What to do in Poland this weekend: lights, origami and a derby in three cities

Warsaw: an evening of lights in Wilanów

17–18 October · Plaża Wilanów · Free admission announced. The 14th Królewski Festiwal Światła takes place on 17 and 18 October at Plaża Wilanów. The programme published by public school 104, relaying the district’s invitation, announces two evenings of activities, music and lighting effects with free admission. On Saturday, performances start at 4 p.m., with laser displays scheduled for 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Sunday’s programme also begins at 4 p.m. and ends with a laser display announced for 8:15 p.m.

Keep this option for the end of the day: take a walk earlier, then head to the site without turning the outing into a race between activities. Do not confuse this festival at Plaża Wilanów with palace admission or another light attraction. As the evening is outdoors, bring warm clothing and check for programme changes before leaving.

• When : Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, from 4 p.m. according to the detailed programme.
• Where : Plaża Wilanów, Wilanów district, Warsaw.
• Budget : Free admission; food and purchases on site are extra.
• Getting there : Plan public transport to Plaża Wilanów; check the precise arrival point.
• Weather : Outdoor event; in bad weather, check the organiser’s updates.

Kraków: a creative Sunday break at Manggha

Sunday 18 October · Paper folding 10 a.m.–5 p.m. · Anniversary ticket: 10 zł. For a change from the usual Old Town and Wawel route, Manggha museum offers a day celebrating the Polish Origami Society’s twentieth anniversary on Sunday. The folding zone in the level –1 lobby is announced from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: instructors present models of varying difficulty, subject to available places at the stands.

The 10 zł anniversary ticket does not include exhibitions. Some workshops require registration confirmed by the museum. Activities are announced in Polish. A riverside walk can extend this indoor outing.

• When : Sunday 18 October; folding zone 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Where : Manggha museum, ul. Marii Konopnickiej 26, Kraków.
• Budget : 10 zł per person for the anniversary; exhibitions separate.
• Booking : Places at stands are limited. Specific workshops require registration under the programme and confirmation.
• Getting there : Reach Manggha on the opposite bank from Wawel; check your route and walking time.

Gdańsk: Sunday’s derby between Lechia and Arka

Sunday 18 October, 8:30 p.m. · Gates announced to open at 6:30 p.m. For a sporting outing, the Tricity derby pits Lechia Gdańsk against Arka Gdynia on Sunday 18 October at 8:30 p.m. at Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk. Arka and Gdańsk city authorities confirm the fixture. Gates are due to open at 6:30 p.m.: allow time to arrive early and buy tickets only through official channels, subject to remaining availability.

The municipality announces additional transport, including trams and special trains between Gdańsk Główny and Gdańsk Stadion-Expo. It also reminds visitors that a valid ticket and photo identification are required for entry checks. Bus and tram journeys remain subject to normal fares. If leaving early on Monday, check your return after the match; otherwise, a daytime walk through the centre combines city discovery with an evening at the stadium.

• When : Sunday 18 October at 8:30 p.m.; gates announced to open at 6:30 p.m.
• Where : Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk, ul. Pokoleń Lechii Gdańsk 1.
• Tickets : See bilety.lechia.pl; check prices and remaining places before travelling.
• Bring : A valid ticket and photo identification.
• Transport : Additional services announced; consult outbound and return times in the city statement.
• Alternative : Without a ticket, choose a city visit; do not rely on last-minute admission.

• Times are local Polish time, the same as Paris this weekend.
• Availability and programmes can change: check with the organiser before leaving.
• Activities in Polish do not guarantee assistance in French.