Packed with dozens of concerts held across multiple venues in Poznań, as well as lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and various accompanying events, this three-day celebration of music has been attracting increasingly more attention each year from audiences, artists, and the music industry alike. Next Fest is growing by leaps and bounds, but as Agnieszka Kopiewska, the festival's head of communications, has emphasised, its development is thoughtful, learning from past editions and prioritising quality over sheer scale.
This year, expect musical revelations that could soon be on everyone's lips across Poland. The biggest new addition this year is the Next Fest Award, an audience-conferred prize for the most exciting discovery and performance of the festival. "We want to give fans a say in who we reward, because that is an incredible incentive for the artists," says Kopiewska. She also points out that, as part of the Santander Letnie Brzmienia tour, last year's Next Fest Stage turned out to be a springboard to success for artists such as Ania Szlagowska and Dominika Płonka, both of whom have subsequently been nominated for the Fryderyk Awards in the Phonographic Debut of the Year category.
Organisers are calling this the boldest and most alternative edition to date. The fact that nearly a thousand bands have applied to make their appearances shows just how much interest the festival has been generating. "The selection process was incredibly tough, but we worked on it with excitement and passion," reveals Kopiewska. The end result is an eclectic lineup featuring debut artists from every genre and style, from Poland and beyond. While Next Fest remains primarily focused on showcasing the Polish music scene, it increasingly embraces international talent. This year, Poznań will see bands from Canada, the UK, Czechia, Spain, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
One of the standout acts to watch is Omasta, a band that fuses traditional jazz with a hip-hop aesthetic. Jazz lovers will also enjoy performances by Noco, Twoosty Majonez, and Zachwyt, as well as saxophonists Kacper Krupa and Michał Fetler, the latter appearing with his project Głupi Komputer. The Ancimons will deliver a high-energy mix of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and soul, while the rap scene will be represented by Plawgo, Kosma Król, and Kajetan Wolas. For fans of genre-blending sounds, there's Cinnamon Gum, led by Maciej Milewski, who channels the golden era of soul, and The Daltonists, a trio mixing jazz, afrobeat, dub, and club sounds. Also on the bill is Daniel Godson, an artist unafraid to experiment by blending pop, soul, and contemporary ballads.
On the electronic front, Fejká, a German producer known for his emotionally charged soundscapes, will take the stage, alongside Mac&Wester, a French duo deeply rooted in the French touch aesthetic. NFNR, a Ukrainian artist known for her industrial techno, will also be performing. Those who prefer heavier sounds should check out the Antena Krzyku and Peleton Records showcase, featuring Hanako, Męty, and Potwory i Ludzie, who are sure to bring intensity and noise to the festival. Rock'n'roll fans, meanwhile, can look forward to performances by Kisu Min, Dorian's Streaming Shadow, and Loveworms, with Sinplus from Switzerland adding an international flavour to the mix.
As for artists from Poznań, it's worth highlighting the rich Next Fest partner programme featuring the My Name Is Poznań stage, Estrada Stage, concerts at KontenerART, as well as numerous side events, warm-up parties, afterparties, and even festival breakfasts, all set to create an atmosphere the city hasn't seen in a long time. Festivalgoers will also enjoy discounts at several partner venues across Poznań.
Next Fest isn't just about unearthing new talent-it also welcomes well-established stars. One of the festival's highlights will be a concert by Grzegorz Turnau, whose signature style, lyrical finesse, and masterful piano performances have for years captivated listeners of all ages. In a different yet equally compelling mood, Marek Dyjak will take the stage-a master of musical storytelling about life, love, and raw emotions, capable of hypnotising audiences with his voice like few others. Pop fans will be delighted by performances from Natalia Kukulska and Mela Koteluk, two powerhouse female voices from different generations. Piotr Rogucki, formerly the frontman of Coma, will present new solo material-his first under his own name in a decade-after winning over audiences last year with his Karaś / Rogucki project. Wozz Lozowski, known for his work with Afromental, is also making a solo comeback.
Among the festival's headliners is the genre-blurring Marcin Masecki, whose projects effortlessly merge jazz, avant-garde, classical music, and alternative sounds. Fans of jazz, funk, and rap will appreciate the dynamic band Bibobit, while one of the strongest points in the line-up will be a performance by WaluśKraksaKryzys, one of the most original acts in Polish alternative music. Sarsa, a prolific hitmaker with multiple chart-topping singles, will unveil his new album. Last but not least, audiences will get to experience a special MTV Unplugged performance by Grubson.
The festival marathon will take over multiple venues across the city. The central hub will be the Zamek Cultural Centre, where attendees can exchange tickets for wristbands, catch concerts in the Grand Hall, and meet artists and media crews. Performances will also be held at Plac Wolności and across various venues including Tama, Blue Note, Dubliner, Lokum, Schron, Muchos, W Sercu, BaRock, SARP, Pod Minogą, and the Estrada Stage at the Old Market Square, where admission will be free. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, as dancing will surely be part of the experience. The festival's side attractions-including a silent disco, exhibitions, DJ sets, food events, and even parties on city trams-demonstrate just how expansive Next Fest truly is.
Alongside the music, Next Fest will host a major music industry conference, which this year will focus on mental health. The programme has been curated with care and expertise. "It will feature funny stories, meets & greets with fascinating personalities and panel discussions on the most pressing industry topics," says Agnieszka Kopiewska. The discussions will include the promotion of hip-hop in the age of TikTok, the role of music videos in the digital era, the rise of sober parties (alcohol-free clubbing - editor's note), artist health, the state of Polish girl bands, and the relationship between brands and music festivals.
Festival organisers emphasise that, much like its predecessor Spring Break, Next Fest has always been about spotting and setting musical trends. It does it in its own way, with a sense of intuition rather than chasing fleeting fads. "We love that the festival excites people, that fans keep coming back, and that our audience is growing from one year to the next. But ultimately, it all comes down to the pure joy of doing it," says Kopiewska. Instead of bowing to AI-generated formulas, Next Fest remains committed to live music that grabs your attention, tugs at your heart, makes your pulse race, and fills you with warmth from the inside out.
author: Sebastian Gabryel
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
Next Fest Music Showcase & Conference
24-26 April, multiple venues, tickets/passes: PLN 222
For more, see: nextfest.pl
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2025