Gdańsk is gearing up for a celebration like no other! On July 26th, the 765th St. Dominic's Fair will commence – Europe's oldest and largest open-air festival, which is celebrating a significant anniversary this year. For 23 days, the heart of the city will transform into a vibrant Festival of Wonders, where history meets modernity, and each day will bring new attractions for the whole family. There will also be anniversary treats, such as a new look for Ołowianka.
Imagine a city that has celebrated summer for 765 years, with a few breaks, with grandeur, imagination and openness to the world. Gdańsk, as every year, invites you to the St. Dominic's Fair, but this time it’s not just tradition – it’s a jubilee journey through the centuries! From 26th July to 17th August, the streets of the Old and Main Town will transform into a colourful stage where exhibitors, contemporary artists, gourmets and adventurers will meet in one place. This year's Fair is a unique opportunity to feel the magic of the past interwoven with the pulsating energy of the present – and to celebrate 765 years of tradition together.
The Jubilee of the St. Dominic's Fair is associated with many „gifts” that we will find in the Festival of Miracles space. One of them is the new look of Ołowianka, which houses the “Under Sails” Gdańsk Harbour Stop. This is a "modern" fair zone, a place for relaxation, which will also offer physical and cultural activities. The container-based atmosphere matches the shipyard vibes of Gdańsk, while simultaneously fitting in with current trends for modern meeting places for families or friends.
– We began the fair's press conference with artistic performances. This also shows that the St. Dominic's Fair is changing: from a strictly commercial holiday, it is increasingly becoming a cultural event. This is appreciated not only by residents but also by visitors to our city - last year, 1.5 million people visited the Fair – they say Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.
"– 765 years of tradition are a commitment. I thank the Dominican Fathers, without whose efforts and endeavours the city of Gdańsk would probably never have received the privilege of organising the Fair. I thank all the partners, including the Management Board of the Port of Gdańsk, which is a partner for the space in Ołowianka, where many cultural, artistic, and also culinary events will take place, because the Fair is also becoming a gastronomic event. We will start the Fair next Saturday at Artus Court. It will last for three weeks. Here is a big request, also from the residents of the City Centre: if we want to visit the Fair, let's use public transport. I would like to remind you that we are creating a park & ride zone at the Plac Zebrań Ludowych, with a special offer. If someone arrives by car, it hinders the use of the wonderful spaces that have been prepared for visitors. I would like us to also look at the St. Dominic's Fair as support for local entrepreneurship, because among these 660 exhibitors, almost 30% are entrepreneurs from Gdańsk – adds the Mayor of Gdańsk.".
The Gdańsk Port Under Sail space will bring many new market attractions. The premiere series of Chopin Concerts will take place here on Ołowianka. Adam Kałduński, along with professors and graduates from the Music Academy, will perform piano recitals during the Master and Student concerts. The market programme, featuring over 200 events, will include four events dedicated to this aforementioned series.
The Kinguin Gaming Zone will be located on Ołowianka, yoga sessions for everyone will take place, and Lechia Gdańsk will celebrate the club's 80th anniversary. The exact programme for St. Dominic's Fair can be found at https://jarmarkswdominika.pl/program-dzienny/ .
Pomeranian at the fair
– I am very pleased that the local government of the Pomeranian Voivodeship can co-create this unique event, which is the 765th St. Dominic's Fair – says Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
– It is not only a festival of trade and culture, but also an opportunity to showcase the richness of our region. This year, we particularly want to draw attention to Kociewie – its flavours, traditions, and cultural distinctiveness. On Pomorska Street, which will be set up along Szeroka Street, exhibitors will be present, including artisans and representatives of the social economy, who build community and counteract exclusion through their work. It is also the Year of Craftsmanship of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, so there will be plenty of authentic handicrafts and local products. I warmly invite you to visit the Fair – not only residents of Pomerania, but also guests from all over Poland and Europe – adds the Marshal.
The St. Dominic's Fair is first and foremost about exhibitors, of whom there will be 662 this year across 745 stalls. It's worth noting that 275 are from Pomerania, with 168 from Gdańsk and 208 from the Tricity area.
During this unique event, both merchants and artists will meet, offering the most beautiful handicrafts – from intricately decorated ceramics, through unique jewellery, to original textiles. The stalls will also feature 18 world cuisines, with Damascus and PRL cuisines making their debut at the fair, alongside products like the Dubai strawberry and frozen cheesecakes. Traditionally, collectors from all over Europe will also gather, and among the treasures offered will be unique vintage items, sure to delight lovers of one-of-a-kind finds. This year's Fair features 441 craft and artist stalls, 147 stalls in the collectors' zone, 77 food stalls, and 80 catering stalls.
Stop at the Dominicans
The St. Dominic's Fair could not exist without the Dominicans, as they were its initiators and for centuries the guardians of this unique tradition. It is thanks to the monks, who in the 13th century obtained permission from the Pope to organize an annual festival in honour of their patron, that Gdańsk became a meeting place for merchants, craftsmen, and residents from all over Europe. Without the commitment and vision of the Dominicans, the St. Dominic's Fair would not have become one of the most important and oldest events of its kind in Europe, and Gdańsk would not have gained such a colourful and vibrant tradition that has survived to this day.
At this year's Fair, one of the new features is linked to its prototypes. The "Przystanek u Dominikanów" [Stop at the Dominicans'] will appear in the area.
– The St. Dominic's Fair is a timeless phenomenon – a space where everyone can share what they create and what they carry in their hearts. We are glad that as Dominicans we can co-create this event and invite residents and guests to our monastery – for concerts, performances, prayer, and a moment of quiet reflection in the relaxation zone. It is important for us that we can be part of this community and history, which has been going on for 765 years – says the prior of the Dominican monastery in Gdańsk. Michael Osek.
The Przystanek u Dominikanów programme will include, among other things, a performance to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, to be held in the Church of St. Nicholas, the only one to have survived. Additionally, there will be organ concerts, a relaxation zone, and tours of the Church of St. Nicholas.
Jubilees
This year's fair is not just a jubilee of the event. The programme includes celebrations of several anniversaries. One of them was mentioned at the Przystanek Port Gdańsk Pod Żaglami. Another, very important for the Fair, is 10 years of cooperation with the main sponsor, as well as with Przystanek Przygoda – AmberSky and the Gdańsk Carousel. For this reason, many surprises have been prepared.
– I can reveal one of them now. The Ferris wheel located on Ołowianka will be with us for only a few more weeks. The fair is one of the last chances to ride it and look at Gdańsk from a height of 50 metres. Afterwards, it will go to the United States, and then a Ferris wheel 10 metres higher, with spacious gondolas, will appear in Gdańsk. It will also be set up at a different angle, so that the view of the Old Town from it will be unobstructed. The premiere of the new wheel is planned for 9 January 2026 – he says. Katarzyna Szulc, AmberSky representative.
AmberSky is a long-standing sponsor of the St. Dominic's Fair, guaranteeing excellent entertainment within attractions such as the „Adventure Stop with AmberSky” zone, the Ferris Wheel, the Gdańsk Carousel, and the Spinning Coaster Whirligig Barrels. This year, due to the anniversary of the partnership and the Fair, the sponsor has organised surprises, an expanded zone of attractions, more fun, smiles, and positive emotions, as well as beautiful photo and film opportunities.
A new attraction at Przystanek Przygoda will be „Gold Fever – Treasure Hunter”. This is a proposition for real treasure hunters, who, as if in a gold rush, will pan for „precious stones” from sand in streams of water. Treasures can be identified and you can check where they occur in nature and in what areas of Poland. Most importantly, you can take them home as a souvenir and perhaps begin a fascinating adventure with a new passion.
However, at the Port Gdańsk under Sails stop, in addition to the Ferris wheel and the „Whirling Barrels” spinning coaster, there will be a VR paragliding flight simulator.
In 2025, it will be 30 years since the St. Dominic's Fair has been organised by Międzynarodowe Targi Gdańskie. For that many years, the Bread Festival has taken place during the event. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts – and consequently, it's the Year of Pomeranian Crafts, as well as the 180th anniversary of the Okocim brewery, a long-time partner of the Fair.
– The St. Dominic's Fair is a true festival of wonders – he says Andrzej Bojanowski, President of the Gdańsk International Fair.
– We are creating a space spanning 60,000 square metres that is intended to be safe, friendly, and full of surprises. We greatly appreciate the cooperation with the city, the services, and the residents – it is thanks to them that we can operate better and better. I appeal to all guests: use public transport, respect the space where the people of Gdańsk live – it is their home. We are only here for a few weeks, so we want to be welcome guests. We listen to feedback, we react, we learn – and it is precisely thanks to this that we raise the bar every year. Follow our social media, share your impressions – together we are creating this unique event – adds the president of MTG.
President Bojanowski also revealed that inspiration from the Fair's tradition and the 80th anniversary of the Chamber of Crafts led to an application for the St. Dominic's Fair to be entered into the NID (National Heritage Institute) on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
During the Fair, there will also be events related to Gdańsk being awarded the title of European Capital of Gastronomic Culture for the years 2025/2026.
– The St. Dominic's Fair combines culture, art, and the senses of tourists and residents in one space, at one event. You can not only feel the Fair but also taste it. Gdańsk is the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture. Many events at the St. Dominic's Fair also draw from this. Our partners from the Gdańsk Flavours project, which showcases local gastronomy, are presenting their culinary art at the fair, blending tradition with modernity – she says Łukasz Wysocki, president of the Gdańsk Tourist Organisation.
RESIDENTS' ZONE MARKET
As in previous years, modifications to traffic management in Gdańsk city centre are being introduced in two stages. From 16 June to 13 July, the Summer Traffic Organisation is in effect, which will return between 24-31 August.
However, during the assembly and dismantling of the St. Dominic's Fair infrastructure, as well as during the event itself (26 July – 17 August), the Fair Traffic Organisation will be in effect. From 14 July, Szeroka Street and its surroundings are closed, from 17 July, Rajska Street is closed, and from 21 July, assembly work begins on Długie Ogrody. Furthermore, on 25 July, the roundabout at Podwale Staromiejskie will be closed.
All information regarding resident parking can be found at https://jarmarkswdominika.pl/dla-mieszkancow/
Park and Ride
Between 26 July and 17 August, drivers wanting to attend the St. Dominic's Fair will be able to leave their cars in the car park at Plac Zebrań Ludowych, which is approximately 1.5 km from the event. Additionally, based on the parking ticket, up to 5 people will be able to use the nearby tram to efficiently reach the Fair by public transport.
Ticket cost
– tourists – £25.
– Residents /with resident's card – £20.
Ticket valid for travel on the route (return journey):
Payment for parking can be made: via the APCOA FLOW mobile app or at the parking meter located on the premises – proof of payment is by entering the registration number into the parking meter or by placing the parking ticket behind the vehicle's windscreen in a clearly visible location, in a manner that allows the full content of the parking ticket to be read.
You are now invited to the Opening Ceremony of the St. Dominic's Fair, which will take place on 26th July, at 12:00, on the doorstep of the Artus Court.
We are pleased to announce that Energa from the Orlen Group is a Partner of the Fair.
