Kortowiada 2026: Four Days of Music, Tradition and Student Spirit

The 65th edition of Kortowiada, the University of Warmia and Mazury’s iconic student festival, once again transformed the Kortowo campus into one of Poland’s most vibrant festival destinations. For four days, thousands of students, alumni and visitors celebrated university life through music, sports, culture and community events, continuing a tradition that has defined student life in Olsztyn for more than six decades.

The festivities officially began with the colourful Faculty Parade, as students marched through the streets of Olsztyn in imaginative costumes before symbolically taking over the city and the university. Following the ceremonial handover of the keys to the Student Government, the campus came alive with concerts, competitions, outdoor activities and countless opportunities to connect with the academic community.

Music remained the heart of the festival. More than 20 concerts took place across two stages on the picturesque Kortowo lakeside, featuring artists representing multiple generations and musical genres. The programme included legendary performers such as Maryla Rodowicz alongside popular contemporary acts including Enej, Wilki, Afromental, PRO8L3M, Żabson, Kuban, and many others. Emerging artists selected through the KortoFest competition also had the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of festival-goers, highlighting Kortowiada’s commitment to supporting young musical talent.

Beyond the concerts, Kortowiada offered an extensive programme of student traditions and new experiences. Visitors could enjoy sporting competitions, the famous Faculty Challenge, volleyball matches between students and university staff, strength contests, outdoor cinema, board game festivals, silent discos, karaoke, interactive university activities and dedicated relaxation zones. Several events introduced fresh formats while preserving the unique atmosphere that has made Kortowiada one of Poland’s best-known student festivals.

This year’s edition also expanded beyond the university campus, bringing selected attractions to Olsztyn’s historic city centre and strengthening the connection between the university and the local community. Combining academic traditions, live entertainment and student creativity, Kortowiada 2026 once again demonstrated why it remains one of the largest and most recognisable university festivals in Poland.

UWM

M

Michal

Contributor at ChallengeEU Alliance.