Late Summer Events

Summer cinema in Skaryszewski Park. Photo by Adrian Krawczyk

August is still a peak time for summer events and things don’t slow down much in September either. With beautiful late-summer, early-autumn weather and students not due back in university classes until October, the capital is abuzz with activities in the open-air and there’s so much happening it can be a bit overwhelming. In addition to regular events at Browary Warszawskie (p.18), and epic summer evenings at Lunapark (p.14) and Nocny Market (p.89), check out the seasonal events covered here. For more info about what’s on in Warsaw every day, visit our website.

Until 10.09 » Summer Film Capital

Every summer during July and August, the city organises literally hundreds of free outdoor film screenings in public spaces around the centre of Warsaw and the suburbs from Tues-Sun. This year the series extends into early September and totals 162 film screenings taking place in 22 different locations, including POLIN (D-4), Saxon Garden (F-6) and the Warsaw National Museum (H-8). With several films per day, the programme ranges from recent blockbusters to film classics and cult favourites. Visit their website to see the full schedule of films and locations. Quite popular, it’s wise to arrive early if you want to snag one of the provided beach chairs, or bring your own blanket.Qwww.filmowastolica.pl. Admission free. Until 25.09 » Chopin Concerts in Łazienki Park

Enjoy the musical genius of Warsaw’s most famous son, Fryderyk Chopin, in the regal setting of Royal Łazienki Park. One of the city’s most charming and cherished summer traditions, these piano recitals have been organised beneath the park’s iconic Chopin monument (p.51) since 1959 and are performed by award-winning pianists from around the world. The recitals are free and take place every Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00 until the end of September. Incredibly popular, locals flock to the park for these occasions and you should too; take a blanket and picnic to do it right.QH‑11, Łazienki Park, Admission free, www.lazienki‑krolewskie.pl. Every Sunday.

Until 27.08 » Jazz on the Old Town Square

If you’re a jazz lover, this is a great series of outdoor concerts by big names in the Polish and international jazz scene, taking place every Saturday in July and August at 19:00 on Warsaw’s picturesque Old Town Square (p.36). There’s still a chance to catch the Marcin Wasilewski Trio (20/08) and Rosalio Giuliani Quartet & Luciano Biondini (27/08). Quite a lot of people turn up for these free events, so arrive early if you want a seat.QF‑4, Old Town Square, Rynek Starego Miasta, www.jazznastarowce.pl. Every Saturday. Admission free.

27.08 - 04.09 » Jewish Culture Festival: Singer’s Warsaw

Warsaw’s annual Jewish Festival - also known as ‘Singer’s Warsaw,’ after Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer, who grew up in Warsaw’s Yiddish-speaking quarter before WWI - aims to celebrate the city’s Jewish heritage and recreate the vibrance of its pre-war atmosphere, while showcasing contemporary Jewish culture and promoting tolerance. Absolutely worth investigating, the festival includes dozens of concerts, theatre performances, exhibits, workshops, city walks, activities for kids and more - all across town. This year’s annual ‘Klezmer Night’ on Plac Defilad will feature the Ukrainian group Kommuna Lux - selfdescribed as Odessa gangsta folk and klezmer, and the final concert in the National Theatre will be performed by international star Yasmin Levy, where the Israeli singer will be accompanied by Gang Tango. Go online for the full programme of performers and events.Qwww.festiwalsingera.pl. Until 30.09 » Multimedia Fountain Park Shows & Concerts

Head along the river a short walk north from the Old Town to find Multimedia Fountain Park, home to a few sculptures, a gallery, mural, restaurant and...oh yeah, one of the most expensive, high-tech fountains in the country. Modestly impressive by day, after dark this attraction delights crowds with extraordinary displays combining music, light and water, creating visual effects of remarkable clarity such as Warsaw’s iconic Syrenka (Mermaid) moving through the water. Quite a show, these memorable spectacles are free to attend, last 30 minutes and take place Fri & Sat only at 21:00 in August, 20:30 in September. They are also immensely popular, so consider arriving early to get a good spot.

What’s more, from August 19 to September 2 the park hosts a free summer jazz concert series before the after-dark fountain shows beginning at 19:00 on Fridays, 20:00 on Saturdays; visit their FB page to see the line-up. As further incentive for families, across the street is the ‘Warsaw Family Zone’ (open 08:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-19:00; Sun 10:00-19:00), which features a playground and mini water park. QF‑3, Multimedia Fountain Park, Skwer im. I Dywizji Pancernej, MDworzec Gdański, www.park‑fontann.pl. Every Friday & Saturday. Admission free.

Check what’s on in Warsaw right now:

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