Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow 2025 – Celebrate Jewish Heritage in the Heart of Kazimierz
Each summer, Krakow’s historic Kazimierz district comes alive with the sounds of klezmer music, Hebrew chants, and voices sharing stories of resilience, identity, and joy. From 25 to 29 June 2025, the 34th Jewish Culture Festival returns under the symbolic title “Kuzmir” – a Yiddish name for Kazimierz and a tribute to the spirit of Jewish life in Poland.
More than just a cultural event, this festival is a living, breathing celebration of Jewish heritage. It’s a week of music, learning, storytelling, and community – drawing tens of thousands of visitors from around the world to Krakow’s most atmospheric district.
What is the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow?
Founded in 1988 – even before the fall of communism – the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow has grown into one of the most important Jewish cultural events in the world. Its mission? To explore and honour the rich Jewish life that once flourished in Poland and continues to evolve in new, creative forms.
The 2025 edition, titled “Kuzmir”, invites guests to reflect on the history, but also to experience the present – through concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and moments of shared celebration in the streets and synagogues of Kazimierz.
When and Where Does the Festival Take Place?
- Dates: 25–29 June 2025
- Location: Kazimierz – the former Jewish district of Krakow, once home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities
Festival events are hosted in a variety of venues – historic synagogues, the festival tent on Józefa Street, intimate cafes, and open-air stages. Whether you're attending a lecture in the Old Synagogue or dancing under the stars at a klezmer jam session, the setting is always part of the magic.
What’s on the Programme?
The 34th edition will feature over 200 events, including:
- Live concerts of klezmer, cantorial, and experimental Jewish music
- Workshops in Yiddish song, Hasidic dance, cooking, and paper-cutting
- Exhibitions exploring Jewish identity, memory, and art
- Film screenings, guided walks, and street performances
- The famous “Shalom on Szeroka” concert on the final Saturday – drawing over 10,000 guests to Szeroka Street in a joyful celebration of Jewish culture
Festival founder and artistic director Janusz Makuch will once again open the week with his signature talk, setting the tone for days filled with curiosity, emotion, and discovery.
How to Join the Festival
Many events are free of charge, but the more popular ones require tickets – available online via the festival’s official website or at the venue (if seats remain). We recommend booking ahead, especially for concerts and workshops with limited capacity.
Some events are held in Polish, others in English, and many are multilingual – embracing the international nature of the festival community.
Explore Jewish Heritage in Krakow
Beyond the festival itself, Kazimierz invites you to slow down and explore its rich Jewish heritage at your own pace.
You can wander the district on your own using this self-guided audio tour, or join a guided walking tour led by a local expert who brings the history of synagogues, narrow streets, and cultural traditions to life. For those short on time, a sightseeing tour by electric car is a great option – covering Kazimierz, the former ghetto area, and optionally Schindler’s Factory Museum.
And while you’re here, don’t miss the chance to experience the culinary side of Kazimierz. For Israeli-style street food and fantastic hummus, Hamsa is a local favourite. If you're in the mood for a traditional setting with live Jewish music in the evenings, Ariel on Szeroka Street delivers both atmosphere and flavour. Noah, known for its award-winning modern Israeli cuisine, serves incredible lamb kebabs and fresh pita. And if you’re after something eclectic in a post-synagogue turned cultural space, head to Hevre – part bar, part café, part gallery, and 100% Kazimierz.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Polish to attend?
No – many events are held in English or are accessible through translation.
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets are sold via jewishfestival.pl and at the venues (subject to availability).
Is this festival suitable for kids?
Yes – some workshops and concerts are family-friendly.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, an open heart, and curiosity. Most venues are within walking distance, but weather can be variable in late June.
Final Thoughts
The Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow 2025 is more than a cultural event – it’s an emotional, vibrant, and often transformative experience. Whether you’re coming for the music, the stories, or the spirit of Kazimierz itself, you’ll find something unforgettable waiting for you in the heart of Krakow this June.
Plan your visit today – and don’t forget to enrich your experience with a walking tour, a great meal, or an evening of music under the stars.
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Duration: 2h
Audio Guide
Transportation included
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