On Sunday, July 27, Poznań will once again come alive with colour, movement, and creativity as Rzeka Rowerów 2025 (River of Bicycles 2025) takes over the streets. This joyful cycling parade—part of the wider cultural initiative Rzeka Żywa (Living River)—will blend community, active leisure, and family fun. With an open-air picnic, theatrical performances, Slavic craft workshops, and bike safety initiatives, it’s a perfect weekend event.
A River of Bicycles Flows Through the City
Rzeka Rowerów 2025 (River of Bicycles 2025) is a fun, casual bike ride through the city, open to everyone. Whether you’re showing up solo, with kids in tow, or as part of a cycling crew, the event is all about enjoying Poznań together on two wheels.
Things get going at 11:30 a.m. on Rynek Łazarski, where families can catch a cheerful outdoor performance by Mozaika Theatre called W drogę rusz! Przygoda jest tuż tuż (“Let’s Hit the Road! Adventure Awaits!”). The show is inspired by Kazimierz Nowak, a Poznań-based adventurer who famously cycled across Africa nearly a century ago.
Before the ride begins, kids (and adults too) can decorate their bikes with cosmic designs and get their faces painted—perfect if you’re planning to take part in the decoration contest later in the day.
Then at 12:30 p.m., the main ride begins. The 6-kilometre route goes through central Poznań and is easy enough for families with young children. The pace will be relaxed and enjoyable, and the police will be on hand to keep everyone safe.
Rzeka Rowerów 2025 is organised by Rowerowy Poznań (Cycling Poznań) Association, a grassroots organisation committed to making Poznań a more bike-friendly and sustainable city. The event is hosted in collaboration with Poznań Heritage Centre, known for its creative educational initiatives.
Picnic by the Cybina: A Family-Friendly Finish
By 1:30 p.m., the Rzeka Rowerów 2025 parade will culminate at the picturesque banks of the Cybina River near Brama Poznania, where the community picnic will begin. Here, participants can take part in:
- A bike-and-rider decoration contest with prizes
- Handicraft workshops rooted in ancient Slavic traditions (such as making motanki dolls and ritual sachets)
- A magical illusionist show
- Animation and play zones for children
- Delicious food and drink from local vendors
- Free bicycle engraving and registration services by Poznań Municipal Police, helping to prevent bike theft
It’s a mix of tradition, education, and light-hearted fun—perfect for families and bike enthusiasts alike.
Part of a Larger Flow: Rzeka Żywa – Return to the Source
Rzeka Rowerów 2025 is just one of many events within Rzeka Żywa (Living River), a summer festival organised by Poznań Heritage Centre. The 2025 edition carries the theme “Return to the Source”, honouring ancestral knowledge, our relationship with nature, and traditional crafts. From the meditative pace of weaving workshops to the earthiness of herbal ointment-making, the series invites visitors to reengage with slow, conscious living.
Full Schedule: Rzeka Żywa 2025
Saturday, July 26
- Warsztaty plecionkarskie (Basket Weaving Workshop) | 12:00–15:00 | For families with children aged 7+
- Korzenne remedia – maść z ziemi (Herbal Ointment Workshop: Earth-Based Remedies) | 16:00–17:30 | Adults-only
Sunday, July 27 – Rzeka Rowerów 2025
- Parada rowerowa i piknik (Cycling Parade and Picnic) | 11:30–16:30 | Includes theatre, decorating bikes, 6-km parade, picnic by the Cybina, Slavic workshops, and police-run bike-marking
- Stoisko: Wierzenia dawnych Słowian (Booth: Ancient Slavic Beliefs) | 12:00–16:00 | Cultural crafts and storytelling activities for all ages
Saturday, August 9
- Cybina Warta Poznania (The Cybina is Worth Poznań) | 10:00–11:30 | Educational walk for teens and adults
- Spacer performatywny: ZAPASKA (Performative Walk: ZAPASKA Project) | 16:00–18:00 | Summary of the ZAPASKA project with artistic elements (adults)
- Kino plenerowe: Przynoszę Ci dzikość (Outdoor Cinema: I Bring You Wildness) | 21:00–22:15 | Film screening by the riverside
Sunday, August 10
- Słowiańskie SPA (Slavic Spa Experience) | 14:00–16:00 | Natural relaxation and herbal care (adults)
- Koncert mis i gongów (Concert of Singing Bowls and Gongs) | 17:00–18:00 | Sound healing session open to all
Why It’s Worth Showing Up
You don’t need to be a hardcore cyclist or cultural expert to take part in Rzeka Rowerów 2025. If you’ve got a bike and a free Sunday afternoon, that’s enough! The event is welcoming and completely free. It’s a chance to spend quality time outdoors, meet other locals and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere.
