Music Festival in Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane is located at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Known for skiing and hiking, Zakopane hosts two great music festivals, a jazz festival in May and a folk festival in August. Over 15 countries were representated at the Folk Festival. Dressed in their countries' costumes, people danced and sang throughout the town. The Folk Festival was free and it was just great.

During this time, there was an open house held with a number of great glass painters and sculptors. Just to name a few that are definitely worth seeing: husband and wife Barbara and Bogdan Dziadzio—their glass paintings and sculptures are fantastic; the unbelievable work of Zofia Fortecka; the sculpture work of Eugeniusz Bogucki; and the work of Arkadiusz Waloch, shown at his gallery AWA. The Jaszczurowka Chapel, with a number of works of several artists, and the art gallery Yam off of Krupowski Street are places that need to be visited. Krupowski Street is the main place to be in Zakopane, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and souvenir places, and it runs right into the market. The marketplace has everything you could possibly want to buy.

Quick Tips:

Get out and walk around. It's a beautiful town, and the best way to see it is to walk. There is a tourist office just off of Krupowski Street, near the Folk Festival.

There is a laundry in town, and the prices are more than reasonable–much cheaper than hotel laundry.

If you are a person who goes to Catholic services on Sunday, be prepared for crowds. Go early or you may be standing outside.

The ice cream stands on Krupowski Street are great–the ice cream is delicious.

There are some great artists in this town, and it's definitely worth stopping at the galleries.

Best Way To Get Around:

Getting to Zakopane can be a problem. We took the bus, a long trip; if I did it again I would take the train.

Once in Zakopane, you can walk to most of the places you want to go. There are some places outside of town that will definitely need transportation.

Just off of Krupowski Street, the main street of Zakopane. Far enough away from any noise and close enough to walk to everything. Great buffet breakfast, a small work out room and an indoor pool.

Staff was excellent, helpful, and spoke English.

Restaurant was excellent and food was very good, great presentation.

There was a spa right next door and there was access through the hotel.

I am sure skiing is the thing to do in Zakopane, but I certainly believe the Folk Festival, held in August, was something you don't want to miss. Music was held at different places all over town, with the main concerts held in a tent near the tourist office. Over 15 countries were represented, with people dressed in their countries' costumes singing and dancing.

There were also parades a couple of times throughout the week.

There is also a jazz festival held in May.