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St. Dominic’s Fair (Jarmark św. Dominika) in Gdańsk is more than just a market—it’s a vibrant, centuries-old festival that transforms the city’s historic core into a buzzing hub of trade, culture, and celebration. As it returns for its 765th edition in 2025, the fair is set to run from July 26 to August 17, 2025, making Gdańsk the focus of Poland’s—and arguably Europe’s—summer festivities.
Origins and History
The roots of St. Dominic’s Fair stretch back to 1260, when Pope Alexander IV granted the Dominican friars of Gdańsk the right to hold indulgences in honor of their founder’s feast. The religious celebration quickly grew into a trade fair, attracting merchants, artisans, and performers from across Europe. Over 400 ships would dock in Gdańsk for the August fair, bringing exotic goods and adding to the city’s cosmopolitan spirit. Over the centuries, the fair changed locations within the city and evolved into one of Europe’s biggest open-air festivals, revered for both tradition and spectacle.
When and Where
Dates: July 26 – August 17, 2025
Location: The fair spreads across the Main Town and Old Town of Gdańsk, with key event zones on streets like Długa, Wały Jagiellońskie, and Dominikański Square.
During these 23 days, much of the heart of Gdańsk is closed to regular traffic and handed over to participants, turning the old city into an expansive pedestrian marketplace with thematic areas, event stages, and thousands of stalls.
What Makes St. Dominic’s Fair Unique?
- Scale: It’s the largest open-air cultural event in Poland and among the biggest in Europe, with about 1,000 traders, artists, and artisans participating and more than 5 million estimated visitors throughout the event.
- Atmosphere: The city pulses with energy, blending historical heritage with modern creativity. Expect a riot of languages, colors, and music everywhere you go, with both locals and tourists mingling in Gdańsk’s transformed streets.
- Tradition Meets Modernity: Signature elements like bread festivals, artisan craft stalls, and music parades mix seamlessly with street food, contemporary art, and new entertainment.
Attractions and Zones
The fair spans six unique city spaces, each dedicated to different aspects of the festival, making every visit a new adventure:
- Marketplace & Artisans’ Alley: Hunt for antiques, crafts, amber jewelry, handmade toys, folk costumes, and art. Skilled artisans display and sell Polish and international handicrafts, including pottery, glass, felt and leather goods, and much more.
- The Culinary Zones: Walk through a “Festival of Tastes” featuring Polish delicacies (including pierogi, bigos, and farmhouse bread), world cuisines, food trucks, sweets, and local brews for all ages.
- Family and Kid Attractions: Children can enjoy the AmberSky observation wheel, classic Gdańsk Carousel, spinning coaster rides, bungee jumping, and thematic play areas. There’s often a giant loaf of bread exhibit filled with bakery goodies.
- Cultural and Musical Events: Expect daily concerts of local and global music, dance performances, retro fashion shows, theatrical acts, and live street entertainment. Historical reenactments, parades, and puppet shows add a touch of tradition.
- Sports and Fitness: The St. Dominic’s Run attracts runners of all ages, while sports demonstrations and competitions animate the event calendar.
- Senior and Relaxation Zones: Dedicated areas for seniors, peaceful green zones, and spots to unwind offer respite from the lively crowds.
2025 Program Highlights
The fair kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Artus Court on July 26, combining music, acrobatics, and dance, culminating in a performance that brings both historical and contemporary Gdańsk to life.
Recurring Events and Special Days:
- Bread Festival (July 27): A celebration dedicated to Gdańsk’s baking traditions.
- Zone of Cities and Regions (July 26-30): Discover the culinary and cultural gifts of other Polish and European cities, plus regional specialties.
- Equality Stop (August 1): Inclusive festivities centered on diversity and equality within the community.
- Festival of Pomeranian Social Economy: Engage with local NGOs and community groups showcasing social projects and products.
- Fair Karaoke and Retro Stage: Join in street karaoke, enjoy a 70’s retro fashion show, and see vintage parades—the city is alive with themed parties almost daily.
Daily Events:
Every day you can find:
- Animated workshops for children and adults
- Art shows and open-air exhibitions
- Theatre and circus performances
- Food tastings and culinary competitions
- Craft demonstrations and hands-on sessions
Evenings feature major concerts, fireworks, and unique spectacles, ranging from open-air jazz to events inspired by folk and world music traditions.
Practical Information
- Map & Navigation: The fair encompasses most of Gdańsk’s Old Town, with event maps and tourist info points available at major entrances and online.
- Opening Hours: Most stalls and events run from morning to evening, typically 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, with main events in the evenings and weekends drawing the biggest crowds.
- Entry: Walking through Gdańsk and enjoying the fair is free (fees only for certain rides, workshops, or performances).
- Accessibility: The event is designed to be accessible to families, seniors, and visitors with limited mobility.
Why Visit?
Visitors come for the unique mix of things to see and do: from shopping for crafts and savoring authentic Polish food to participating in spontaneous singalongs, joining historical parades, and enjoying free concerts. International guests relish the festival’s blend of Polish flavors, warmth, and Mediterranean-style street life. There is an unmistakable feeling of openness and joy that permeates the city for the duration of the fair.
Closing Thoughts
St. Dominic’s Fair is, at its core, a celebration of Gdańsk’s history, culture, and vibrant present. For over 760 years, it has marked the high point of summer in northern Poland—a time when everyone, from local artisans to world travelers, is invited to experience the city’s magic. Whether you are coming to shop, taste, perform, watch, or simply wander Gdańsk’s ancient lanes, the fair promises something memorable for every visitor.