Rynek Śródecki will once again become a bustling medieval town this July as the St Francis Medieval Knight Market returns with knights, historical re-enactments, traditional crafts, live music and free family entertainment.
One of Poznań’s most distinctive historic neighbourhoods will once again become a living medieval town as the St Francis Medieval Knight Market returns to Rynek Śródecki on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026.
Organised by the St Francis Foundation, this free family event combines historical re-enactments, traditional crafts, live performances and interactive activities to create an engaging weekend for visitors of all ages. Rather than simply presenting history from a distance, the market encourages guests to experience medieval life through demonstrations, music, workshops and hands-on attractions.
Set against the charming backdrop of Śródka, one of Poznań’s oldest districts, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore local heritage while enjoying a lively summer festival atmosphere.
A Medieval Town Comes to Life
Throughout the weekend, Rynek Śródecki will be transformed into a bustling medieval settlement filled with knights, craftsmen, musicians and historical re-enactors. Visitors can wander through authentic encampments, watch demonstrations of traditional skills and discover how everyday life looked centuries ago.
The programme includes:
- Knightly combat demonstrations and battle tournaments
- Medieval encampments and historical crafts
- Concerts featuring medieval and folk music
- Children’s workshops and family entertainment
- Historical dance performances and interactive lessons
- Puppet theatre and historical performances
- Adventure games for younger visitors
- Traditional food stalls and artisan market
Falconers, displays of medieval weaponry, storytelling sessions and historical interpreters will add even more authenticity throughout the weekend.
Saturday Highlights
Activities begin at midday on Saturday with an adventure trail open to participants of all ages. Everyone collecting an explorer’s pack from the main stage between 12.00 and completing the trail before 14.00 will receive a prize. Success is based on participation rather than speed, making it an enjoyable challenge for families.
The early afternoon also features historical dance workshops, a presentation by Karolina Bielecka exploring the significance of floral wreaths in Slavic and Polish folk traditions, accompanied by wreath-making workshops, and performances by Katarzyna Bor on the hurdy-gurdy.
Children can enjoy the medieval puppet performance, The Tale of the Terrible Dragon, while younger visitors can also take part in traditional medieval games hosted by the Old Viking.
Later in the afternoon, visitors can watch a falconry display, listen to medieval storytelling accompanied by live music and enjoy another puppet performance, The Story of Maciek, the Poor Scholar. Historical re-enactors will also present scenes inspired by the history of Poznań, alongside exciting knightly combat demonstrations.
From late afternoon onwards, the action intensifies with the Sword and Shield combat tournament, medieval weapon demonstrations, knightly games and team battles.
Adding a touch of fantasy to proceedings, stilt performers from Belarus will appear as a Dragon, an Elf and Groot, before illusionist Bartłomiej Cichała entertains the audience with a live magic show.
The evening concludes with concerts by Belarusian medieval music ensemble Javaryna and Polish folk group Roderyk, followed by two spectacular fire shows presented by Steam Show and Javaryna.
Sunday Continues the Medieval Experience
Sunday’s programme offers another opportunity to enjoy many of the weekend’s most popular attractions.
Families can once again watch medieval puppet theatre, enjoy concerts by Javaryna, learn historical dances and hear Katarzyna Bor’s musical storytelling accompanied by the hurdy-gurdy.
Knightly combat demonstrations, medieval weapons displays and interactive activities continue throughout the afternoon, ensuring visitors who cannot attend on Saturday can still experience the atmosphere of the event.
Activities Throughout the Weekend
Alongside the scheduled performances, visitors can explore a wide range of attractions operating across both days.
The traditional artisan market will feature merchants, craftspeople and folk artists selling handmade goods inspired by historical traditions.
The Craft Village offers demonstrations of disappearing traditional skills including weaving, writing with a quill, medieval games and stone painting, with opportunities for visitors to try many activities themselves.
Children can visit the Young Knights Camp to try on armour, pose with medieval weapons and enjoy supervised soft weapon combat in a safe environment.
The Old Viking Camp provides balance and agility challenges designed especially for aspiring young warriors, while the Falcon Enclosure offers close encounters with birds of prey and opportunities to take photographs.
Visitors looking for something a little more theatrical can even visit the Executioner and Inquisitor Corner, where brave participants can pose in the stocks alongside a suitably fearsome medieval executioner.
A Family-Friendly Celebration of History
The St Francis Medieval Knight Market has become one of Śródka’s best-loved summer events by successfully combining education with entertainment. Rather than focusing solely on historical displays, the organisers encourage participation through workshops, games and performances that appeal to both children and adults.
Its location on Rynek Śródecki adds another dimension, allowing visitors to experience one of Poznań’s most atmospheric historic neighbourhoods while enjoying a festival inspired by the city’s medieval past.
Whether you are passionate about history, interested in traditional crafts, looking for a family day out or simply searching for something different during the summer holidays, this free event promises a memorable weekend filled with music, colour and living history.
Event Information
Event: St Francis Medieval Knight Market 2026
Dates: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026
Location: Rynek Śródecki, Poznań
Admission: Free
The event is open to everyone. Organisers ask anyone requiring additional accessibility support or specific arrangements to make contact in advance so appropriate assistance can be provided.
Why it matters for Poznań
Events such as the St Francis Medieval Knight Market help celebrate the city’s rich heritage while bringing new life to one of its oldest neighbourhoods. By combining local history, traditional craftsmanship and community participation, the festival offers residents and visitors alike an engaging way to experience Poznań’s cultural identity during the summer season
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