Event Details
Welcome to St. Dominic's Fair Gdańsk 2026
St. Dominic's Fair (Polish: Jarmark św. Dominika) is Poland's oldest and largest outdoor market and one of Europe's most significant cultural events. In 2026, the 766th edition of the fair takes place from 25 July to 16 August in the historic Old Town of Gdańsk. For three weeks, the city centre around Długi Targ (Long Market) and the Artus Court transforms into a vibrant celebration of trade, crafts, culture and cuisine. Admission is free.
History & Significance
The fair traces its roots to 1260, when Pope Alexander IV granted the Dominican Order in Gdańsk the right to hold an annual market. During the medieval period, up to 400 ships would dock in Gdańsk harbour during the August fair, making it one of the most important trading hubs in Northern Europe. Today the event attracts between 5 and 8 million visitors every year and is considered alongside Oktoberfest as one of the largest open-air events on the continent.
Highlights 2026
- Opening ceremony on 25 July at 12:00 noon at the Artus Court Forecourt: a musical show featuring acrobats, dancers and historical figures
- Ceremonial handover of the city gate keys from the Mayor of Gdańsk to the merchants
- Over 715 stalls from more than 250 exhibitors from Poland and across Europe
- New locations in 2026: Podmłyńska Street and Grobla I added to the fair grounds for the first time
- Fair Grand Prix – a competition recognising the most outstanding exhibitor products
- Bread Festival (Święto Chleba) at the opening weekend with bakers and pastry chefs
- 32nd St. Dominic's Run on 1 August through the city centre
- Pomeranian Craft Festival during the second fair weekend
- Equality Festival on 15 and 16 August as the closing celebration
- Daily interactive exhibitions, science shows and workshops at Hevelianum
Program & Opening Hours
Market stalls are open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, food and drink stalls remain open until 9:00 PM. The cultural program is spread across six zones with more than 200 events and activities:
- Main Stage at Długi Targ – daily concerts, performances and folklore groups
- Port Gdańsk Pod Żaglami Zone (Ołowianka Island) – evening concerts and festivals
- Hevelianum – interactive exhibitions (10:00–18:00), science shows (11:30, 13:00, 14:30)
- Stara Apteka Stage (Teatralna Street) – theatre performances by Teatr Wybrzeże
- AmberSky Ferris wheel – paid panoramic views over the Old Town
- Thursdays and Fridays: evening tour "Fort by Night" from 8:00 PM
Tickets & Admission
Entry to the entire fair grounds is free of charge. The opening ceremony and most outdoor program events are also free. Some attractions offered by partner institutions require a separate ticket:
- Hevelianum science shows: 20–25 PLN
- Interactive exhibitions: 25–30 PLN
- Teatr Wybrzeże theatre tours: from 20 PLN
- AmberSky Ferris wheel: ticketed separately
Visitor Tips
- Crowds are heaviest at weekends and around 8 August (feast day of St. Dominic) – plan to arrive early.
- Arriving by train or city bus is far easier than by car; Gdańsk Central Station is a short walk from the fair grounds.
- Those looking for amber jewellery, handicrafts and antiques will find the widest selection along Długa Street and Długi Targ.
- Not all stalls accept card payments – carry Polish zloty (PLN) in cash.
- Book accommodation several months in advance as Gdańsk fills up quickly in summer.
- The Premium Zones (Węglarska, Pańska, Szeroka, Kołodziejska streets) feature exclusive local artisans, designers and eco products.
