Location: Dolna Rówień Krupowa in Zakopane
Admission: free
From Villa Nosal: convenient access to the centre of Zakopane
If you want to experience the true atmosphere of the mountains during your stay in Zakopane, it is worth making time for one of the most important cultural events of the summer – the 57th International Festival of Highland Folklore. From August 21–27, 2026, Zakopane will once again become a meeting place for traditions, music, dance and mountain cultures from different parts of the world.
This is an event that goes far beyond a traditional folk concert. Throughout the week, at Dolna Rówień Krupowa, you will be able to watch performances by groups from Poland and abroad, take part in workshops, discover regional customs, listen to music and simply experience the unique atmosphere of Zakopane.
A Festival Connecting the Mountains and Cultures of the World
For years, the International Festival of Highland Folklore has shown that although mountain communities from different countries may be separated by thousands of kilometres, many traditions have surprisingly much in common. Music, dance, costumes, rituals, crafts and local cuisine become a shared language here.
In 2026, Zakopane will welcome groups from countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Portugal, Romania, Italy, Senegal, Turkey and Hungary. Representatives of Polish mountain regions will, of course, also be taking part.
- you will see traditional dances and costumes from different parts of the world,
- you will listen to highland and folk music,
- you will discover the cultures and customs of other regions,
- you can take part in free events and concerts,
- you will experience the unique international atmosphere of Zakopane.
The 57th Edition – What Will Happen in Zakopane?
This year's festival programme is very diverse. In addition to concerts, it includes regional workshops, meetings, activities for children, music competitions, presentations of traditions and events dedicated to the cultures of individual countries:
One of the most interesting highlights will be the International Competition of Folk Bands, Instrumentalists and Singers named after Władysław Trebunia-Tutka, taking place from August 24–26. It is a great opportunity to see musicians up close as they present traditional sounds from different regions.
Międzynarodowy Festiwal Folkloru Ziem Górskich | Festiwale w Zakopanem
The Parade Through the Streets of Zakopane – An Event You Should Not Miss
One of the most spectacular moments of the festival will be the colourful parade through the streets of Zakopane. On Sunday, August 23, participants will walk through the city, presenting the traditional costumes, music and dances of their regions. The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will pass, among other places, along Zamoyskiego Street and Krupówki.
This is when Zakopane shows its most colourful side. Highlanders from Podhale meet artists arriving from distant parts of the world in the streets of the city. It is worth finding a good spot along the parade route and getting your camera ready – there will certainly be plenty of opportunities for interesting photographs.
• August 21 – Polish Highlanders' Day and a presentation of Polish highland heritage
• August 22 – a traditional highland wedding, wedding celebration and concert by Roby Lakatos
• August 23 – Solemn Holy Mass, the grand parade through the streets of Zakopane and the opening concert
• August 24–26 – competitions, concerts, National Days and regional workshops
• August 27 – closing of the festival week
Polish Highlanders' Day – A Celebration of Podhale Tradition
The festival will begin on August 21 with Polish Highlanders' Day. The programme includes performances by regional groups, presentations of traditional culture and a spectacular record attempt for the zbójnicki dance and zwyrtanie girls. In the evening, there will be a concert by Štefan Štec & FAJTA from Slovakia.
Music, Dance and Events for the Whole Family
The festival is a great choice not only for folklore enthusiasts. The programme also includes activities for children and regional workshops, where visitors can discover traditional handicraft techniques.
Children will be able to paint folk masks, discover traditional crafts and create their own regional items. Adults can enjoy concerts, meetings and events showcasing the culture and music of individual countries.
National Days – A Journey Without Leaving Zakopane
One of the festival's most interesting features is the National Days. Each one offers an opportunity to learn more about the culture of a particular country – its music, dance, costumes and traditions.
In 2026, the programme includes National Days dedicated to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Portugal. It is a great opportunity to take a small journey through the mountain cultures of Europe and the world during a single stay in Zakopane.
- The event brings together groups representing different mountain regions from around the world.
- The 2026 programme includes groups from countries such as Senegal, Portugal, Turkey, Ghana and Bulgaria.
- Many events take place at Dolna Rówień Krupowa.
- Admission to the festival is free.
Where Is the International Festival of Highland Folklore Held?
The main festival venue will be Dolna Rówień Krupowa, where a festival village with an outdoor stage and workshop tent will be set up. Some events will also take place at other locations in Zakopane, including the city centre, Kino Miejsce and Villa Czerwony Dwór.
If you want to see the most important festival events, it is worth checking the detailed programme before heading out. The times and locations of individual concerts and workshops vary, and some events take place simultaneously.
Why Visit Zakopane During the Festival?
Zakopane is special at any time of year, but during the International Festival of Highland Folklore you can experience the town from a completely different perspective.
The festival allows you to discover that the mountains are about much more than landscapes. They are also about people, stories, language, music, costumes, rituals and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
So, if you are planning a stay in Zakopane in August, be sure to mark August 21–27, 2026 in your calendar. Perhaps it will be during one of the festival concerts, surrounded by highland music and colourful costumes, that you discover a completely new side of Zakopane.
The detailed event schedule, concert times and information about the individual festival days can be found on the official website of the International Festival of Highland Folklore.