Once again, the St. Dominic's Fair has been ranked among the top ten most prestigious events in Europe in the European Best Destinations ranking for the best summer events in Europe! The event, organised by Międzynarodowe Targi Gdańskie SA, has been recognised for, among other things, its originality, cultural significance, visual appeal, reputation, and international attractiveness. This year, the event will take place between 25 July and 16 August.
Of the 80 events taking place in European cities between June and September, the 10 best have been chosen. Among them, once again, is the Festival of Wonders in Gdańsk!
The fair found itself in the top ranks alongside events such as the classical music festival in Croatia, a multimedia light and fountain show in the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, an international paddle tennis tournament in Marbella, Spain, and a street animation festival in Romania. Also featured in the prestigious ranking are the Sao Joao Night in Porto and the drone festival in Lloret de Mar, Spain.
All events were assessed for originality, visitor experience, cultural significance, visual appeal, reputation, as well as value for money and international attractiveness.
– Thousands of festivals, concerts, sporting events, culinary gatherings, artistic performances and cultural celebrations take place across Europe every year. From world-renowned international events to hidden local gems. The diversity of experiences is extraordinary – emphasise the organisers of the ranking and add: – Summer in Europe is more than a season. It is a celebration of culture, creativity, gastronomy, music, sport, heritage and human connections.
St. Dominic's Fair. Everyone has their own story here.
St. Dominic's Fair is one of the oldest and largest outdoor events in Europe. This year's edition is held under the slogan „Everyone has their own story here,” which emphasises the unique character of this celebration co-created for generations by exhibitors, residents and visitors. This year's slogan also refers to the actions related to the inscription of selected traditions of St. Dominic's Fair on the national list of intangible cultural heritage. An application for registration will be submitted before the inauguration of this year's event.
For three holiday weeks, the centre of Gdańsk will once again become a space for meetings, trade, and culture, offering a rich programme of artistic events, family attractions, educational initiatives, and culinary experiences.
St. Dominic's Fair is not just a place for shopping and entertainment, but also an important element of the city's cultural heritage. Every year it attracts crowds of residents and tourists interested in crafts, art, gastronomy, and local traditions. The event's popularity is confirmed by numbers – last year the Fair recorded 1.5 million visits.
This year's Fair will take place on 25 July – 16 August 2026 in Gdańsk.
