:
- walks with Tatra Museum guides,
- Saturday town tours with PTTK guides,
- “Zakopane of the True Highlanders” tours with Baciar Kompania.
Participation in all events is free, though advance registration is required and spaces are limited. If you’d like to see a less obvious side of Zakopane and hear stories you won’t find in guidebooks, it’s worth booking one of the July dates.
Lato z Radiem and Telewizja Polska once again kick off the summer in Zakopane
Early July in Zakopane is traditionally marked by music, fun and a family atmosphere. On Saturday, July 4, the nationwide “Lato z Radiem i Telewizją Polską” tour returns to town, once again opening the summer season beneath the Tatras. Throughout the day, attractions for residents and visitors will run on Górna and Dolna Równia Krupowa, and in the evening a concert will be broadcast live on Telewizja Polska.
Attractions for participants include, among others:
- a family picnic with attractions and workshops,
- educational and science zones,
- contests and entertainment for the youngest,
- an open-air studio for Polskie Radio and Telewizja Polska,
- an evening concert by the biggest stars of the Polish music scene.
Performers on stage will include Justyna Steczkowska, Organek, Majka Jeżowska, Afromental, Brathanki, Universe, Piersi, Reni Jusis, Dominik Dudek, as well as Podhale artists Basia Giewont and Staszek Karpiel-Bułecka. All attractions are free, making it a great opportunity to kick off the summer holidays in a wonderful atmosphere and celebrate together in the heart of Zakopane.
Summer bonfires with a “gazda” host at Butorowy Wierch
Every Saturday of the summer holidays at Butorowy Wierch will be marked by highlander tradition, music and shared fun. From July 4 to August 29, PKL Gubałówka invites visitors to the “Summer Bonfires with a Gazda” series, where you can experience the true spirit of Podhale and spend an afternoon with a view of the Tatras.
Participants can look forward to feasting around a bonfire together, live music performed by a highlander band, and stories about local customs and traditions. There will also be plenty for the whole family – organizers have prepared contests with prizes, displays of regional crafts, games and activities for children, and the election of the “Śwarny Cepr” (Best-Dressed Tourist). In case of bad weather, the event will move under a tent by the upper station of the cable car.
It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to get to know the culture of Podhale in a relaxed, family atmosphere. The Summer Bonfires with a Gazda take place every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and participation is free for anyone with a ticket for the PKL Gubałówka cable car.
Zakopane launches the Open Beach Volleyball Championships
On July 4–5, the courts of the Central Sports Centre (COS) will host the first edition of the Zakopane Open Beach Volleyball Championships for the COS Director’s Cup. This new sporting event has the potential to become a permanent fixture on the town’s summer calendar, drawing both competitors and fans who enjoy sporting excitement.
Over two days, teams will compete on the sand courts in the OPEN and Women’s categories. Organizers promise fierce competition for the win, with attractive prizes for the top teams, including a weekend stay at the COS Zakopane Hotel. The picturesque Tatra scenery and summer atmosphere will make the event a great choice not only for tournament participants but also for anyone wanting to spend the first July weekend actively.
Although tournament registration will close before the competition begins, there will be plenty of room in the stands for spectators. Organizers encourage all beach volleyball fans to come and cheer on the players and enjoy the sporting excitement beneath the Tatras.
Kapela Zokopiany performs at Czerwony Dwór
Fans of highlander music should mark the evening of July 6 in their calendars. At 6:00 PM, on the open-air stage in the garden of Czerwony Dwór, the legendary band Kapela Zokopiany, led by Jan Karpiel Bułecka, will perform traditional Podhale melodies. The concert will take place in the unique atmosphere of a historic villa and will be a great opportunity to experience the region’s authentic folklore. Admission is free.
July meeting of the Book Discussion Club
Literature lovers will once again meet at the Mediateka, where on July 7 at 4:00 PM another meeting of the Book Discussion Club will take place. This time, participants will discuss the novel “Sergiusz, Czesław, Jadwiga” by Maria Nurowska – a story full of difficult choices, family relationships and events that left their mark on the characters’ entire lives.
It’s an opportunity for anyone who enjoys not just reading but also exchanging opinions and looking at a book from different perspectives. Participation is free.
The International Organ and Chamber Music Festival returns to Zakopane
From July 11 to August 1, Zakopane will host, for the 25th time, a gathering place for classical music lovers. This anniversary edition of the Wacław Geiger International Organ and Chamber Music Festival features nine concerts with renowned artists from Poland and abroad. The programme includes organ recitals, chamber concerts and open-air musical spectacles.
The most important concerts are scheduled for:
- July 11 – the opening concert at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima on Krzeptówki,
- July 12 – the concert “AVE MARIA Calls the Whole World”,
- July 18 – the open-air concert “Pearls of Popular Music” in the garden of Czerwony Dwór,
- July 25 – the concert “From Vienna to Budapest”,
- August 1 – an anniversary concert marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Jan Kasprowicz, at Harenda.
Concerts will be held in Zakopane’s churches, at the Centre for Native Culture in the Czerwony Dwór villa, and at the Jan Kasprowicz Museum in Harenda. All events are free and offer a great chance to combine a summer stay in Zakopane with music at the highest level.
Runners once again take on Zakopane’s steep climbs
On July 11, Zakopane will host the 13th Zakopane Open Uphill Running Championships, also counting as a round of the Polish Skyrunning Cup. Every year this event attracts competitors eager to tackle short but extremely demanding routes leading up to Harenda and Wielka Krokiew.
Participants will face three races held on a single day:
- the Harenda run,
- the Wielka Krokiew run along the tourist trail,
- the Wielka Krokiew run up the stairs.
The sporting excitement will surely reach the spectators too, who’ll be able to cheer runners on along the various sections of the routes. Registration runs until July 9, and on the day of the event no sign-ups will be possible. The competition starts at 8:00 AM and runs until early afternoon.
Anniversary promotion marking 20 years of Termy Zakopiańskie
Termy Zakopiańskie is celebrating 20 years in business this year, and to mark the occasion has prepared a special promotion for its guests. On the 20th of every month throughout 2026, a special offer will run in which every twentieth person buying a ticket to the pool and sauna zone pays only a symbolic one złoty for admission.
The promotion applies on July 20 during the facility’s opening hours and covers tickets purchased on-site only. It’s a great opportunity to combine a summer holiday in Zakopane with relaxation in geothermal waters, saunas and the wellness zone. The number of promotional entries is limited, so it’s worth arriving early and trying your luck.
The anniversary promotion is one part of the celebrations marking 20 years of Termy Zakopiańskie, which for two decades has been one of the most popular relaxation spots beneath the Tatras.
The Zakopane Literary Festival once again invites you into the world of books
On July 24–26, Zakopane will host, for the eleventh time, a gathering of writers, poets, reporters, publishers and literature lovers from across Poland. This year’s edition of the Zakopane Literary Festival will run under the theme “Stories from Here,” highlighting the significance of stories rooted in places, people and local traditions. For three days, the capital of the Tatras will come alive not only on mountain trails and along Krupówki, but also in spaces filled with conversations about books, culture and language.
The festival has for years attracted both devoted readers and people just discovering the world of literature. It’s a unique opportunity to meet favorite authors, learn the behind-the-scenes stories of how books are made, and take part in inspiring discussions. The programme includes events aimed at adults, teenagers and the youngest readers alike.
This year’s edition offers a rich programme, including among others:
- author meetings with acclaimed writers, poets and reporters,
- panel discussions devoted to literature, language, history and the culture of Podhale,
- the awards gala for the Zakopane Literary Prize and the Audience Award,
- workshops and events prepared for children and teenagers,
- a book fair with the chance to get autographs and talk with authors.
Guests at this year’s edition will include, among others, Prof. Jerzy Bralczyk, Michał Ogórek, Magdalena Parys, Jakub Ćwiek, Krzysztof Varga, Ziemowit Szczerek, Monika Sznajderman, Wojciech Szot, Joanna Jagiełło, Małgorzata Strękowska-Zaremba, Maciej Krupa, Patrycja Bukalska, Marta Tomczok, Adam Wiedemann, Jadwiga Malina, Rafał Witek, Paulina Małochleb and Łukasz Wojtusik. It’s a guarantee of meetings with authors representing a wide range of genres – from reportage and literary fiction to crime novels, fantasy, and books for children and young adults.
A special highlight of this year’s edition will be the 30th anniversary of Wydawnictwo Czarne, the festival’s special partner. Organizers have also prepared conversations on contemporary literature, culture and language, and one of the most anticipated meetings will be a conversation between Prof. Jerzy Bralczyk and Michał Ogórek, who have for years discussed the Polish language and the world around us with their characteristic humor.
The Zakopane Literary Festival has for years proven that the capital of the Tatras is not only a place for rest and mountain hiking but also an important center of cultural life. If, during your summer stay, you’d like to meet your favorite authors, listen to inspiring conversations and spend time among fellow book lovers, it’s worth setting aside the last weekend of July. Admission to all festival events is free.
Bike Week Tatry 2026 – a motorcycle festival beneath the Tatras
On July 31 – August 2, Zakopane will once again become a meeting point for motorcycle enthusiasts from Poland and abroad. Bike Week Tatry 2026 is three days full of concerts, shows, group rides and numerous attractions prepared for both motorcyclists and visitors.
At the event site near the Ugory Ski Lift, an exhibitor zone will be set up featuring motorcycles, apparel and accessories, along with contests, custom bike shows and the spectacular Sky Walk. Organizers are also planning group rides along scenic Podhale routes, letting participants combine their passion for motorcycles with admiring the Tatra landscapes.
It’s one of the region’s largest motorcycle events, drawing thousands of participants each year and creating a unique atmosphere to close out July beneath the Tatras.
Events continuing in July
Zakopane artists back in the gallery – the “TOGETHER!” exhibition
Until July 25, 2026, the Municipal Art Gallery is showing the exhibition “TOGETHER! Zakopane Artists.” The exhibition presents works by dozens of local creators representing various styles and techniques, and also marks the gallery’s return to regular activity.
A young perspective on Podhale at Stacja Kultura
The exhibition “Young Zakopane. Dialogue” shows how young artists interpret Podhale tradition, blending regional motifs with contemporary forms of expression. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to see the contemporary face of local art, and the exhibition will be open until July 10, 2026.
Work inspired by Jan Kasprowicz continues all summer
Until August 31, 2026, the nationwide competition “Jan Kasprowicz – Life and Work – Inspirations” is underway, accompanied by weaving workshops. The event encourages the creation of works inspired by the poet’s life and work, culminating in a post-competition exhibition.
The cosmos and the Tatras in a new light at the Hasior Gallery
At the Władysław Hasior Gallery you can see the exhibition “Cosmological Notebook” by Tomasz Haładaj, combining paintings and sculptures inspired by the work of the gallery’s namesake and by cosmic themes. The exhibition will be open for viewing until September 29, 2026.
The life of Jan Kasprowicz retold
At the Kornel Makuszyński Museum, an exhibition devoted to Jan Kasprowicz is underway, prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the poet’s death. Until October 10, 2026, visitors can learn about his biography, his work, and his ties to the Tatras and Zakopane.
Go beneath the surface – an extraordinary journey into the underground world
The new exhibition “Underground – A World Torn from Darkness” at the Tatra Museum takes visitors into a world of caves, geology and underground mysteries. It weaves together natural, historical and cultural threads, and the exhibition will remain open until February 28, 2027.
The exhibition “Illusion of Freedom” still on view in July
If you missed the June opening, don’t worry – you haven’t missed your chance. At the Klubokawiarnia Stacja Kultura, you can still see the painting exhibition “Illusion of Freedom” by Paulina Martyniak. The exhibition will be open to visitors until November 1, 2026.
