The best music festivals in Poland – summer 2016

Who would’ve thought that a decade ago, Poland would not only host a few big music festivals but practically and geographically redefine summer raving in central Europe as we know it? There are now countless exciting festivals that can fulfil needs and dreams of any music fan. And the best part is that in Poland festival tickets are cheaper and more accessible than in other European countries so you can enjoy the best performances for less.

Here is the list of the hottest music festivals in the summer 2016.

Orange Warsaw Festival

When and where: 3-4 June, Warsaw

This largest Polish urban city festival will be held in the first weekend of June for the ninth time. The Orange Warsaw Festival takes place only 15 minutes from the city center, at the cool Horse Race track – one of the most renown concert locations in Poland. In eight previous editions Orange Warsaw Festival was attended by nearly half a million music fans and more than 120 artists. And this year is going to be even bigger – Lana Del Rey, Skrillex, Editors just to mention a few big names. To see the full line-up and buy tickets check out the website.

Live Oświęcim Festival

When and where: 16-19 June, Oświęcim

At first sight it may look controversial, but Live Oświęcim Festival was actually establish to move away from the negative connotations of Oświęcim as a location of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi camp during the Second World War. Darek Maciborek, founder of the festival, wanted to create an event that would build peaceful relations beyond cultural and state borders where there is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of xenophobia. His idea happened to be so successful that this year Live Oświęcim Festival will host Elton John. The rest of the line-up looks pretty exciting as well: John Newman, Dawid Podsiadlo, Perfect, Piotr Rogucki, Krzysztof Zalef Zalewski and many more. For more information see the website.

Open’er festival

When and where: 29 June – 2 July, Gdynia

No one has to be introduced to the Open’er – one of the coolest festivals in Europe. Thanks to its location this music event offers unique combination of the classic festival and seaside holidays. You can enjoy Baltic and sun, chill on the beach during the day and immerse in the world of the best music during the evenings. This year is going to be huge as the line-up contains Bastille, Florence + The Machine, Foals, Kygo, Pharrell Williams, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tame Impala. Don’t forget to check out their website and to take a swimming costume with you!

Rock Legend Festival

When and where: 3-4 July, Dolina Charlotty

Hold in beautiful and unique amphitheatre in Dolina Charlotty, Rock Legend Festival is something for real rock fans. 2016 is a special years as this is going to be the 10th edition of this music event. The biggest star, returning to the Rock Legend Festival is going to be one and only Carlos Santana. You will also have a chance to see Deep Purple, The Sisters of Mercy, Marillion and Mike & The Mechanics. To learn more visit Rock Legend Festival website.

Katowice OFF Festival

When and where: 5-8 August, Katowice

Recommended by The Guardian, OFF festival is an alternative to the mainstream summer festivals. The music policy at this music event is one that encompasses many genres with one thing in common – the acts and artists generally go against the contemporary grain, swerving mainstream likeability for cool class. This means that the event generally plays host to just a few well known European names and more than makes up the numbers with crazy bands and up and coming talent. See the website.

Krakow Live Festival

When and where: 19-20 August, Krakow

Live Music Festival started off promoting hip – hop, r’n’b and pop. Yet in the following years, more and more bands cater to the tastes of rock fans. The festival hosted the greatest stars of and now it became an event that gathers fans of all music genres. Massive Attack, Sia, Damian „Jr. Gong” Marley, Cage The Elephant and The Neighbourhood are the hottest who will perform at Kraków Live Festival 2016. To see the full line-up and buy tickets check out the website.