Why it's worth it

It's hard to return from Bolesławiec empty-handed. We returned with a few wonders.

And this is the magic of the Ceramics Festival – coffee or lemonade tastes better when you drink it from a vessel that has its own history and was created here, in the heart of Lower Silesia. Each factory has its own style, different techniques, and other secrets of decoration. It’s also an opportunity to buy ceramics directly from the producer, often at lower prices than on the market.

Ceramic Cafe – coffee, lemonade, and something sweet

A walk around the market can easily stretch into several hours, so a break at Ceramic Cafe is a must. Coffee served in a hand-painted cup, refreshing lemonade in a Bolesławiec glass, and a fresh "senik" instead of cake – everything tastes different when the dishes are part of the local tradition.

And the best part: even the water bowl for dogs in front of the café is made of Bolesławiec ceramics. A small detail, but it shows that this craft is truly a part of everyday life here – not just for special occasions.

The heart of this story beats in the Ceramics Museum, which documents the development of craftsmanship from medieval pots to contemporary design. It is here that one can see how the shapes, colors, and functions of vessels have changed over the centuries.

 🎟 Tickets and Admission

• Ceramics Fair in the Market – free admission. There is no charge for entry; everyone can freely stroll between the stalls and purchase products.
• Concerts and Parade of Ceramic Figures– also free of charge, available to all participants.
• Workshops in the Ceramic Garden (BOK-MCC)– free participation, limited number of places (first come, first served).
• Workshops at the Museum of Ceramics and the Centre of Ancient Pottery Techniques – usually free during the Festival, but some activities require registration or symbolic tickets (a few to several zlotys).
• Visiting Ceramic Workshops – most open to visitors free of charge; in some studios, decorating workshops may be paid (depending on what you want to create and keep as a souvenir – e.g. mug, bowl). Prices: usually 20–50 zlotys.
• Museum of Ceramics (permanent exhibitions)– regular ticket approximately 15 zlotys, reduced ticket approximately 8 zlotys. During the Festival, free entries or special combined tickets for both locations are often introduced.

Ceramic Fair – a mecca for collectors and bargain hunters

The market transforms into a huge fair. Here, you will find both the largest Bolesławiec factories – Ceramika Artystyczna, Zakłady Ceramiczne “Bolesławiec”, Manufaktura – as well as smaller, family workshops that bring their short series. Dishes, figurines, lamps, jewelry – all in various styles, but always with soul.

Bolesławiec – a city that has lived with clay for centuries

The history of ceramics in Bolesławiec dates back to the Middle Ages. It is here, in Lower Silesia, that exceptionally rich deposits of stoneware clay were discovered, ideal for firing durable and beautiful dishes. Archaeologists have found in the area of the city vessels dated back to the 13th century – the first traces of local pottery tradition.

Since then, ceramics have become the hallmark of Bolesławiec. Today, around 40 factories and workshops operate in the city, continuing this tradition by combining ancient techniques with modern design. It is their products – hand-shaped and painted – that end up on tables across Europe, and even beyond.

Wednesday, August 13 – a gentle start

• Opening of the Pottery Fair (Market Square, 10:00–21:00). The perfect moment to browse the stalls before the weekend crowds.

• Evening art openings – outdoor ceramic & sculpture exhibition at BOK-MCC. A great introduction to the festival atmosphere.

Thursday, August 14 – getting into the rhythm

• Pottery wheel demonstrations in the Market Square – clay shaped under the masters’ hands.

• Exhibition opening “New Design in Bolesławiec Ceramics” – a fresh take on tradition.

• A great day for shopping and chatting with artists – still no weekend rush.

Friday, August 15 – the big attractions begin

• Antique Fair from early morning – the best place for unique finds.

• Hands-on workshops in the Ceramic Garden (12:00–18:00). Make your own mug or plate.

• Evening concerts – including a performance by Oskar Cyms.

• Official opening with a theatrical twist – colorful, loud, and spectacular.

Saturday, August 16 – the highlight

• Parade of Ceramic Figures – one of the festival’s hallmarks. Giant creations walk the streets in a unique spectacle.

• Workshops and demonstrations everywhere: in the museum, Ceramic Garden, and the Market Square.

• Concerts – from jazz to rock, ending with a big evening show on the main stage.

• The widest selection of pottery – perfect for hunting one-of-a-kind treasures.

Sunday, August 17 – the finale

• Sports events: stair run, street basketball.

• Last chance workshops – create your own ceramic keepsake.

• Closing concerts on the main stage: Papa Dance and IRA – an energetic farewell to the Festival.

🚌 How to Get to Bolesławiec

🚗 By car

• From Wrocław – take the A4 motorway towards Zgorzelec, exit at Krzyżowa and follow signs to Bolesławiec. Distance: ~120 km, travel time: under 2 hours.

• From Dresden (Germany) – about 170 km, roughly 2 hours via A4 motorway (crossing the border at Görlitz/Zgorzelec).

• From Prague (Czech Republic) – about 200 km, ~3 hours via D10/E65 and A4.👉 During the Festival, the town center is closed to traffic. Use designated parking areas near the entrances to the city (signposted as “Parking Święto Ceramiki”) and walk to the Market Square (5–15 minutes on foot).

🚆 By train

• Direct trains run from Wrocław (1h 45min–2h) and Legnica (35–45 min).

• Long-distance trains connect Bolesławiec with Warsaw, Dresden, Görlitz, and Berlin (with changes).

• The railway station (Dworzec PKP Bolesławiec) is only a 10-minute walk from the Market Square.

🚌 By bus/coach

• Regular regional buses connect Bolesławiec with Jelenia Góra, Zgorzelec, Lubin, and Legnica.

• From Wrocław, FlixBus and other private operators sometimes offer direct routes (travel time ~2h).

✈️ By plane

• The nearest airport is Wrocław Airport (WRO) – about 120 km away, ~1h 45min by car.

• From there you can rent a car or take a train via Wrocław Główny station.

Bolesławiec will once again become the capital of clay and glaze. From August 13 to 17, 2025, the city will be filled for the 31st time with colorful ceramics, the smell of pottery kilns, and music. The market square transforms into a huge fair, the streets into an outdoor stage, and workshops and demonstrations open doors to a world where anyone can briefly become an artist.

Event Schedule

Here’s a quick day-by-day guide – it’s worth coming by, there are still 2 days left to enjoy!

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