Events, culture and sports in Gdańsk

Located close to each other, Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia together form the Tricity [on map], and there's always something happening in this urban area throughout the year. While Gdańsk isn't exactly a major cultural metropolis, you'll still find classical music concerts, various music events, and ballet performances here. If you time it right, you might catch one of the annual festivals during your visit.

The area hosts several major cultural events each year, including the international street theater festival FETA in Gdańsk, the Design Days festival in Gdynia, and the international choir festival Mundus Cantat in Sopot. In Gdańsk, you can also experience events like the Shakespeare Festival, St. Dominic's Fair, the Actus Humanus Resurrectio festival, and the Viva Oliva festival. Over in Gdynia, you can enjoy the Polish Film Festival, the Open'er Festival, and the Gdynia Classica Nova festival.

The area also hosts various exhibitions that can be quite fascinating, past examples have explored themes like the life of Nicolaus Copernicus, how algorithms shape our worldview, and the collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence.

Throughout the Tricity area, you'll find numerous venues that serve as stages for cultural events. Beyond the cultural offerings, the Gdańsk region also hosts sporting events across various disciplines.

Classical Music, Opera and Ballet

In Gdańsk, you're in for a treat if you love classical music concerts, opera performances, or ballet shows, or really any kind of performing arts. The area's cultural heavy-hitters include Opera Bałtycka in Gdańsk, Polska Filharmonia Bałtycka on Ołowianka Island, and the Musical Theatre in Gdynia.

Founded back in 1950, Opera Bałtycka [on map] (Aleja Zwycięstwa 15) sits in a super convenient spot along the bustling Aleja Zwycięstwa street in Gdańsk. Their repertoire runs the gamut from beloved classics like Bizet's Carmen, Verdi's La Traviata, and Puccini's Tosca to cutting-edge productions that blend traditional opera with contemporary theatrical techniques. They also stage beautiful ballet performances, including crowd-pleasers like Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

The Polska Filharmonia Bałtycka, essentially Gdańsk's symphony orchestra, has been around since 1945 and calls Ołowianka Island home. They perform in a former power plant that's been transformed into a sleek modern concert hall [on map]. (Ołowianka 1) The philharmonic's lineup features everything from classical music to jazz, entertainment concerts, and regular festivals like Gdańsk Jesień Pianistyczna and Chopin nad wodami Motławy. Getting to Ołowianka Island is easy, just cross the Wartka Most drawbridge near Targ Rybny.

Then there's the Musical Theatre in Gdynia [on map] (plac Grunwaldzki 1, Gdynia), where you can catch international performers on a regular basis and enjoy their diverse programming.

Theater

Gdańsk's main theater sits right in the city center at Targ Węglowy square [on map] along Długa street. You can't miss this socialist-style building when you're walking from Długa toward the train station. Shows are almost always in Polish, so if you don't speak the language, you might want to check out the puppet theater instead, which caters to families with kids - just hop in a taxi to get there.

Planning to catch a movie? Keep in mind that foreign films in Poland are usually dubbed into Polish. Sometimes you can find movies in their original language, but it's best to double-check with the cinema first. Gdańsk hosts several film festivals throughout the year, including the Gdańsk DocFilm Festival, which focuses on documentaries.

Rock, Pop, Jazz & Entertainment

Gdańsk has it all, from massive arenas to intimate clubs with killer vibes.

Ergo Arena [on map] (plac Dwóch Miast 1) is an impressive multi-purpose arena right on the border between Gdańsk and Sopot. This modern, spacious venue is where you'll catch the biggest music events, it can pack in up to 15,000 fans for concerts. Over the years, Ergo Arena has hosted tons of world-famous acts like Lady Gaga, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Sting, and Iron Maiden, plus popular Polish artists like Kwiat Jabłoni. You can usually grab tickets for Ergo Arena events through online ticketing sites like Eventim, eBilet, and Ticketmaster Poland. But it's not just about the music, the arena hosts all sorts of other events too.

In the Wrzeszcz district, you'll find Stary Manez [on map] (Juliusza Slowackiego 23) – a former horse riding arena that's been transformed into a versatile cultural center with room for about 1,500 people. The lineup here covers everything from pop to jazz, rock, folk, and electronic music. Stary Manez has welcomed many well-known Polish artists like Myslovitz, Mikromusic, and Piotr Rogucki, plus international names like Tangerine Dream and various tribute bands. The building also houses its own brewery, Browar Vrest, and a restaurant, so you can easily spend the whole evening enjoying great food and music.

Klub B90 [on map] (Elektryków 4) sits in Gdańsk's former shipyard area, surrounded by cranes and industrial buildings. As the Tri-City's largest concert club, it's famous for excellent acoustics and a diverse lineup featuring everything from electro and rock to metal, hip-hop, alternative, and indie music. The club has hosted acts like Nouvelle Vague, Young Leosia, ReTo, Heimland, and The Kiffness. The atmosphere at Klub B90 is distinctly raw and industrial. You can usually buy tickets directly from the club's website.

Hard Rock Cafe Gdańsk [on map] (Dlugi Targ 35/38) is part of the global Hard Rock Cafe chain. While it's a restaurant first, they also host live music across various genres. Past performers include The Surfers, Przestrzen, and Maciek Tacher. The two-story restaurant has a lively, energetic vibe. Inside you'll find a modern bar, a large outdoor terrace, and walls packed with music memorabilia. Check the restaurant's website for ticket info.

Bunkier Club [on map] (Olejarna 3) is a nightclub housed in an actual World War II bunker. Its five floors include two bars, two concert/party halls, a gallery, and a pub. Each floor has its own unique design, one even has a prison theme complete with an electric chair. The music ranges from DJ sets to live performances featuring electronic music, pop, and hip-hop. On weekends, the club stays open late into the night.

Klub Zak [on map] (aleja Grunwaldzka 195/197) is one of Poland's oldest cultural centers, with roots going back to 1957. This cozy club sits between Wrzeszcz and Oliwa. While the program is diverse, the place is especially known for its jazz concerts during the Jazz Jantar festival and for alternative and experimental music. Klub Zak regularly features both Polish and international jazz and alternative artists, and it's also a key venue for Gdańsk's dance festival. The building houses Cinema Zak movie theater, Suwnicowa Hall concert space, Galeria Zak art gallery, and Cafe Zak, so you can catch a film, watch theater performances, and check out exhibitions all in one spot. You can buy tickets for Klub Zak events through their online shop or at the box office.

Sports

While Gdańsk itself hasn't traditionally been a major sports hub, the entire Tri-City area actually offers quite a lineup of sporting events. Gdynia [on map] and Sopot [on map] tend to host more sports events than Gdańsk does.

Football (soccer) is Poland's most popular sport, and for fans, Gdańsk is the place to be. The city's home team, Lechia Gdańsk, plays in the country's top division, the Ekstraklasa. Their home ground is the Polsat Plus Arena [on map], which you can easily reach by several bus and tram lines. The league season runs from late July through May or June, and Gdańsk usually also competes in European tournament qualifiers starting in early July.

Sopot's Ergo Arena [on map] (plac Dwóch Miast 1) is an indoor sports center that hosts team sports. It's been the venue for events like the European Handball Championship and the Amber Cup indoor football tournament. Over in Gdynia, you'll find Gdynia Arena [on map] (Kazimierza Górskiego 8), which hosts international-level events, including snooker tournaments.

If you're into running, Gdańsk has plenty to offer. You could join the Independence Day Bieg Niepodległości run, tackle the popular Runmageddon obstacle race, or try the unique Skywayrun event, a 5K race on the Gdańsk airport runway under cover of darkness. Other major sporting events in the area include the Challenge Gdańsk triathlon (part of the international Challenge Family series), the family-friendly Gdańsk Biega event, and the Cross Duathlon competition that combines trail running and mountain biking.

Annual Events

St. Dominic's Fair

St. Dominic's Fair (Jarmark św. Dominika in Polish) is one of Europe's largest and oldest outdoor events, and these days, it's a real crowd-puller. Every year, around a thousand vendors, artists, craftspeople, and collectors set up shop here. On average, you'll find 70,000 visitors daily, with weekend crowds sometimes doubling that number. The fair typically runs from late July through mid-August. The opening ceremony is pretty special, Gdańsk's mayor hands over the city keys to the merchants, symbolically passing the city into "market mode." The fair's mascot is a crimson rooster, traditionally associated with dawn and Christian symbolism. Here's a fun fact: they add a new note to the fair's anthem every year, and it's now 760 notes long!

This isn't just a shopping destination, it's a full cultural experience with entertainment galore. Browse antiques, handicrafts, art, and collectibles like coins, stamps, and vintage fabrics. Food stalls serve up traditional Polish treats including cold beer, meat dishes, potatoes, sausages, and grilled skewers, plus plenty of international options too. The diverse cultural program features outdoor stages, festivals, and concerts. You can catch street parades, fireworks, light shows, and even join sporting events like the St. Dominic's Run. The action traditionally centers along Długa street and Długi square, extending to Targ Węglowy square.

Christmas Market

Gdańsk's Christmas market is an experience you won't want to miss. Known locally as Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy, it runs annually from mid-November through the end of December. Ranked among Europe's best Christmas markets, it creates a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and decorations everywhere. Shop for handmade crafts directly from artisans and sample local delicacies. The romantic, festive vibe makes it especially popular with couples and families.

Special highlights include Santa's Corner at Targ Węglowy, plus performances and illuminations at dozens of locations throughout the city. Check out the light displays at spots like Kuźniczki Park, Zielony Bridge, Stągiewna Street, Oliwa Park, and Zaspa Park. AmberSky's Christmas corner features a carousel and an advent calendar with doors that open daily starting December 1st.

Shakespeare Festival

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival is an internationally significant theater event and one of Europe's largest. It's held regularly at the turn of July and August. Theater companies from around the world perform Shakespeare's plays, with some productions in English. The festival has featured renowned theater groups and directors from numerous countries, including Peter Brook and Robert Sturua. The main venue is the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, a unique building with a retractable roof.

The program also includes workshops, seminars, open rehearsals, meet-and-greets with actors and directors, plus a prestigious national competition for the best Shakespeare production. If you're into theater and international cultural productions, this festival is right up your alley. You'll see Shakespeare plays performed by international artists in an extraordinary setting, plus you can join workshops and meet theater professionals. The festival coincides with St. Dominic's Fair, so you can enjoy both events during the same trip.

Baltic Sail Gdańsk

The Baltic Sail Gdańsk festival happens annually, usually in July-August, bringing together tall ships from around the Baltic region. The exact dates vary each year. In 2025, the festival looks to be scheduled for mid-July, while in 2024 it was held in late August. During the event, you can board some of the participating sailing vessels for a closer look.

Other Events

FETA is one of Poland's and Eastern Europe's biggest and best-known outdoor theater festivals.

Besides Gdańsk, events also take place in Sopot and elsewhere in the Tri-City area, which are easily accessible by getting around from Gdańsk. The Gdańsk tourism website has comprehensive coverage of regional events too, so check there for more tips!