Open-air events in Łódź – 10 events you can't miss

Łódź throbs with cultural and artistic life, as evidenced by a series of events and initiatives organized throughout the year. These are very interesting proposals aimed at all tastes and different generations. Some of them are already hallowed by tradition, as they began many years ago, while others were initiated recently and are gaining momentum year after year.

Festivals, reviews, happenings, multimedia activities and meetings with interesting people attract crowds of people, Łódź residents and tourists from various corners of Poland and even the world. Theater enthusiasts (including puppet theater), film, fashion, music (e.g. jazz, alternative, improvised), cabaret, books, dance or alternative arts will find something for themselves. At each of these meetings, you can spend time pleasantly, meet artists, and learn something new. Some of the organized events offer workshops, e.g. with jazz bands and solo artists (Fredom Jazz Festiwal). There is also an opportunity to meet directors, see unique films, view exhibitions and participate in various concerts. Many events take place in the open air, especially in the summer months. Many people greatly appreciate this way of spending their free time, and there really is plenty to choose from.

Major outdoor events in Łódź (reconnaissance)

Theater fans, but in its street version, should write the International Street Art Festival TrotuArt in their events calendar. Polish and foreign artists participate in it. It is an amazing spectacle full of stilt-walkers, clowns, mimes performing in the open air, in various parts of the city – at Stary Rynek, Pasaż Schillera and Rubinsteina and Piotrkowska street. Łódź comes alive thanks to them, gains color and becomes even more joyful. You can participate in two competitions – for the most interesting costume and for a living statue. During the event, a colorful procession passes through the streets, composed of various characters, including dragons and witches.
TrotuArt Festival takes place in September.

Light Move Festiwal – Light Move Festiwal – is an amazing spectacle organized since 2011, taking you into the world of colorful illuminations. Thanks to the combination of mechanical devices and light, Łódź landmarks and streets are transformed beyond recognition. Animations, large-format projections, mappings in 2D and 3D technology from various angles showcase Łódź architecture. The Festival takes place on one of three weekend days in September or October.

Łódź Street Food Festival – is an increasingly popular event in Łódź's city events calendar. Those who love to eat and discover new flavors will certainly find something for themselves here. Apart from excellent food served from dozens of food trucks from all over Poland, you can taste various drinks, such as beer, cocktails, lemonade or drinks. The event is supported by renowned restaurateurs. Anyone who wishes has a chance to participate in cooking workshops and other tasty attractions. The Festival has 4 weekend editions – (spring, summer, autumn, winter).

Polówka – Summer Film Festival, i.e. pleasant film meetings with a guiding theme and of course in the open air. All fans of good cinema have the opportunity to watch several screenings in various locations in Łódź. In the X edition of 2017, participants watched films in Julianowski Park, in Park na Zdrowiu, on the roof of Sukcesja and in the Zarzew housing estate. Screenings held at the Central Museum of Textiles were related to fashion, while on the roof of the Entertainment Center, participants watched very sunny films, typical Italian chillout. Fresh air plus enjoying good cinema in select company. Polówka – Summer Film Festival usually starts at the end of June and lasts about 1.5 months.

Fire Festival – is also a cyclical event that attracts a wide range of participants. Fun with fire – fire eating, torch juggling, fire poi sticks, buugengas and LED hoop arrangements plus a good dose of atmospheric music in the square in front of Manufaktura. A breathtaking show, a spectacle composed of theatrical, dance, juggling and performance elements for anyone who decides on such a way of spending their free time. Fire Festival takes place in July or June.

International Festival of Youth Creativity FOLKOWE INSPIRACJE – takes place cyclically since 2011. The atmosphere is created by young people fascinated by the culture and traditions of various nationalities and ethnic groups. The Festival combines the past with the present – therefore you can meet contemporary dance inspired by folk culture and traditional songs in new arrangements. Of course, traditional folk dance and song take the lead. Alongside these forms of expression, participants watch installations by designers, craft experiments, workshops, fashion shows, street events with audience participation and folk picnics. The Festival takes place in June or July.

The Festival of Colors has returned to Łódź, which is quite a treat for everyone who loves colors and wants to live colorfully every day. At the event there is certainly plenty of color, delicious food (well-equipped food trucks), and music (the best DJs host the gathering). The most important thing, however, are the colorful HOLI powders that you can throw at friends and strangers to your heart's content while having a great time. There is also no shortage of dancing, singing, and colorful candy floss. The Festival of Colors takes place in one of three warm months (May, June, or July).

The Regional Mixer will come to Łódź for the fifteenth time. It is a unique open-air event promoting the Łódź Voivodeship. Regional dishes at dozens of stands, demonstrations, musical stages, stalls with works by local artists, and plenty of other attractions only at the Regional Mixer. You can also learn about the tourist offerings of communes and counties as well as the cultural events program. In the 2017 edition, several thematic islands were set up in Pasaż Schillera, such as Reymont, Piłsudski, or 60+. The Regional Mixer is a strong dose of emotions, flavors, and fun for everyone. The Regional Mixer takes place in September.

Tuwim Days is a time dedicated to remembering the bard who was born in Łódź and was strongly connected to it. As a tribute to the writer for what he did for the city, Łódź remembers him and organizes special Tuwim Days every year. The program is different each time, but you can certainly listen to his works recited or sung in various contests and performances. Various happenings and performances by musical groups take place. Tuwim Days are held in September, in the month of the poet's birthday.

Łódź Celebration. Every year, Łódź residents participate in numerous celebrations, commemorating successive anniversaries of the granting of city rights to Łódź, taking to the streets of their city. Concerts, dances, theatrical performances, colorful processions, film screenings, and plenty of various entertainments and physical activities. A good dose of culture and plenty of fun. Łódź Celebration takes place in May or July (the month when city rights were granted to Łódź).

There are many more open-air events — of smaller and larger scale. Some are more intimate, others definitely have a wider scope, but one thing is certain — in Łódź you cannot be bored!