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Things to Do in Warsaw in October 2026

As the city embraces the golden hues of autumn, the capital's cultural calendar is packed with incredible events, festivals, and exhibitions that you simply cannot miss. First on our spotlight this month is the highly anticipated Warszawski Międzynarodowy Festiwal Filmowy . Film enthusiasts and industry professionals from all over the world will gather to celebrate the magic of cinema.

Newsletter • 4 min. read

As the city embraces the golden hues of autumn, the capital's cultural calendar is packed with incredible events, festivals, and exhibitions that you simply cannot miss.

First on our spotlight this month is the highly anticipated Warszawski Międzynarodowy Festiwal Filmowy. Film enthusiasts and industry professionals from all over the world will gather to celebrate the magic of cinema. Expect an outstanding lineup of international premieres, thought-provoking independent features, and exclusive Q&A sessions with visionary directors. It is the perfect way to spend a crisp October evening in the city.

Music lovers should definitely clear their schedules for the 22. Festiwal Skrzyżowanie Kultur. This extraordinary event transforms Warsaw into a vibrant global village, bringing together musicians and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. The festival celebrates world music and multiculturalism, offering an eclectic mix of sounds, traditional rhythms, and engaging workshops that highlight the beauty of global heritage.

If you are looking for inspiring design and local craftsmanship, make sure to spend an afternoon at Targi Rzeczy Wyjątkowych. This fantastic fair showcases the absolute best of independent Polish artisanship. From handcrafted jewelry and artisanal ceramics to bespoke fashion and beautiful home decor, it is an excellent opportunity to support local creators and find a one-of-a-kind treasure. While you are out exploring Warsaw's rich visual arts and design scene, art aficionados should also take the time to check out the Plakat polski. Kolekcja / odsłona 3. exhibition to admire the brilliant legacy and striking graphics of the Polish School of Posters.

Wrap up your October days with a warm cup of coffee, a stroll through Łazienki Park to see the autumn leaves, or by joining one of the fantastic Walkative! tours. Have a wonderful month exploring the rich cultural tapestry our city has to offer!

October 11, 2026
22. Festiwal Skrzyżowanie Kultur
The 22nd 'Crossroads of Cultures' Festival takes place at the Dramatic Theatre, presenting a variety of cultural performances and artistic expressions.
October 17–18, 2026
Targi Rzeczy Wyjątkowych
The 'Unique Items Fair' returns to Warsaw, featuring the best Polish handicrafts. It will take place on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026.
🛍️ Market expoxxi.pl →
October 9–18, 2026
Warszawski Międzynarodowy Festiwal Filmowy
The Warsaw International Film Festival transforms the city into a hub for global cinema, featuring premieres, and meetings with filmmakers from around the world.
🎪 Festival wff.pl →
October 5–6, 2026
Festiwal Fotoforma 2026
A photography and imaging festival held at PGE Narodowy. The available Warsaw source lists it for 5–6 October 2026.
🎪 Festival fotoforma.pl →
October 2026 — exact start date TBA
69. Warszawska Jesień – Międzynarodowy Festiwal Muzyki Współczesnej
The 69th Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music, themed 'Signs', encourages looking beyond the surface of works to their meanings and deeper structures.
October 23–25, 2026
Jazz Jamboree
One of Poland’s oldest jazz festivals. The official Warsaw city notice says the 67th edition begins on 23 October 2026 and focuses on special projects by leading Polish jazz artists.
🎪 Festival stodola.pl →
October 2–4, 2026
Maraton Warszawski
A major road marathon weekend in Warsaw with race distances including the full marathon and shorter companion runs. It is one of the city’s best-known sporting events and attracts both elite runners and amateur participants.
October 13, 2026 – January 24, 2027
Plakat polski. Kolekcja / odsłona 3.
A poster exhibition in Warsaw focused on the Polish poster collection, opening in mid-October. This is a strong pick for visitors interested in graphic design and visual culture.
🖼️ Exhibition muzea.waw.pl →

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