From electropop to alternative moods to heavy rock riffs and club bangers under the open sky - Poznań's lakes and beaches will be ringing with sounds to please everyone, whether you are a bit of a music snob or just want to dance amidst stunning nature.
#NaFalach
#NaFalach has been a staple of Poznań's summer music scene for years - and all signs suggest that this year's edition will only raise the bar.
The main event? The long-awaited return of The Dumplings duo on 20 June. Justyna Święs and Kuba Karaś - pioneers of the Polish electropop scene whose 2014 debut album "No Bad Days" set the tone for a new wave - will be back from a lengthy hiatus. Their Strzeszynek concert promises a nostalgic trip through "Mewy" and "Betonowy las", plus a taste of new tracks - this duo certainly haven't been sitting on their hands. Then, on 21 June, we are in for a proper emotional double bill. First up: Błażej Król - an artist who's always slipped past simple labels. From his "UL/KR" project, to collaborations with Nosowska, and now his solo work - he has shown that it is possible to speak personally from the heart while taking artistic risks. Following him: Kathia - a singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist whose 2023 album "Przestrzeń" earned rave reviews and scooped up big awards, including Empik Bestsellers.
The next instalment comes on 8 August with Cleo - a household name in Polish pop. Her concerts are pure energy: a mix of crowd-pleasing hits everyone knows, from "My Słowianie" to "Za krokiem krok". And on 9 August, the series wraps up with Hubert - rapper, singer, and songwriter. "Shut away in a flat with Persian rugs and three quiet days between gigs", he recorded "Kolorowe domy" (2024) - a gem for anyone who digs a more offbeat, alternative spin on hip-hop. Filip Borowiak, spokesperson for the Poznań Sports and Recreation Centre (POSiR), says the #NaFalach project is all about free events in settings that bring people together. "The music industry is always shifting, and we're keeping a close eye on what's hot in Poland. We are excited to keep giving back to the Poznań community with these free concerts in amazing lakeside settings," he says.
The Rusałka Stage
If #NaFalach is the city's biggest concert series, then Scena nad Rusałką (The Rusałka Stage) is its independent cousin - a bit more underground, more eclectic, and never afraid to push the envelope in artist selection. This year's edition kicked off in May and will feature a whopping 43 concerts through to the end of August. According to programmers Zosia Blew and Michał Pudełko, the focus is on mixing things up - genres, generations, styles. That is why you will see Fryderyk award-winners sharing the stage with fresh faces just making their debut.
The June lineup is packed and varied. On 19 June, there is Chrust, an ethno-rock crew, and Dagadana - a Polish-Ukrainian ensemble known for uniquely blending jazz, electronic sounds, and folk influences. The month rounds off on 26 June with a strong female showing: Ania Szlagowska - a debut artist already carving out a distinct alt-pop sound, followed by Alicja - The Voice of Poland winner who has finally dropped her debut album after a five-year wait.
And the concerts keep coming all summer. Punk roars back to Rusałka on 3 July with The Bill and the no-holds-barred Pull The Wire. A week later, on 10 July, the tone shifts with Imasleep - a mysterious electro-classical outfit with a knack for introspective soundscapes. Later that night, La Giang brings her spin on contemporary techno.
Expect poetic vibes and alternative urban stories on 17 July from Michał Od Kości and Jakub Skorupa, while Wiktoria Zwolińska and Livka serve up a night of bold feminine energy on 24 July. R&B gets its moment too: Nata (aka Natalia Hoffmann-Pawlak) - a rapper from Poznań - shares the stage on 31 July with Paulina Przybysz, a veteran of the Polish noire music scene who will perform tracks from her new jazz-inflected album "Insides".
August on the Rusałka starts off on an atmospheric note, with the organic sound of Magda Kluz and the emotionally-charged dark pop from the Pola Chobot & Adam Baran duo on 7 August. Viral online stars take over the lakeside stage on 14 August: rapper Shymczyk and Diiya - whose folk-tinged synthpop has exploded on Polish TikTok. Deep basslines shake things up on 21 August with Villaz and Iwona Skv, hot off her appearance at "Next Fest '24". The final show on 28 August features the trancey blues of Gypsy and the Acid Queen, followed by Ignacy - a hometown hero whose track "Czekam na znak" recently went double platinum in record time.
Poznań Rock Festival
While bouncing between lakeside venues, there is one more must-see - especially for fans of the louder, heavier sound. Poznań Rock Festival 2025 is back, also on a waterfront (Lake Malta), taking over Polana Harcerza (Scout Clearing) from 27-29 June for a three-day sonic storm.
What to expect? This year's theme is "Fest Gruba Biba", and it kicks off with a bang. Day one features Dziwna Wiosna - a Warsaw trio balancing between melodic noise and lyrical tension - followed by punk legends Farben Lehre, who have stuck to their guns delivering a consistent message and sound for nearly four decades. Then it's Pidżama Porno, whose frontman Grabaż Grabowski knows exactly how to fire up a crowd. Also hitting the stage: cult rockers Happysad with their mix of rock tunes and generational cool and lyricism, and Wojtek Szumański - a vocalist and composer whose solo concerts epitomise subtle sensitivity.
Saturday is all about rising stars and milestone moments. Kicking off with the winner of the young band competition (to be announced just before the fest), followed by Dr. Misio - actor Arek Jakubik's punk-tinged band known for its sharp-tongued ironic take on the world. The big moment? Hunter's 40th anniversary set - backed by a full choir. Wrapping up the day: Kazik, a true titan of Polish independent music scene, still as hellishly relevant and unpredictable as ever.
And don't think the third day is a wind-down. Expect vintage energy from The Hilgrims, brooding lyrics and dramatic expressiveness from Swiernalis, and some absurdist but genuine flair from Latające Biustonosze. The finale? None other than Luxtorpeda - Litza's Poznań-based ensemble, delivering their trademark dose of guitar - followed by Spięty, the Lao Che frontman whose original solo material channels unfiltered tension and introspective lyrics.
In short, June - and the rest of summer - in Poznań is going to be loud. Whether you are into jazz, techno, punk, pop or just chasing good vibes - all roads lead to this city. Just turn up, tune in, and let the music carry you. Everything else will fall into place.
Sebastian Gabryel
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
#NaFalach,
Lake Strzeszyńskie
20-21.06, 8-9.08.
free admission
for more, see: facebook.com/nafalachpoznan
Scena nad Rusałką (The Rusałka Stage)
Lake Rusałka Stage
until 28.08.
free admission
for more, see: facebook.com/scenanadrusalka
Poznań Rock Festival
Polana Harcerza at Lake Malta
27-29.06.
for more, see: rockfestival.pl
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2025