57th International Festival of Highland Folklore
57th International Festival of Highland Folklore
August 21–27, 2026 | Zakopane
This Friday, August 21, Zakopane will once again come alive with the sounds of mountain music from around the world!
From August 21 to 27, join us for the 57th International Festival of Highland Folklore, a unique celebration of music, dance, tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
For seven days, Zakopane will become a meeting place for Highland communities from Poland and folk ensembles from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, competitions, workshops, exhibitions, family activities, and special cultural events. Most attractions will take place in the Festival Village on Dolna Rówień Krupowa, but the Festival will also bring its vibrant atmosphere to the streets and venues throughout the town.
Festival Highlights
August 21 | Friday
Polish Highlanders’ Day
🕙 10:00 AM Podhale Horse-Driving Championships, Coachman of the Year Competition, and Traditional Highland Singing Competition
📍 Upper Krupowa Meadow
🕜 1:30 PM Children's Festival Poster Competition Awards Ceremony
🕑 2:00 PM “Little Highlanders” Concert – Golden Kierpce Award Winners
🕓 4:00 PM Record Attempt in the Traditional Zbójnicki Dance and Highland Girl-Twirling
🕔 5:00 PM Presentation of the Heritage of Polish Highlanders
Featuring: Istebna, OwCoK, Zielony Jawor, and Festival Hosts Budorze
🕗 8:00 PM On a Folk Note Concert
Štefan Štec & FAJTA
August 22 | Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM Scientific Seminar
“The World of Highland Beliefs: Between the Sacred and Magic”
📍 Kino Miejsce
🕑 2:00 PM Lecture on Bartuś Obrochta on the 100th Anniversary of his Death
🕒 3:00 PM Traditional Highland Courtship Performance by “Bartusie”
🕓 4:00 PM Highland Wedding Performance
🕔 5:00 PM Wedding Celebration
🕗 8:00 PM On a Folk Note Concert Roby Lakatos
August 23 | Sunday
🕥 10:30 AM Solemn Holy Mass
📍 Holy Cross Church
🕦 11:30 AM Festival Parade Through the Streets of Zakopane
🕜 1:30 PM Podhale Sheepdog Exhibition
🕕 6:00 PM Opening Concert
24 AUGUST | MONDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Regional Workshop: Painting Wooden Spoons
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Senegal
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka International Competition of Folk Bands, Instrumentalists and Folk Singers
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Bosnia and Herzegovina
🕔 5:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Romania, Poland, Portugal, Ghana
🕗 8:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary
25 AUGUST | TUESDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Tradition and Craftsmanship – Bolesławiec Pottery
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Turkey
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka Competition
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Romania
🕓 4:00 PM – Open-Air Concert: Bulgaria
📍 Villa Czerwony Dwór
🕔 5:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Czech Republic, Poland, Italy
🕗 8:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Croatia, Poland, Senegal
26 AUGUST | WEDNESDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Traditional Branch Brooms
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Italy
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka Competition
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Portugal
🕓 4:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey
🕕 6:00 PM – Concert: Music Along the Arc of the Carpathians
🕖 7:00 PM – Jan Karpiel Bułecka and Friends
🕘 9:00 PM – Dance Party
✅ Free admission
27 AUGUST | THURSDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Herbs, Wreaths and Tradition
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕐 1:00 PM – Prayer for Peace
📍 National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki
🕔 5:00 PM – GRAND FINALE CONCERT
🏆 Awards Ceremony of the Main Competition and the Władysław Trebunia-Tutka International Competition of Folk Bands, Instrumentalists and Folk Singers
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
August 24–27
Festival competitions featuring ensembles from: Romania, Portugal, Ghana, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey, and Poland.
Additional attractions include:
National Days of participating countries
Folk art and craft fairs
Traditional workshops
Children's activities
Folk music and dance performances
Outdoor concerts
Folk bands, instrumentalists, and singers competition
Jan Karpiel Bułecka & Friends
Music Along the Carpathian Arc Concert
Open-air dance party
Final Concert and Awards Ceremony
Throughout the Festival
🎨 Folk Art & Craft Fair
📷 Photography Exhibitions from Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary
🖼️ Children's Festival Poster Exhibition
🏠 Open Studios of Zakopane Artists, Galleries, and Museums
👗 Fashion & Design Show
“Krupówki – The Most Fashionable Street in Poland by Polki Folki”
Practical Information
📅 August 21–27, 2026
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
✅ Admission to festival events is free of charge
Come and experience seven unforgettable days filled with music, folklore, tradition, and the unique atmosphere of the Tatra Mountains.57th International Festival of Highland Folklore
August 21–27, 2026 | Zakopane
🏔️ This Friday, August 21, Zakopane will once again come alive with the sounds of mountain music from around the world!
From August 21 to 27, join us for the 57th International Festival of Highland Folklore, a unique celebration of music, dance, tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
For seven days, Zakopane will become a meeting place for Highland communities from Poland and folk ensembles from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, competitions, workshops, exhibitions, family activities, and special cultural events. Most attractions will take place in the Festival Village on Dolna Rówień Krupowa, but the Festival will also bring its vibrant atmosphere to the streets and venues throughout the town.
Festival Highlights
August 21 | Friday
Polish Highlanders’ Day
🕙 10:00 AM
Podhale Horse-Driving Championships, Coachman of the Year Competition, and Traditional Highland Singing Competition
📍 Upper Krupowa Meadow
🕜 1:30 PM
Children's Festival Poster Competition Awards Ceremony
🕑 2:00 PM
“Little Highlanders” Concert – Golden Kierpce Award Winners
🕓 4:00 PM
Record Attempt in the Traditional Zbójnicki Dance and Highland Girl-Twirling
🕔 5:00 PM
Presentation of the Heritage of Polish Highlanders
Featuring: Istebna, OwCoK, Zielony Jawor, and Festival Hosts Budorze
🕗 8:00 PM
On a Folk Note Concert
Štefan Štec & FAJTA
August 22 | Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM
Scientific Seminar
“The World of Highland Beliefs: Between the Sacred and Magic”
📍 Kino Miejsce
🕑 2:00 PM
Lecture on Bartuś Obrochta on the 100th Anniversary of his Death
🕒 3:00 PM
Traditional Highland Courtship Performance by “Bartusie”
🕓 4:00 PM
Highland Wedding Performance
🕔 5:00 PM
Wedding Celebration
🕗 8:00 PM
On a Folk Note Concert
Roby Lakatos
August 23 | Sunday
🕥 10:30 AM
Solemn Holy Mass
📍 Holy Cross Church
🕦 11:30 AM
Festival Parade Through the Streets of Zakopane
🕜 1:30 PM
Podhale Sheepdog Exhibition
🕕 6:00 PM
Opening Concert
August 24–27
Festival competitions featuring ensembles from: Romania, Portugal, Ghana, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey, and Poland.
Additional attractions include:
National Days of participating countries
Folk art and craft fairs
Traditional workshops
Children's activities
Folk music and dance performances
Outdoor concerts
Folk bands, instrumentalists, and singers competition
Jan Karpiel Bułecka & Friends
Music Along the Carpathian Arc Concert
Open-air dance party
Final Concert and Awards Ceremony
Throughout the Festival
🎨 Folk Art & Craft Fair
📷 Photography Exhibitions from Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary
🖼️ Children's Festival Poster Exhibition
🏠 Open Studios of Zakopane Artists, Galleries, and Museums
👗 Fashion & Design Show
“Krupówki – The Most Fashionable Street in Poland by Polki Folki”
Practical Information
📅 August 21–27, 2026
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
✅ Admission to festival events is free of charge
Come and experience seven unforgettable days filled with music, folklore, tradition, and the unique atmosphere of the Tatra Mountains.
August 21–27, 2026 | Zakopane
This Friday, August 21, Zakopane will once again come alive with the sounds of mountain music from around the world!
From August 21 to 27, join us for the 57th International Festival of Highland Folklore, a unique celebration of music, dance, tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
For seven days, Zakopane will become a meeting place for Highland communities from Poland and folk ensembles from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, competitions, workshops, exhibitions, family activities, and special cultural events. Most attractions will take place in the Festival Village on Dolna Rówień Krupowa, but the Festival will also bring its vibrant atmosphere to the streets and venues throughout the town.
Festival Highlights
August 21 | Friday
Polish Highlanders’ Day
🕙 10:00 AM Podhale Horse-Driving Championships, Coachman of the Year Competition, and Traditional Highland Singing Competition
📍 Upper Krupowa Meadow
🕜 1:30 PM Children's Festival Poster Competition Awards Ceremony
🕑 2:00 PM “Little Highlanders” Concert – Golden Kierpce Award Winners
🕓 4:00 PM Record Attempt in the Traditional Zbójnicki Dance and Highland Girl-Twirling
🕔 5:00 PM Presentation of the Heritage of Polish Highlanders
Featuring: Istebna, OwCoK, Zielony Jawor, and Festival Hosts Budorze
🕗 8:00 PM On a Folk Note Concert
Štefan Štec & FAJTA
August 22 | Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM Scientific Seminar
“The World of Highland Beliefs: Between the Sacred and Magic”
📍 Kino Miejsce
🕑 2:00 PM Lecture on Bartuś Obrochta on the 100th Anniversary of his Death
🕒 3:00 PM Traditional Highland Courtship Performance by “Bartusie”
🕓 4:00 PM Highland Wedding Performance
🕔 5:00 PM Wedding Celebration
🕗 8:00 PM On a Folk Note Concert Roby Lakatos
August 23 | Sunday
🕥 10:30 AM Solemn Holy Mass
📍 Holy Cross Church
🕦 11:30 AM Festival Parade Through the Streets of Zakopane
🕜 1:30 PM Podhale Sheepdog Exhibition
🕕 6:00 PM Opening Concert
24 AUGUST | MONDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Regional Workshop: Painting Wooden Spoons
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Senegal
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka International Competition of Folk Bands, Instrumentalists and Folk Singers
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Bosnia and Herzegovina
🕔 5:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Romania, Poland, Portugal, Ghana
🕗 8:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary
25 AUGUST | TUESDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Tradition and Craftsmanship – Bolesławiec Pottery
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Turkey
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka Competition
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Romania
🕓 4:00 PM – Open-Air Concert: Bulgaria
📍 Villa Czerwony Dwór
🕔 5:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Czech Republic, Poland, Italy
🕗 8:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Croatia, Poland, Senegal
26 AUGUST | WEDNESDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Traditional Branch Brooms
🕚 11:00 AM – Festival Promotion in Zakopane: Italy
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕛 12:00 PM – Władysław Trebunia-Tutka Competition
🕒 3:00 PM – National Day: Portugal
🕓 4:00 PM – Competition Concerts: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey
🕕 6:00 PM – Concert: Music Along the Arc of the Carpathians
🕖 7:00 PM – Jan Karpiel Bułecka and Friends
🕘 9:00 PM – Dance Party
✅ Free admission
27 AUGUST | THURSDAY
🕙 10:00 AM – Workshop: Herbs, Wreaths and Tradition
🕛 12:00 PM – Children's Activities and Games
🕐 1:00 PM – Prayer for Peace
📍 National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki
🕔 5:00 PM – GRAND FINALE CONCERT
🏆 Awards Ceremony of the Main Competition and the Władysław Trebunia-Tutka International Competition of Folk Bands, Instrumentalists and Folk Singers
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
August 24–27
Festival competitions featuring ensembles from: Romania, Portugal, Ghana, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey, and Poland.
Additional attractions include:
National Days of participating countries
Folk art and craft fairs
Traditional workshops
Children's activities
Folk music and dance performances
Outdoor concerts
Folk bands, instrumentalists, and singers competition
Jan Karpiel Bułecka & Friends
Music Along the Carpathian Arc Concert
Open-air dance party
Final Concert and Awards Ceremony
Throughout the Festival
🎨 Folk Art & Craft Fair
📷 Photography Exhibitions from Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary
🖼️ Children's Festival Poster Exhibition
🏠 Open Studios of Zakopane Artists, Galleries, and Museums
👗 Fashion & Design Show
“Krupówki – The Most Fashionable Street in Poland by Polki Folki”
Practical Information
📅 August 21–27, 2026
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
✅ Admission to festival events is free of charge
Come and experience seven unforgettable days filled with music, folklore, tradition, and the unique atmosphere of the Tatra Mountains.57th International Festival of Highland Folklore
August 21–27, 2026 | Zakopane
🏔️ This Friday, August 21, Zakopane will once again come alive with the sounds of mountain music from around the world!
From August 21 to 27, join us for the 57th International Festival of Highland Folklore, a unique celebration of music, dance, tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
For seven days, Zakopane will become a meeting place for Highland communities from Poland and folk ensembles from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, competitions, workshops, exhibitions, family activities, and special cultural events. Most attractions will take place in the Festival Village on Dolna Rówień Krupowa, but the Festival will also bring its vibrant atmosphere to the streets and venues throughout the town.
Festival Highlights
August 21 | Friday
Polish Highlanders’ Day
🕙 10:00 AM
Podhale Horse-Driving Championships, Coachman of the Year Competition, and Traditional Highland Singing Competition
📍 Upper Krupowa Meadow
🕜 1:30 PM
Children's Festival Poster Competition Awards Ceremony
🕑 2:00 PM
“Little Highlanders” Concert – Golden Kierpce Award Winners
🕓 4:00 PM
Record Attempt in the Traditional Zbójnicki Dance and Highland Girl-Twirling
🕔 5:00 PM
Presentation of the Heritage of Polish Highlanders
Featuring: Istebna, OwCoK, Zielony Jawor, and Festival Hosts Budorze
🕗 8:00 PM
On a Folk Note Concert
Štefan Štec & FAJTA
August 22 | Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM
Scientific Seminar
“The World of Highland Beliefs: Between the Sacred and Magic”
📍 Kino Miejsce
🕑 2:00 PM
Lecture on Bartuś Obrochta on the 100th Anniversary of his Death
🕒 3:00 PM
Traditional Highland Courtship Performance by “Bartusie”
🕓 4:00 PM
Highland Wedding Performance
🕔 5:00 PM
Wedding Celebration
🕗 8:00 PM
On a Folk Note Concert
Roby Lakatos
August 23 | Sunday
🕥 10:30 AM
Solemn Holy Mass
📍 Holy Cross Church
🕦 11:30 AM
Festival Parade Through the Streets of Zakopane
🕜 1:30 PM
Podhale Sheepdog Exhibition
🕕 6:00 PM
Opening Concert
August 24–27
Festival competitions featuring ensembles from: Romania, Portugal, Ghana, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Turkey, and Poland.
Additional attractions include:
National Days of participating countries
Folk art and craft fairs
Traditional workshops
Children's activities
Folk music and dance performances
Outdoor concerts
Folk bands, instrumentalists, and singers competition
Jan Karpiel Bułecka & Friends
Music Along the Carpathian Arc Concert
Open-air dance party
Final Concert and Awards Ceremony
Throughout the Festival
🎨 Folk Art & Craft Fair
📷 Photography Exhibitions from Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary
🖼️ Children's Festival Poster Exhibition
🏠 Open Studios of Zakopane Artists, Galleries, and Museums
👗 Fashion & Design Show
“Krupówki – The Most Fashionable Street in Poland by Polki Folki”
Practical Information
📅 August 21–27, 2026
📍 Festival Village, Dolna Rówień Krupowa, Zakopane
✅ Admission to festival events is free of charge
Come and experience seven unforgettable days filled with music, folklore, tradition, and the unique atmosphere of the Tatra Mountains.