Szczecin Welcomes the Tall Ships – Żagle 2026 Starts on 14 August

Szczecin’s waterfront is filling with masts, and the atmosphere of a major sailing festival can already be felt along the Oder River. More vessels are arriving in the city to take part in Żagle 2026, which begins on Friday, 14 August, and continues until Sunday, 16 August. Organisers are expecting dozens of vessels from around the world, while admission to the main attractions is free.

Among the ships listed by the organisers are vessels well known to sailing enthusiasts as well as international guests arriving from foreign ports. Visitors will be able to see the 49-metre Minerva from Scheveningen, the 48-metre Loth Loriën from Amsterdam, Albert Johannes from Rostock and Santa Barbara Anna. Polish vessels will also be strongly represented, including ORP Iskra, Generał Zaruski, Kapitan Borchardt, Baltic Beauty and Szczecin’s own Dar Szczecina.

The tall ships are only one part of the three-day programme. From Friday, attractions will take place on both sides of the Oder, including around the famous Wały Chrobrego waterfront and Łasztownia. Visitors can explore the sailing zone, children’s area, Artists’ Avenue, the Jarmark pod Żaglami market, food zones and amusement parks. In the evening, the main stage will host Eska Music Tour concerts featuring Voo Voo, Oskar Cyms, IRA and Dawid Kwiatkowski, among others. Concerts by Szczecin artists are also planned on Łasztownia, while Wyspa Grodzka will host an evening of electronic music.

Saturday promises to be one of the busiest days of Żagle 2026. Sailing trips are scheduled from 9:00 a.m., while the Regatta for the Cup of the Mayor of Szczecin will take place on Lake Dąbie. The programme also includes the 9th Brass Band Festival, an extensive children’s zone, family attractions and a folk and sea-shanty stage. In the evening, performers on the main stage will include Janusz Walczuk, Blacha 2115, Kinny Zimmer and Young Leosia.

Another interesting attraction will be the carving of a figurehead to mark the 100th anniversary of Baltic Beauty. The schooner was built in 1926 and measures 40 metres in length. Visitors will be able to watch the figurehead being created at Nabrzeże Pasażerskie throughout all three days of the event.

On Sunday, visitors will still have the opportunity to take sailing trips, explore the family zones, visit the market and discover regional products at Aleja Zachodniopomorskie Smaki. The most spectacular moment of the final day is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., when the farewell parade of sailing ships begins on the Oder. Good viewing points include the area around Wały Chrobrego and Bulwar Piastowski. Later, the main stage will feature performances by Cztery Refy, Banana Boat and Kraków Street Band.

Żagle 2026 takes place in Szczecin from 14 to 16 August. It is a great opportunity for a summer weekend in the city, especially for travellers who want to combine impressive sailing ships with live music, family attractions, walks along the riverside boulevards and a chance to discover Szczecin’s maritime character.

Admission is free. The full and up-to-date programme is available at zagleszczecin.eu/program/.