South Australians are invited to immerse themselves in ten vibrant days of colour, creativity and connection as more than 500 musicians, writers and performers from across Australia and New Zealand descend on Adelaide and the Barossa Valley for Australia’s largest Polish festival. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, PolArt returns bigger and bolder than ever, transforming the city and surrounding regions into a living showcase of Polish heritage, contemporary expression and shared community spirit.
Across ten days and 15 major events (from now until January 5th), attendees can expect a rich and varied program spanning breathtaking dance, live music, theatre, visual arts, literature and an unmissable outdoor Polish Midsummer Festival. With events staged across multiple venues throughout the city and the Barossa, the festival is designed to welcome audiences of all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re discovering Polish culture for the first time or reconnecting with familiar traditions.
“PolArt is an open invitation to be embraced by the Polish culture. We’re a passionate and welcoming troop, excited to share our stories through arts and movement,” said Bernie Brzezinski, President of PolArt Adelaide 2025. “The 50th anniversary is an important milestone, representing the incredible journey and development of the Polish people in Australia. This journey is captured in our performances across the festival, with each dance, canvas, melody or poem bridging traditional Polish heritage and our modern Australian lives.”
That legacy of continuity is at the heart of this year’s program, reflecting not only the longevity of the festival but the importance of passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. “Our culture lives through the stories we tell in our art, our music, and our cuisine. To keep these traditions alive, they need to be embraced and reimagined by each new generation. PolArt provides the platform to do exactly that: a moment to celebrate, to share, and to pass down what makes us unique,” said Marek Trepa, Joint Folkloric Coordinator of PolArt Adelaide 2025, alongside his wife Joasia Trepa. She added, “It’s also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our incredible artists and performers. Their work is deeply connected to our identity, our beliefs, and our collective expression, and this festival ensures those stories are seen, heard, and experienced by all.”
Festival highlights include Golden Steps, Swirling Threads, a powerful dance celebration tracing 50 years of Polish pride in Australia; Southern Skies, Polish Rhythms, where dazzling costumes and soaring harmonies bring tradition to life; Polish Colours in the Valley, a magical Barossa evening blending polkas, melodies and shared festivity; and Sound of Poland, uniting exceptional Australian musicians in a program devoted entirely to Polish composers and songwriters. The free Polish MidsummerFest invites families to gather under summer skies for a joyful day of live music, folk dance, market stalls and authentic Polish food.
Beyond the stage, PolArt Adelaide 2025 also features a vibrant visual art exhibition, six theatre performances, a hands-on theatre workshop and two intimate literary sessions. Proudly supported by media partners Seniors Card and FIFTY+SA, tickets are on sale now, with limited performances across the ten-day program. For full details and bookings, visit pol.art/festival-program.
Festival Highlights
Southern Skies, Polish Rhythms Every dance tells the tale of our spirited heritage
Tuesday 30th December 2025 at 7.00pm, Adelaide Convention Centre
Tickets: $60, Concession $50, under 15s $35
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.pol.art/festival-program
Polish Colours in the Valley A toast to Polish folk in the Barossa
Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7.00pm, Barossa Arts Centre
Tickets: $35, Concession $30, under 15s $20
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.pol.art/festival-program
Sound of Poland
Polish Music, Australian Soul
Saturday 3rd January 2026 at 7.00pm, Brighton Concert Hall
Tickets: $30, Concession $25, under 15s $18
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.pol.art/festival-program
Polish MidsummerFest
Sunday 4th January 2025 from midday, Torrens Parade Ground
Tickets: Free
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.pol.art/festival-program
