Gdynia and its residents are facing a unique anniversary – the 100th birthday of a city built on dreams. The anniversary will not only be a time for memories and reflection on the last century, but above all an opportunity to celebrate together with the residents who make Gdynia so unique. A series of outdoor events, concerts and attractions is planned for the whole of 2026, highlighting how far Gdynia has come in its hundred-year history.
Gdynia, a common value
During a gala press conference, Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia, and Tadeusz Szemiot, Chairman of the Gdynia City Council, announced the centenary celebrations. As they emphasised, it is the residents – passionate and committed to the development and future of their city, which they have been building from the very beginning with dreams, courage and faith in a better tomorrow – who give Gdynia its strength and unique character.
Gdynia is the story of generations of people for whom it is not just a point on the map. It is home, a shared identity and a source of pride. The people who built Gdynia did so with the future of their homeland and their descendants in mind. They came here from different places, yet they fell in love with this city and settled here permanently. Gdynia's heritage also includes the people who lived here long before the city was foundedand they, too, are remembered. Today, successive generations are creating the Gdynia of today. Together, we will make this anniversary year an unforgettable experience and a memory to be passed on to the future generations, says Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia.
The essence of the celebrations will be to cultivate and strengthen social bonds, which have always been the foundation of the city.
For almost a hundred years, Gdynia has brought people together, fostered solidarity, created shared values and provided a sense of security and connection, emphasises Tadeusz Szemiot, Chairman of the Gdynia City Council. Gdynia is its residents – the women and men who strongly identify with this place, feel local pride and carry their city in their hearts. The city's 100th anniversary is our shared celebration. It is an opportunity to bring residents together, strengthen their sense of community and local patriotism. The events we have prepared will be a great opportunity to celebrate together and build strong bonds. We will visit you – your neighbourhoods – and invite you to major events. All this to make 2026 a special time. It is also an extremely important celebration on a national scale. Let us recall that that the Senate of the Republic of Poland has designated 2026 as the Year of the City of Gdynia.
A bridge between tradition and modernity
Gdynia has special ambassadors who are in love with its streets and squares, for whom there is no place more important or better than Gdynia. These are all the residents of our city. In the context of this unique celebration, the role of people connected with our city, who enrich and emphasise the unique character of Gdynia through their attitude, creativity and commitment on a daily basis, takes on special significance. The role of the 100th Anniversary Ambassador involves co-creating stories about the city through the prism of personal reflections. It is a role that will inspire residents and friends of the city to celebrate together and participate actively, while symbolically connecting different generations and communities.
Hanna Wenda-Uszyńska is the guardian of the memory of her grandfather, the legendary engineer Tadeusz Wenda, the constructor of the Port of Gdynia. It is thanks to her commitment that Tadeusz Wenda has gained his rightful place in the memory of Gdynia. Her actions help preserve history and educate future generations.
“The most suitable location for the construction of a war port (as well as a commercial port, if necessary) is Gdynia, or rather the lowlands between Gdynia and Oksywa, located 16 km from the New Port in Gdańsk”, wrote engineer Tadeusz Wenda, sent to Pomerania to find the best location for a future Polish port, in his report.
It was this decision that gave rise to the port, around which the city was later built.
Julita Maciejewicz-Ryś – granddaughter of Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski.
An active guardian of the Deputy Prime Minister's memory. Between the ages of 3 and 6, she lived in Sopot with her brother Jacek and her grandparents. Those three years spent at her grandparents' house were extremely important to Julita Maciejewicz-Ryś. She herself felt that she owed it to her grandfather to cultivate his memory.
Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski wanted Poland to be open and modern. His mother lived in Gdynia after the war. Already as Minister of Industry and Trade, he demonstrated the qualities of a great strategist. Within the first 10 days of his term, he announced the acceleration of the port's construction, within three weeks he signed a new agreement with a French consortium, within three months he ordered the first five merchant ships from France, and within two years he obtained funds for the construction of the port six times greater than those spent by the State Treasury in the previous five years. Thanks to these actions, Gdynia quickly became one of the largest and most modern ports on the Baltic Sea. A merchant fleet was created, which freed Poland from paying foreign shipowners, as well as the Deep Sea Fishing Fleet.
Gdynia loves film and theatre. Culture loves Gdynia
Maja Gadzińska is an ambassador for Gdynia’s culture. She is well known for her performances at the Musical Theatre in Gdynia. Already as a second-year student, she delighted audiences with her role as the Angel in the play ‘Chłopi’ (The Peasants) – and she has been active on the musical stage ever since. She has been performing with the Musical Theatre in Gdynia since 2014. Born in Grudziądz, she grew up in and settled in our city. She loves Gdynia's beaches and promenades, weaving wreaths and rollerblading. In addition to her theatre work, she is known for her dubbing roles in films and video games. She has a three-octave vocal range (e-e3).
Gdynia means Arka
Footballer Michał Marcjanik is a symbol of Gdynia's loyalty. He is a graduate of the yellow-and-blue team and the main defender under coach Dawid Szwarga. At Arka, he progressed from the junior team through the reserves to the first team. Together with the Gdynia team, he won the Polish Cup and Super Cup. He is the team's vice-captain. He has played over 300 matches in the yellow-and-blue shirt.
During the conference, the Centenary Ambassadors were announced. From left to right: Aleksandra Kosiorek – Mayor of Gdynia, Maja Gadzińska – actress and ambassador of the centenary celebrations, Hanna Wenda-Uszyńska – granddaughter of engineer Tadeusz Wenda, Julita Maciejewicz-Ryś – granddaughter of Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, Tadeusz Szemiot – Chairman of the Gdynia City Council (photo: Paweł Budziński)
The celebrations will begin on 10 February
This is a symbolic date, as for Poland it marks not only its symbolic marriage to the sea, but also the anniversary of Gdynia being granted city rights. Gdynia will celebrate this holiday together with its residents during outdoor events planned for that day.
Everyone is welcome at Gdynia's birthday party, says Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia. "I know that all of us have been eagerly awaiting the programme of anniversary events. Today, we are presenting most of them. To begin with, I invite you all to the official celebration of Gdynia's birthday on February 10th. That is when the celebrations will officially start.
What will happen on February 10th?
For the first time in the city's history, a spectacular historical show will be staged in an urban space, on the façade of the Gdynia City Hall building. During the performance, created using 3D Video Projection Mapping technology, you will be able to see the history of the city over the last hundred years. 3DVPM shows are characterised by a very strong audiovisual message and remain in the audience's memory for a long time. It is a type of creative, educational and modern communication.
The main artery of Gdynia's centenary celebrations will be 10 Lutego Street. This is where the evening show celebrating Gdynia's 100th anniversary will take place, in the form of a specially directed birthday parade. Its aim is to celebrate the city's unique birthday in a colourful, joyful and spectacular way. It will certainly provide residents with unforgettable experiences.
The parade, which will take the form of a street performance using modern visual and artistic elements, will proceed along 10 Lutego Street to the intersection of 10 Lutego and Świętojańska Streets, where the birthday concert will begin.
‘100 minutes for the 100th anniversary of Gdynia’
The highlight of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia on 10 February 2026 will be a musical spectacle.
The stage will be located on Kościuszki Square. The concert zone will feature the history of Gdynia as the backdrop for a concert by well-known and beloved artists from the Polish music scene.
The main mission of the concert is to create a dynamic and modern show that breaks with the traditional formula. It will not be a sentimental return to the past, but an energetic story about a city that has been developing dynamically for 100 years and is looking to the future, announces Aleksandra Kosiorek.
During the concert, several artists – soloists – will be accompanied by a musical orchestra. The script will take the audience chronologically through the history of Gdynia – from a Kashubian village, through the decision to build a port, dynamic development in the interwar period, the period of the Polish People's Republic, to the present day and a look into the future.
The selection of artists and repertoire has been fully subordinated to this narrative. The audience will hear both well-known Polish hits in new, special arrangements, as well as symbolic songs that have defined the history of the city.
As part of the setting, between performances, film materials prepared for this occasion will be presented, showing archival images, history and the contemporary face of Gdynia.
A team of leading Polish artists will work on the artistic shape of the show.
Visual design and artists
The visual theme of the show will be the heritage of Gdynia. The set design will be deeply inspired by Gdynia's modernism, unique in Europe, and the architecture of the city during the interwar period.
The concert will feature performances by well-known Polish artists: Natalia Kukulska, Margaret, Natalia Szroeder, Andrzej Piaseczny, Tomasz Organek, Michał Szpak and Natalia Muianga.
A cruise for 100 young Poles to mark the 100th anniversary of Gdynia
We will celebrate not only in Gdynia but also, as befits a maritime city, on all the seas of the world.
Gdynia's sailing landmarks – Pogoria, Zawisza Czarny, Dar Młodzieży and ORP Iskra are four vessels inextricably linked to our city. Sailing training has a long tradition in Gdynia and is associated with iconic figures such as Karol Olgierd Borchardt. Maritime education plays a key role in shaping the maritime awareness of future generations of Poles.
On board these vessels, one hundred young Poles, residents of Gdynia, will have the opportunity to experience a unique adventure at sea. The aim of the project is not only to celebrate the hundred-year maritime history of the city and its inhabitants, but also to integrate the young community of Gdynia by referring to the sailing tradition of our city.
Maritime sailing training teaches young people independence, how to cope in difficult situations and mutual trust, but it also involves discovering new places, making new friends and is a form of education through maritime adventure. The first birthday cruise aboard the Pogoria sailing ship will take place at the beginning of February.
The crews also received symbolic sails commemorating the centenary of Gdynia. They were presented to the representatives by the Mayor of Gdynia, Aleksandra Kosiorek, and the Chairman of the Gdynia City Council, Tadeusz Szemiot.
On behalf of Dar Młodzieży, the sail was received by Prof. Adam Weintrit, PhD, Eng., Captain, Rector of the Maritime University.
On behalf of Pogoria, the sail was received by Bogusław Witkowski, President of the Board of the Pomeranian Sailing Association, and Jarosław Kukliński, Vice-President for Shipowners of the Pomeranian Sailing Association.
On behalf of Zawisza Czarny, the sail was received by Captain Robert Krzemiński.
On behalf of ORP Iskra, the sail was received by Lieutenant Commander Tomasz Skupień, head of the Navy Inspector's secretariat.
The World Congress of Kashubians Comes to Gdynia. Star Guest: Kashubian Natalia Szroeder
The Kashubians are returning to Gdynia after a 20-year hiatus: the 27th World Congress of Kashubians will take place in July 2026. For the city, this is a huge honor but also a unique challenge, especially in the context of Gdynia’s 100th anniversary of receiving city rights.
“The 27th World Congress of Kashubians is particularly significant for us,” says Aleksandra Kosiorek. “It is not only an honor and distinction, but also a beautiful symbol of the connection between the sea and Kashubian land, tradition and modernity, local identity and global openness.”
Up to several thousand Kashubians will come to Gdynia, some arriving on the nationally renowned Transcassubia train. Kashubian Square and the Antoni Abraham Monument are symbols of the city’s Kashubian roots — a city built by people from all over Poland, yet deeply tied to the community that has lived here for centuries.
The star of next year’s Congress in Gdynia will be Kashubian singer Natalia Szroeder. The 27th World Congress of Kashubians in Gdynia is organized by the Kashubian Cultural Forum, the Kashubian-Pomeranian Association, and the City of Gdynia.
Summer Birthday Night. On 22 August, we will all gather at the birthday table.
In August, the people of Gdynia will come together for a shared celebration at one of the longest birthday tables in the world.
“The heart of this event will be what Gdynia does best — community,” says Aleksandra Kosiorek. “We invite all residents and guests visiting for Gdynia’s 100th anniversary to join us at the table. Let’s meet at the birthday table, get to know our neighbours, and enjoy the celebration together with fellow Gdynia residents and visitors.”
Along the entire length of Gdynia’s Birthday Table, there will be food zones. The table will be divided into 21 sections — symbolising all of Gdynia’s districts. The Gdynia Birthday Table will stretch for about one kilometre, covering the whole of Piłsudskiego Avenue all the way to the sea. On that day, Central Park will transform into a vast Activity Zone.
“In Central Park, we will screen films about Gdynia,” adds Aleksandra Kosiorek. “There will also be dance and music zones. The latter will be handed over to Gdynia’s music clubs, musicians, and young people from local cultural centres.”
Another stage for Gdynia’s theatre and music artists will be set up on the Arka Gdynia Square.
After dark, we will meet at Śródmieście Beach.
Thanks to the patronage of Gdańsk Airport and in cooperation with Mr. Tomasz Kloskowski, we will witness an extraordinary sky show featuring over 1,000 drones in a performance about Gdynia, emphasizes Aleksandra Kosiorek. “We will end this remarkable day with a free star-studded concert on the South Pier. Without revealing the concert details just yet — it will be an exceptional evening — I invite everyone to join in the celebration!”
Let’s celebrate Gdynia’s centenary together. Pictured: Aleksandra Kosiorek, President of Gdynia; Tadeusz Szemiot, Chair of the Gdynia City Council; and participants of the press conference (photo: Paweł Budziński).
Gdynia Centenary Poster
The anniversary year has its own graphic design. One of its elements is a poster designed by Gdynia artist Jan Rutka. A graphic designer and illustrator of many works devoted to Gdynia, he is known for his distinctive style inspired by modernism. The anniversary poster will appear throughout the year in public spaces and in materials related to the city's 100th anniversary.
Gdynia's culture and sport join in the centenary celebrations
Gdynia's cultural programme is extremely rich – every institution in Gdynia has wholeheartedly committed itself to honouring the anniversary year in a special way.
For lovers of Gdynia, there will also be no shortage of sporting events, with the Polish championshipsin various disciplines coming to Gdynia in 2026. Our city will also host, among others, the Polish national basketball team.
The Municipal Theatre and the Consulate of Culture are preparing events related to the centenary of the premiere, says Tadeusz Szemiot, Chairman of the Gdynia City Council. Actors from the Musical Theatre will visit the districts to present the greatest musical hits of recent years during open-air concerts. District Councils will receive PLN 500,000 in additional funds to be used for events as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations. These funds will enable them to organise much larger cultural and recreational events than before. We already know that the districts are joining forces and budgets, and thanks to this synergy, these will be city-wide and mass events. As part of this programme, at least three large concerts will be held in the spring and summer season in three districts outside the centre of Gdynia. We are also very excited about the sporting events. We already know that next year's competitions in various disciplines will be Polish championships. The traditional Birthday Run will have a special character. There will be plenty of attractions for fans of various sports disciplines — from basketball and running to boxing.
Gdynia Birthday Run. The largest run in history organised by the city
The Gdynia Birthday Run is a multi-generational event aimed at all residents of Gdynia and friends of the city. Everyone will feel the unique atmosphere of Gdynia's running events, well known throughout Poland. Running enthusiasts are invited on 7 and 8 February 2026. As many as 3,600 runners have already registered for the main race, which is scheduled for Sunday, 8 February at 10 a.m.
For years, the Gdynia Birthday Run has been bringing together sports enthusiasts with pride in the city's history and traditions. One of the new features will be the opportunity to run 10 km in a three-person relay.
Something that will certainly please veterans of the Gdynia Grand Prix series is the return of the old route – the start and finish will be located on Kościuszki Square, and the route will be a kind of tour of Gdynia's most important landmarks – Świętojańska Street, Nadmorski Boulevard, Kaszubski Square and Janka Wiśniewskiego Street.
There will be cheering zones along the route, specially organised by representatives of the Gdynia community.
On Saturday (7 February), there will be a special 1926-metre run for those who want to actively celebrate the city's birthday but find the 10 km distance too challenging.
As usual, we encourage the youngest residents of the city to participate in the Junior, Senior and Youth Runs, as well as the Toddler Run, which is sure to melt our hearts and delight our eyes.
The event will be the official opening of the Gdynia Grand Prix 2026 series, and each participant will receive a commemorative medal. Next year's edition of the Gdynia Birthday Run will be the largest run in the history of Gdynia organised by the city.
Polish men's national basketball team match: Poland vs. Latvia
On 1 March 2026, fans will be able to watch an exciting World Cup qualifying match between Poland and Latvia at the Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia in Gdynia. The Polish Basketball Association awarded Gdynia the right to host the match between the white-and-reds and the eighth-ranked team in the world precisely because of the city's upcoming centenary next year. This match will be one of the key battles in Group F, where the stakes are the points necessary to advance to the next phase.
The stars of Igor Milicić's team are Mateusz Ponitka, who began his senior career in Gdynia, Jordan Loyd, and Aleksander Balcerowski, who plays in Spain and is 219 cm tall. It is possible that current AMW Arka Gdynia players will appear in the national team – Kamil Łączyński, who participated in the last championships, Jakub Garbacz and Jarosław Zyskowski, who are in great form at the beginning of the season (all three have been called up for the match against Austria). After a successful performance at EuroBasket, the Polish national team will want to take advantage of the support of its home crowd on the Baltic coast.
PKO Half Marathon. Anyone can take part in the Polish Championships
The PKO Gdynia Half Marathon 2026 is one of the most important running events in Poland, which will once again attract thousands of competitors from Poland and abroad on 25 April 2026. This year's edition will be special because, for the first time in the history of Gdynia, it will host the Polish Half Marathon Championships.
The route will take participants through the picturesque streets and seaside boulevards of Gdynia, offering unforgettable views and sporting excitement – the finish line is planned for Gdynia Śródmieście Beach. Ten thousand participants are expected. The race will take place after dark. The Polish Athletics Association has decided to award medals in six age categories. Anyone can take part in the championships – it is a chance to make history in Polish sport.
MTB Eliminator World Cup. Extreme cycling on Kościuszki Square
Next year, on 27 June to be precise, Kościuszki Square will be transformed into an arena full of adrenaline and spectacular competition. The World Cup competition will feature the best male and female competitors in the world (approx. 40 men and 30 women). On 28 June, there will be a competition for amateur cyclists who want to try their hand at this dynamic and extremely spectacular form of cycling.
The power of attractions, amazing live shows and emotions in a beautiful seaside setting will be remembered for a long time. Every resident and tourist will be able to experience the unique power of this event, which will be held in Gdynia for the first time.
The organisers will ensure the appropriate setting – from an attractive track, through fan zones, to broadcasts for cycling fans across Europe. Gdynia will have the opportunity to showcase itself as the centre of the global MTB scene and attract the attention of cycling enthusiasts and sports media.
Road to the World - Gdynia Sailing Days
This is the largest sailing festival in Poland, held every year on the sea in Gdynia. In the centenary year of Gdynia, the event will take place from 20 June to 31 July. That's exactly 41 days of competition on the water and attractions for residents and tourists on land: workshops, exhibitions, educational zones, equipment demonstrations and interactive zones. This celebration of sailing and the sea will bring together the world's best competitors, who will test the waters of Gdynia.
Next year's edition will be the last major test before the 2027 World Sailing Championships, the largest sailing event in Polish history, which will take place in Gdynia.
Approximately 1,400 participants are expected to compete in 10 regatta events, ranging from Optimist (the youngest) to the popular and spectacular 49er and 470 classes, to the Finn, Micro and Star classes, showcasing the achievements and craftsmanship of experienced sailors from the world's elite.
A sporting highlight will be the participation of Polish sailing icons Dominik Życki (sports director of the Polish Yachting Association) and Mateusz Kusznierewicz, who will return to competition in the legendary Star class with a special guest.
Polish Tennis Championships on legendary courts
The most important national tennis tournament will mark the city's 100th anniversary and determine the Polish champions in various age categories.
From 7 to 21 July, residents will have the opportunity to watch live competition at the highest level in the country, featuring the possible future successors to Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz. The matches will be played on the legendary courts in Gdynia, which were built along with the city that emerged in the interwar period.
IRONMAN returns to Gdynia
Gdynia will return to the world triathlon map on 19 July 2026. Ironman 70.3 Gdynia is one Ironman 70.3 Gdynia is one of the largest and most prestigious triathlon events in Poland, with a spectacular finale on the city beach.
Competitors will face a demanding swim in the sea (1.9 km – starting from Gdynia Śródmieście Beach), a cycling route (90 km) leading through Kashubia and the picturesque Tri-City Landscape Park, and a run (21.1 km) with fans along the entire route and an unforgettable finish on the beach in Gdynia.
This is a unique sporting event that attracts both world-class triathletes and amateurs looking for experimental challenges. As part of the event, you will be able to take part in an Olympic distance triathlon – 1.5 km swimming, 40 km cycling and 10 km running. There will also be a competition for children as part of Pho3nix IRONKIDS and a 5 km night run – Gdynia Night Run.
It is estimated that approximately 4,000 competitors will take part in all events.
Tour de Pologne will start in Gdynia
The biggest cycling race in Poland returns to Pomerania after twelve years. The first stage of the Tour de Pologne 2026, which will take place from 3 to 9 August, will start in Gdynia.
The TdP is part of the prestigious UCI WorldTour, a series of the most important road cycling competitions in which the best cycling teams in the world take part. The race will be broadcast in over 65 countries around the world – in Poland on TVP Sport and Eurosport.
The race director is Polish cycling icon Czesław Lang, born in Kashubia (in the town of Kołczygłowy), Olympic silver medallist in Moscow and winner of the 1980 Tour de Pologne. The presentation of the competitors who will take part in the race will also take place in Gdynia.
The estimated number of spectators along the entire race route is three million.
Polish Boxing Championships
The event is scheduled for the end of November and beginning of December 2026 and will last a week. Approximately 350 competitors from all over Poland will take part. Attractions await residents: fan zones in urban spaces, open training sessions, meetings with champions, and workshops for coaches.
International Book Fair in Gdynia
The International Book Fair in Gdynia will become a new meeting place for writers, readers and publishers from Poland and abroad. The event will be devoted to literature in its various forms – from prose and poetry to reportage, comics and children's literature.
The programme will include discussion panels, literary workshops, presentations of new publications and a space for meetings with authors. The fair aims to promote reading and the exchange of experiences between creators and industry representatives.
The event will take place at Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia, which provides space for a large number of exhibitors and visitors.
Admission to all events will be free of charge.
Premiere of a play about Gdynia at the Municipal Theatre
The premiere of a play based on Aleksandra Boćkowska's book ‘Gdynia. Pierwsza w Polsce’ (Gdynia. First in Poland) will open a new chapter in the history of the Municipal Theatre. It will be the first premiereproduced under the direction of Marta Miłoszewska, and directed by Daria Kopiec, an artist from Gdynia.
The play will be an attempt to tackle the myth of Gdynia – its glamour, shadows and contemporary significance. The creators will address the theme of the city as an idea, a symbol of modernity and a space for human stories.
The premiere is scheduled for 7 March 2026, celebrated worldwide as International Theatre Day.
The event will be one of the most important cultural events of the season in Gdynia.
Exhibition ‘Kachu totalny. The life and work of Kazimierz Kach Ostrowski’ at the Gdynia City Museum
To celebrate Gdynia’s 100th anniversary, the Gdynia City Museum has prepared three exhibitions, which will open in 2026. The largest of these will be dedicated to Kazimierz Kach Ostrowski – an outstanding artist, educator and co-founder of the Gdynia art community.
The exhibition will transport visitors into a world full of colour, emotion and bold painting experiments. Not only will his most famous paintings be on display, but also sketches, archival materials and personal memorabilia.
It will present Ostrowski's work in the context of the era in which he created, emphasising his influence on the development of the local art scene. The project aims to be not only a presentation of the artist's work, but also an invitation to reflect on the importance of art in the life of the city.
Exhibition ‘100% of the City’ / Gdynia DNA Project
To mark the 100th anniversary of Gdynia, the Emigration Museum is preparing a unique research and exhibition project entitled ‘100% of the City / Gdynia DNA’. The exhibition will present the city as a living organism in which people, animals and plants coexist, creating a community of dependencies and relationships.
At its heart will be the question of the identity of Gdynia – a city built on movement, migration and change.
The exhibition will be preceded by research conducted with the participation of residents, whose memories and experiences will be used to create a multi-voiced narrative.
The exhibition will show the diversity of city life, relationships with nature and the processes that shape everyday life. The project aims to present Gdynia as a city in constant dialogue with the past, present and future.
Siesta Festival in Gdynia
For the first time in history, the Siesta Festival will be held in Gdynia, bringing to the city the music and atmosphere known from Marcin Kydryński's radio programme. Artists from around the world will perform on the festival stages, representing genres such as jazz, flamenco, fado, bossa nova, rai and samba.
The Siesta Festival is a celebration of music with soul, based on the idea of intercultural dialogue and emotional authenticity.
The event aims to become one of the most important events in Gdynia's music calendar.
Music Theatre Hits in Gdynia's districts
In August 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of Gdynia, outdoor concerts featuring the Music Theatre's greatest hits will be organised in several districts of the city.
The programme will include excerpts from well-known musicals performed by the Theatre's soloists. The concerts will be an opportunity to encounter professional theatre in the everyday space of the city. The event also has an integrative dimension – it will bring generations together and encourage them to discover culture together. Thanks to the concerts, Gdynia's open-air venues will become a large, open musical stage.
CUDAWIANKI for the 100th anniversary of Gdynia
Cudawianki is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer season in Gdynia, which has become a permanent fixture in the city's calendar of events. On the occasion of the city's anniversary, the event will take on a special character.
The event combines music, art, recreation and social activities, creating a space for joint celebration. The programme will include concerts, workshop areas and attractions for families. On the occasion of Gdynia's centenary, it is planned to raise the artistic value of the event.
Cudawianki 2026 will be a symbol of joy, community and energy, for which Gdynia is famous.
The evening concert will be opened by a DJ and two performers.
Date: 27 June.
District Council Events
In 2026, District Councils will receive additional funds for the organisation of cultural and recreational events as part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia – a total of half a million PLN.
Thanks to these funds, as well as the pooling of budgets and cooperation between districts, projects with a richer programme and a larger audience than the standard activities carried out in the districts to date will be created. Among other things, large outdoor concerts are planned, which will provide an opportunity to celebrate together and build the identity of residents around the anniversary of Gdynia, emphasises Tadeusz Szemiot.
These activities will strengthen the bonds of local communities and emphasise the importance of districts in the city's structure. District Councils are currently consulting on the details of these events. Soon, we will know the dates and artists performing during the three largest inter-district projects planned for the spring and summer season.
Cinematic Gdynia | A wave that carries into the future
In October 2026, Gdynia will become the centre of film activities as part of the project ‘Cinematic Gdynia | A wave that carries into the future’. The programme of events will include an international film review, discussions and meetings with representatives of the film industry. The project will be implemented in cooperation with our partners from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, in which Gdynia operates in the Creative Film Cities cluster.
The event will be an opportunity for residents to learn about film activities carried out by cities similar to Gdynia, as well as new initiatives by Gdynia-based artists and organisations operating in the creative sector.
Thanks to the project, we will strengthen international ties, and Gdynia's artists will be able to establish contacts that will result in joint projects with artists from abroad in the future.
With the project ‘Cinematic Gdynia | A wave that carries into the future’, we want to strengthen and emphasise the importance of the film sector as one of the pillars not only of culture but also of Gdynia's economy.
The creative sector, which is strongly represented in Gdynia by the film industry, is crucial for the citybecause it generates high added value, creates jobs and attracts talented professionals. In cities such as Gdynia, it drives innovation, supports the development of small businesses and strengthens the city's brand as a centre of modern, open culture. Its dynamic development contributes to the revitalisation of urban space and increases the attractiveness of Gdynia for residents, tourists and investors.
• Gdynia LIPDUB 100
To mark Gdynia's 100th anniversary, a unique film project will be created, featuring the city's residents as the main characters.
Lipdub – recorded in one take – will show the vibrant energy of Gdynia as seen through the eyes of its community. Participants will lead viewers through the streets, boulevards and squares, creating a joint spectacle full of joy and commitment.
The project will emphasise the unity of the residents and their pride in the city they create every day. The finished film will not only be a memento of the anniversary, but also a manifesto of the community and positive energy of Gdynia.
Date: 5-6 September 2026.
• Gdynia on Film
Gdynia on Film is a documentary prepared by students and graduates of the Gdynia Film School to mark the city's anniversary. It will not be a classic anniversary story, but a poetic portrait of Gdynia as seen through the eyes of young artists. The film will be shot on 8- and 16-mm film, which will give it a unique analogue character. The creators have deliberately chosen this medium to capture the atmosphere of old cinema and avoid digital perfection. ‘Gdynia on Film’ will show a city that speaks with its own rhythm, light and everyday life.
The aim of the project is to capture the mosaic of urban reality – architecture, residents and the atmosphere of places. It is a tribute to a city where tradition meets modernity. ‘Gdynia on Tape’ invites you to pause for a moment and look at Gdynia differently – through the prism of the magic of analogue cinema.
Date: December 2026.
100 BMP for the Centenary of Gdynia
The ‘100 BPM’ concert series will be dedicated to the young, alternative music scene in Gdynia. Performances presenting various genres of music will be organised in different districts of the city. The project aims to support local artists and create a space to promote their work. An integral part of the project will be the release of an album featuring songs by Gdynia artists. The event is intended to inspire the discovery of new sounds and highlight the creative potential of young artists. ‘100 BPM’ will become a symbol of Gdynia's energy and modernity in its anniversary year.
The performance ‘The History of Gdynia Written in Song’
The performance ‘The History of Gdynia Written in Song’ is a joint birthday gift for the residents of our cityfrom the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, the Musical Theatre and the City of Gdynia.
The history of the city, from its legendary and fairy-tale prehistory to its dynamic present, will be told through the language of art – music, singing, dance, words, stage design, projections, light and acrobatic dance. This extraordinary musical spectacle dedicated to the centenary of Gdynia will touch upon the most important themes related to the life of our city. Thanks to this project, theatre art, and through it the extraordinary hundred-year history of Gdynia, will have a chance to reach a wide audience.