Gdańsk has once again become the European capital of summer attractions! At noon on July 26th, the Długi Targ transformed into a colourful stage for the opening of one of Europe's oldest, largest, and most beautiful fairs. The traditional handover of the city gates' key to the merchants and a vibrant procession through the city's streets marked the beginning of three weeks of trade, flavours, and cultural events. The Festival of Wonders will last until August 17th – let's meet in the very heart of Gdańsk.
During the Opening Ceremony, we brought the past into the present, creating a spectacle unlike anything the Fair has ever seen. On stage, history came alive to the rhythm of music and dance – acrobats, dancers and musical scenes wove together ancient times with the modern spirit of Gdańsk. On the Forefronts of Artus Court. a specially composed song resonated, which – like a time machine – told the story of the St. Dominic's Fair in a new edition. It was a story of how one of Europe's most important cultural events has changed over the centuries.
After the artistic part, it's time for the official part.
– Dear residents of Gdańsk, dear Guests – we welcome you to our beautiful, wonderful city! The St. Dominic's Fair is a celebration that, for 765 years, has brought together people who are curious about the world, open to trade, culture, and learning from one another. It is a time for sharing joy, relationships, and the beautiful energy that flows from Europe and the entire world to Gdańsk – she said. Monika Chabior, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk. – Visit the stalls, talk to the artists, support social organisations – be a part of this unique event. May this time be inspiring, colourful and simply wonderful for you – now and long after the fair has ended! – added the Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk.
The culmination of the official inauguration was the symbolic handing over of the key to the gates of Gdańsk – the Deputy Mayor presented it To Andrzej Bojanowski, the President of the Gdańsk International Fair, the organiser of the event. A moment later, the fair's trumpet call sounded over Długi Targ – this year it was unique, composed of exactly 765 notes.
With the handing over of the key, a symbolic transformation of the city began – the exhibitors took over the Main and Old Town. A colourful procession moved along Długa Street – led by Hermes himself, the patron of trade, guiding a parade full of fanciful characters, sounds and colours, which carried the crowd away on a joyous journey through time and tradition.
– Our medieval brothers showed remarkable courage and openness when they came up with the bold idea of asking the Pope for permission to organise a fair by the monastery in Gdańsk, on the occasion of the Feast of St. Dominic. This gesture – so brave and so deeply rooted in concern for the community – gave rise to a tradition that continues to this day. I wish you all that this fair time may be an opportunity to experience what our brothers believed in: that every person has something to share – and that every encounter with another person can enrich us. May this be a beautiful time for Gdańsk and for all of us. – said Father. Michael Osek OP, Prior of the Order of St. Dominic in Gdańsk.
A parade of colourful characters has arrived at Equality Stop, where another part of the Fair – the one located on Heweliusz Square – has been symbolically opened. The Kozyrska x Sieczak duo will perform on stage. with the team. Just like last year, each of the stops celebrated its opening in a unique way. The "Taste Stop" came alive with the opening of the first market stalls, from which wafted the scents of spices and local delicacies. The "Adventure Stop" was enlivened by a parade of charming mascots, colourful characters known and loved – among them were animals from the Gdańsk Zoo, the beloved AmberLynx, and other friends of the Fair. The "Retro Stop" transported us back in time with a fashion show straight from the 70s. Denim, fringe, and glitter reigned in the heart of the Collectors' Alley. The whole event was crowned by the opening of the "Ołowianka" in its new guise at the "Gdańsk Port Under Sails Stop", where Phao Sanato performed on stage.
"We are meeting – and this number is being conjugated in all its cases today – for the seven hundred and sixty-fifth time at the St. Dominic's Fair. Please allow me to warmly welcome you on behalf of Marshal Mieczysław Struka and myself. We are very pleased to be part of this unique celebration," said the Member of the Board of the Pomeranian Voivodeship., Agnieszka Baranowska. I would particularly like to draw your attention to places that are very close to our hearts – such as Pomorska Street on Szeroka Street, where our local entrepreneurs are showcasing their wares. I also warmly invite you to Plac Świętopełka Wielkiego, to the Cities and Regions Zone – there you will find a true mosaic of cultures, colours, tastes, and sounds from all over the world. I wish you wonderful experiences, an unforgettable atmosphere, and thank you for being with us today. All the best! – she added.
765 St Dominic's Fair
This year's Fair features 745 stalls with 662 exhibitors, of which 275 are from Pomerania, including 168 from Gdańsk. 18 world cuisines, handicrafts, various types of art, collectibles, antiques, and fashion – all of this can be found in the fair's stalls. The Fair also includes an artistic and cultural section with over 200 items.
in the daily programme.
MARKET STOPS – THEMED ZONES FOR EVERYONE
A new feature of the recent editions – also in this jubilee year – are special themed stops, which open on the very first day of the Fair. Each offers unique attractions and a programme for every day:
Flavours' Stop in Świętopełka Square
From 10:00 AM, a true oasis opens on Świętopełka Square, right in the heart of the market bustle. Surrounded by a wealth of flavours from around the world and the aroma of local specialities, it invites you to pause for a moment – unhurriedly, without a plan, for pleasure! Every now and then, the Taste Stop comes to life even more – thanks to unique events that attract with taste, culture, and inspiration. These include the Cities and Regions Zone – a colourful presentation of the most beautiful places from Poland and the world, as well as the Silent Taste Meadow – a grand culinary festival of the Market! Live cooking shows, tastings, and the competition of the best chefs for the Market's Grand Prix.
The Gdańsk Port Stop, Under Sails, on Ołowianka
On Gdańsk's Ołowianka, you can find an ideal spot to meet friends, where good music plays, good films are watched at an outdoor cinema, light illuminations are admired, and much, much more. The venue has undergone a metamorphosis this year. It references Gdańsk with its port, container-like atmosphere. It's a place where tradition meets modernity in a tangible way. A place that hasn't been at the St. Dominic's Fair before. Here, Chopin concerts, Jazz on the Island, and an outdoor cinema will take place. You can also find the AmberSky Ferris wheel or experience a VR paragliding flight. Also located here is the new green zone – and not just because of the vegetation. Photovoltaics from Energa Obrót have been installed on four containers.
Equality Stop at Heweliusz Square
This is a place where important topics such as tolerance, openness, and freedom can be discussed as part of a summer holiday formula, bridging generational and cultural divides. People socialise, integrate, and learn here. It's diverse – operetta is interspersed with karaoke, and children's workshops with activities for seniors.
Adventure Stop with AmberSky at the Fish Market
Fun for the whole family! Here you'll find dance shows, science experiments, and games with mascots. In the AmberSky zone, you can discover labyrinths, sensory cubes, String Art workshops, the Gdańsk Carousel, a VR whitewater rafting simulator, and two premieres. This year, we have a new attraction: „Gold Rush – Treasure Hunter”. This is a proposition for true treasure hunters who, in a gold rush, will pan for „precious stones” from the sand, in streams of water, using a sieve. The treasures can be identified and checked where they occur in nature and in what areas of Poland, and most importantly, taken home as souvenirs, perhaps starting a fascinating adventure with a new passion. The youngest ones can also enjoy a special boat-shaped inflatable.
Retro Stop at Długie Ogrody
What if we transported ourselves to the 70s and 80s of the last century and immersed ourselves in the RETRO vibe? Within the bus stop area, you'll find: a 70s-style Insta-spot, an exhibition of vintage cars, antique auctions, and antique advice and restoration. There's also a musical concert zone, including a Vinyl concert.
Dominican Stop
The stop is another new addition to the St. Dominic's Fair. Here, in the shadow of the Gothic walls of St. Nicholas' Basilica, beats the heart of the centuries-old tradition of the Fair. The "Przystanek u Dominikanów" (Stop at the Dominicans) is a space for reflection, peace, and values that have endured for centuries – hospitality, equality, community.
The programme includes, among other things, sacred music concerts, calligraphy and meditation workshops, meetings with Dominicans, stories about the history of the order and its role in Gdańsk, as well as a performance to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, during which St. Nicholas' Basilica was the only church in Gdańsk to survive. It is here that spiritual heritage meets modern sensibility, and everyone can find a moment for themselves – regardless of age, faith, or beliefs.
– The history of Gdańsk and the entire Pomerania region is a history of craftspeople and merchants – working people who, over centuries, co-created this city, shoulder to shoulder with the Dominican friars. This year's, already 765th edition of the St. Dominic's Fair, is taking place in a special year – the Year of the 80th Anniversary of our Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts. On this occasion, we have declared 2025 the Year of Pomeranian Crafts. It is a great honour for us to be able to open this extraordinary celebration today, together with the authorities of Gdańsk and Pomerania. In a few days – on 9 and 10 August – we invite you to Heweliusz Square, where craftspeople will present their workshops, their stories, their passions. It will be a space for stories, shared fun, and pride in Pomeranian crafts. This year, together with the Gdańsk International Fair, we have also taken the initiative to list the St. Dominic's Fair on the national list of intangible cultural heritage – to further protect and develop this extraordinary heritage. I wish all organisers, merchants, craftspeople, restaurateurs, and guests a successful fair, much success, and beautiful memories.” – says the President of the Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Zbigniew Stencel.
Themed market streets
Strolling through the Market, you will discover unique streets:
You can send the lovely items you’ve bought at St Dominic’s Fair to your loved ones or to your own home with a 40% discount! Thanks to our partnership with ORLEN Paczka, visitors to the Fair can take advantage of this offer. How does it work?
Attention! Treasures from the Fair You will pack for free at the ORLEN Paczki stand, and you will send them from a special Christmas market parcel locker on Skwer Świętopełka.
Festive Market
The Festival of Bread – a tradition that unites generations
The Bread Festival will take place on 27th July at Heweliusz Square. The anniversary, 30th edition will run from 10:00 to 17:00. Visitors can expect tastings of baked and confectionery products, competitions with prizes, artistic performances (including shanties with the band Trzy Majtki), attractions for children run by Teatr Qfer, and a consultation zone with dietitians. It's also an opportunity to meet bakers and learn the secrets of healthy bread. .
Cities and Regions Zone
A multicultural space for meetings, inspiration, and experiences, where cities, regions, and countries from all over Europe present their best – heritage, unique attractions, and local products. This is a unique spot on the St. Dominic's Fair map, where every step is a journey through diverse cultures and traditions. Promotional stands of cities, regions, and countries – inspiring you to discover new travel destinations. You can find local products from Poland and around the world – handicrafts, delicacies, natural products. There will be tastings, shows, and performances, as well as authentic encounters with culture and tradition – directly from its ambassadors. This is a space where people and stories meet, and diversity becomes a value that can be experienced and taken away with you. In this zone, from July 26th to 29th, the following will appear: Łódzkie Voivodeship, Pomorskie Voivodeship, Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organisation with its Members, Cyprus, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Tourist Organisation, and Wrocław.
Festival of Pomeranian Social Economy
For the third time at Heweliusz Square, during the St. Dominic's Fair, there will be a meeting as part of the largest social economy event in Pomerania. The aim of the Pomeranian Social Economy Festival is to promote social economy in its broadest sense, which, simply put, means conducting business activities that combine economic (profit) and social (helping to prevent exclusion) goals. The event will be an excellent opportunity not only to get to know various organisations from the sector and their activities but also to offer direct support. We invite you on August 1st.
The St. Dominic's Fair is a celebration of many events and anniversaries, which the organisers will inform about on an ongoing basis. All cultural information is available at https://jarmarkswdominika.pl/program/
AmberSky – daily entertainment for young and old
AmberSky is the titular partner of Przystanek Przygoda with AmberSky at the Fish Market. It provides a zone of permanent attractions for the whole family: mazes, games, a sensory cube, a carousel, a VR simulator, a relaxation zone, creative workshops, a dream wall, and an adventurer's passport. On Ołowianka, you will find the famous AmberSky Ferris Wheel and the Spinning Coaster "Wirujące Beczki" (Spinning Barrels).
Opening hours of the Fair
The fair is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the food stalls are open until 9:00 PM. .
Detailed programme, news and map of attractions at: jarmarkswdominika.pl.
See you at Gdańsk's biggest summer festival!
The preparation of the St. Dominic's Fair would not have been possible without the Fair's Partner, Energa from the Orlen Group.
