What to do in Kraków on 10 and 11 October? Museums, poetry and a sporting weekend

The cultural bargain: National Museum celebrations

The National Museum in Kraków celebrates its anniversary on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. Tickets for permanent and temporary exhibitions are announced at 5 złoty, with an important exception: the Princes Czartoryski Museum is not included in this offer.

It is a good opportunity to choose one collection or exhibition rather than rush through several visits. The programme also includes encounters and guided tours, whose availability must be checked separately: an exhibition ticket does not guarantee a place at an activity.

Another announced event is a free concert on Saturday 10 at 19:00 on the Rynek and under the Sukiennice arcades, on the side of the Adam Mickiewicz monument. A way to finish a cultural day in the heart of the Old Town.

A city to listen to: the Night of Poetry

The Night of Poetry runs from 9 to 11 October, covering the whole weekend. The municipal programme offers meetings, readings and workshops in several Kraków venues, including beyond the historic centre.

Our suggestion: select a Saturday or Sunday event, then add a walk through the Planty and a café stop. Events are mostly intended for Polish-speaking audiences; check the language, registration and exact address of your chosen session.

Check the date of every programme entry. Some events take place on Thursday 8 or Friday 9 and are not Saturday or Sunday outings.

Saturday morning: an accessible run near TAURON Arena

On Saturday 10 October at 09:30, the Shakeout Run offers an easy run of approximately 3.5 kilometres. The announced meeting point is outside TAURON Arena’s main entrance, on the Lema Street side. According to the municipal organiser, no advance registration is needed for this run.

Another option is M1 Power Day in the Arena’s small hall, at Stanisława Lema 7: activities are free, but each session requires registration. The announced deadline is Friday 9 October, or earlier if capacity is reached. Check minimum ages and required equipment before booking.

Not every family activity is available without a reservation: the organiser states that the family race has already reached capacity. Choose an activity still accessible rather than assume a place will be available on the day.

Sunday: enjoy the half-marathon atmosphere

On Sunday 11 October, Kraków’s Royal Half Marathon and the Czaniecka Piątka 5-kilometre race are announced from 10:00. Visitors who are not taking part can make the sporting atmosphere a stop in their day, from areas open to the public.

Avoid a tight schedule between neighbourhoods that morning. The municipal roads service announces disruption along the route from 10:00. Check access and traffic changes before heading to a museum, restaurant or station.

This is a spectator outing: it guarantees neither late race registration nor free access to every Arena area. Respect barriers and the organisers’ instructions.

Nowa Huta: coins, stamps and objects to discover

A numismatic and philatelic fair is announced on 10 and 11 October, from 08:00 to 16:00, in the hall of Secondary School No. XI, osiedle Teatralne 33 in Nowa Huta. Coins, banknotes, stamps, medals and postcards are among the items presented.

The district council describes an event for collectors and curious visitors alike, in a covered hall. It can provide an alternative to walking if the weather worsens, or a starting point for exploring another Kraków neighbourhood.

The announcement consulted does not specify an admission price. Check this before setting off and plan Nowa Huta as a separate outing rather than a stop just minutes from the Rynek.

Our suggestion for two unhurried days

Saturday: choose the run if you want to get moving early, or start directly with a National Museum visit. Keep the afternoon flexible, then return to the centre for the 19:00 concert if you fancy a musical evening.

Sunday: choose between the half-marathon atmosphere and the Nowa Huta fair, then a cultural visit or poetry event. One or two highlights, with a walk and a warm break in between, make for a more enjoyable day.

If you prefer sightseeing without an event, the Planty, Old Town and Kazimierz remain good walking options. This guide’s practical information was checked on 8 October; available places and programme changes should be verified with organisers.