Kraków at the Crossroads of Tradition: 22nd Kiermasz Pogranicza Kultur

From 15 to 25 October 2026, the 22nd Kiermasz Pogranicza Kultur (Borderland Cultures Fair) is taking place at Mały Rynek in Kraków. The organiser is IMAGO Centrum Sztuki Ludowej (IMAGO Folk Art Centre). The fair features handicrafts from folk artists and artisans, and the programme includes music and dance performances as well as workshops. Admission to all parts of the programme is free.

In Brief

• Dates: 15–25 October 2026
• Venue: Mały Rynek in Kraków
• Organiser: IMAGO Centrum Sztuki Ludowej (IMAGO Folk Art Centre)
• Programme: handicrafts, performances by bands from several countries, workshops
• Admission to all parts of the programme is free

Tradition Meets at Mały Rynek

The fair mainly covers the area of Mały Rynek, where its 22nd edition runs from 15 to 25 October 2026. The event is prepared by IMAGO Centrum Sztuki Ludowej. It is aimed both at residents of Kraków and at people who visit the city during this period.

The title of this year’s edition refers to the meeting of different traditions in one space. The organisers announce the presentation of musical, dance and craft traditions from regions of Poland and many other countries. As a result, Mały Rynek becomes, for several days, a place of exchange between creators and performers from different parts of the world.

Crafts and Exhibitors from Several Countries

The stalls will feature handicrafts from folk artists and artisans from Poland, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. The range covers various techniques and materials, so visitors can see how craft traditions from different regions look side by side. Among the products presented, the following are mentioned, among others:

• ceramics
• wooden and leather goods
• textiles and embroidery
• lace and wickerwork
• jewellery

Music and Dance from Many Countries

The artistic programme includes performances by groups from Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus and Israel, as well as performers from Poland. The organisers announce the presentation of musical and dance traditions from various regions, so the fair combines handicrafts with live music and dance displays. The performances are part of the programme, for which admission is free.

Workshops on Traditional Techniques

Participants can learn about traditional craft techniques, watch work with materials and tools, and find out how selected products are made. The workshops allow visitors to look at the process of creating craft objects, not just the finished results.

A detailed workshop schedule is not described in the available materials, so it is worth checking the current programme on the organiser’s website and municipal news portals before your visit.

Food and Dining and the Kraków Card

Food and drink offerings are available during the fair. Holders of the Karta Krakowska (Kraków Card) can get a 35% discount on this range, excluding alcohol. This benefit is particularly relevant for people planning a longer stay at Mały Rynek who want to combine shopping for handicrafts with a meal.

Getting There and Traffic Arrangements

The materials announcing the fair do not contain information about changes to traffic arrangements, street closures or additional transport disruptions related to the event. They also do not provide separate directions for reaching Mały Rynek.

People planning to visit the city centre during this period may check current notices published by municipal bodies, including the Zarząd Dróg Miasta Krakowa (ZDMK, Kraków Roads Authority) and MPK Kraków (Kraków public transport operator), to avoid surprises on their route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Facts

• The 22nd Kiermasz Pogranicza Kultur runs from 15 to 25 October 2026 at Mały Rynek.
• The programme combines handicrafts with performances by groups from many countries and workshops.
• Admission to all parts of the programme is free, and Kraków Card holders can get a discount on food and drink.

Based on information from: krakow.pl