21st Cultural Borderlands Fair – 11 Days of Folk, Crafts and Music in Kraków

This October, Kraków’s Mały Rynek (Small Market Square) will once again turn into a lively celebration of crafts, music and dance. From 16 to 26 October 2025, the city will host the 21st Cultural Borderlands Fair, organised by IMAGO Centre of Folk Art.

For 11 days, visitors can experience authentic folk culture in the very heart of the Old Town – a perfect way to enjoy the golden Polish autumn in Kraków.

Tradition Meets Modernity

The Cultural Borderlands Fair is more than just a market – it’s a vibrant space of dialogue between the past and the present. As Michał Czerski, President of IMAGO, says:

“The borderland is a space where tradition teaches dialogue, and diversity gives birth to new forms of beauty. Kraków has always been a centre of exchange – of ideas, crafts and art – and today it continues to inspire a sense of community built on curiosity and respect.”

This year, 56 exhibitors from Poland and Lithuania will showcase their works at the market stalls. Visitors will find handmade jewellery, ceramics, embroidery, lace, wooden sculptures, fabrics and folk-inspired everyday objects. Each stand tells a story of regional heritage and artistic creativity – a perfect opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs directly from the artists.

Creative Workshops for Everyone

The Fair also offers a wide range of craft workshops where participants can learn traditional skills such as pottery, toy-making, woodcarving, Kraków embroidery, bobbin lace or metal art.

There are also modern, seasonal ideas inspired by folk art – like making pumpkin lanterns, hand-painted tote bags, block printing on fabric or creating feather jewellery. All workshops are run by experienced artists and folk masters from across Poland, offering an inspiring and hands-on way to connect with traditional craftsmanship.

These are workshops that teach, inspire and entertain, open to both adults and children.

Music, Dance and Folk Energy

Music has always been the heart of the Fair. For 11 days, Mały Rynek will host concerts featuring artists from Poland and neighbouring countries. Among the performers are Małe Słowianki, Folklezz, Śpisko Qmpanijo, Ukoja, Spotkali się za rogiem and the Morskie Oko Highlander Band.

Expect lively highlander tunes, melancholic Slavic ballads, Balkan rhythms and klezmer melodies – all blending traditional folk with jazz, pop and electronic influences. Evening open-air dances and community singing create a warm, festive atmosphere that perfectly captures the multicultural spirit of Kraków.

A Fresh Visual Identity

This year’s edition features a new visual identity inspired by Kraków’s symbols. Warm autumn colours, motifs of St. Mary’s Tower and folk rosettes reflect both the season and the city’s artistic soul. The new design also helps visitors navigate the event space thanks to clear signage and consistent materials.

Why You Should Visit

The Cultural Borderlands Fair is:

• a meeting with authentic folk art and craftsmanship,
• a chance to join creative workshops and concerts in the city centre,
• an opportunity to buy unique handmade souvenirs,
• and above all, a celebration of culture, community and tradition.

If you’re visiting Kraków in October, make sure to add this event to your list – for 11 days, the Small Market Square becomes a colourful crossroad of Polish, Lithuanian and Carpathian culture.

📅 When: 16–26 October 2025
📍 Where: Mały Rynek (Small Market Square), Kraków
🎟️ Admission: Free
📖 Organiser: IMAGO Centre of Folk Art