Join us at East of Culture – Different Sounds festival on July 2-5, 2026! Concerts will take place at the People’s Park (Park Ludowy), while Lublin’s Old Town will be filled with inspiring talks, exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops.
To help you find your way, check out the People’s Park map. You’ll find us near the entrances by Arena Lublin.
Yes! All East of Culture – Different Sounds festival events, including the concerts, are free of charge. Please note that some selected programme events, such as workshops, may require prior registration.
Before you head to the festival, you can browse our eco-friendly online programme at innebrzmienia.eu, which is also available in a mobile-friendly version.
Would you prefer the programme in PDF format? It’s available in both Polish and English.
You can also find the festival map HERE.
For all information about the festival, as well as printed programmes, please visit our Information Points at Łokietka Square and in the People’s Park (Park Ludowy).
Opening hours:
Plac Łokietka: 12:00–20:00
Park Ludowy: 13:00–24:00
The concerts and some festival events take place in the People’s Park (Park Ludowy), on uneven grassy ground. However, the area is accessible via paved park pathways.
Literary meetings and discussions are also held in the patio of Workshops of Culture at Grodzka 7, where a wheelchair-accessible ramp is available.
Some events are interpreted into Polish Sign Language (PJM). Information about which events include sign language interpretation can be found in the festival programme.
Read the East of Culture – Different Sounds Festival Accessibility Guide (PDF) available in Polish.
Our festival is also accessible for people with sensory sensitivities. You can find more information below.
Our festival is also accessible to people with sensory sensitivities. Noise-cancelling earmuffs for both adults and children will be available to rent at the Festival Shop in the People’s Park for a refundable deposit of 100 PLN. We accept the deposit in cash only. The deposit will be refunded when you return the earmuffs in their original, undamaged condition.
For anyone who would like to take a break from the festival crowds and sensory stimulation, we have prepared a dedicated Zone of Quiet and Relaxation. Please remember: this is not a meeting point or a place for socialising. Please do not consume alcohol in this area, and respect other visitors’ need for peace and quiet.
You can find information about very loud concerts and possibly triggering visuals in the programme:
🔊 very loud concert
🚨 visualisations during the concert
Every festival day brings a powerful dose of sound that affects not only our ears but our whole bodies. To help restore balance, we invite you to experience a unique sound reset – a meditative, collective immersion in the sounds of the natural world, while discovering the work of Polish field recording artists. Check the programme HERE.
We also have five tips on how to take care of your hearing. You can read them HERE. You can also book your appointment for free hearing tests with Audika to find out whether you’ll be able to catch all the different sounds we’ll be bringing to the festival!
1. Check your hearing with Audika
Together with Audika, we invite you to take part in free hearing tests. On four festival mornings, Audika specialists will check how your hearing is doing. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes. Advance registration is required!
2. Use earplugs
Special concert earplugs provide hearing protection while modern acoustic filters do not reduce sound quality. Even simple foam earplugs can help. Every day at our Festival Shop in the People’s Park (Park Ludowy), you can rent noise-reducing headphones for both adults and children with a 100 PLN deposit.
3. Take regular breaks
Use breaks between concerts to rest and move away from sound sources. Our hearing needs around 8 hours to regenerate, rest, and return to better function. Before the next festival day, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and rest in silence.
4. Keep a safe distance from speakers
Don’t spend the entire festival night close to the speakers! Different Sounds is not only the main stage under the tent, but also a screening zone with deckchairs where sound levels are lower.
5. Reset your hearing with field recordings
Feeling tired after yesterday’s concerts? Give your ears a sound reset with field recordings. From Friday to Sunday, we invite you to morning listening sessions.
6. Watch for symptoms
Ringing in the ears? Tinnitus? A feeling of blocked ears? Pain? If disturbing symptoms persist despite post-festival rest, do not ignore them. In the case of acoustic injuries, time is crucial, so do not delay a medical consultation! Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly increase the chances of restoring normal hearing function.
This year, for the first time, we are leaving Błonia under the Castle due to planned summer revitalization works in that area. As a result, we won’t be able to show you current photos of the festival grounds in the People’s Park (Park Ludowy) until the first day of the event. However, you can be sure that we will do everything to make the new space just as welcoming and atmospheric as Błonia under the Castle, which has hosted us since 2015.
Festival Zone
This is the heart of our festival, where 90% of the excitement takes place. This is where you want to be, this is where you want to spend four unforgettable days.
Festival Tent
The most important place of Different Sounds, where electrifying concerts take place. Whether you’re seeking a chill vibe or an adrenaline rush, our tent has something for everyone. Kick back on a comfy lounger and soak in the music, or get right up close to the stage and have the artists within arm’s reach. Our tent also provides the perfect shelter from a summer storm (yes, we’ve tested it!) and is your go-to spot for grabbing food and drinks to keep your energy levels high.
Outdoor Video Screen
Weather is good? Festival tent packed? No worries! Catch all the live action under the open sky. Our giant outdoor screen lets you enjoy the concerts even if the festival tent is bursting at the seams.
Bar
Quench your thirst and beat the festival heat with chilled beverages at our sponsor’s outdoor bar.
Cold drinks – exactly what the heated audience of East of Culture – Different Sounds needs. You can quench your thirst at the outdoor bar run by our sponsor, Browar Zakładowy.
Food Truck Zone
Burning calories dancing by the stage? Replenish your energy at our diverse Food Truck Zone. There’s something for everyone: whether you’re a burger aficionado or a sweet tooth enthusiast, every year our Food Truck Zone strives to have something to satisfy every craving.
Information Point
At this spot, you can pick up our programme, get a temporary tattoo, or even find your lost keys or mobile phone. Our volunteers know the answers to all your questions about the festival.
Festival Store
A hoodie with the festival logo, a souvenir pin, or perhaps books published as part of the Eastern Express series, which are premiering during the Different Sounds festival? You’ll find all of this in our Festival Store.
Indie Labels’ Fair
A paradise for vinyl aficionados, where treasures you’d struggle to find online are within arm’s reach. Prepare to indulge your passion, but tread carefully, for these sonic treasures may tempt even the most resolute collector.
Musical Playground
This is a space designed with the youngest fans of Different Sounds in mind. Here you can let loose, strike a gong, and even play a song on XXL glockenspiels.
Zone of Quiet
This is the perfect zone for those who need a break from the fast-paced environment of the Different Sounds festival. Here, those sensitive to loud music and tired of stimuli from the stage can take refuge. PS. Did you know that we lend noise-cancelling headphones to both children and adults?
Old Town | Workshops of Culture | Grodzka 7
While at the festival, don’t forget to visit our office at Grodzka 7 – the place where we work year-round to curate the Different Sounds programme for you.
Explore the exhibition space on the ground floor, and who knows, you might even catch an inspiring talk with a festival guest on our patio!
Venture up to the second floor and visit our exhibition room. Before the evening concerts begin, take a moment to explore the thought-provoking exhibits that adorn our walls.
Old Town | Workshops of Culture | Grodzka 5a
The Workshops of Culture have many interesting hidden corners. Entering our building at Grodzka 5a, you’ll discover an enchanting exhibition of book covers published by us along the way. Each of them was designed by the talented artist Ewelina Kruszewska.
On the second floor of the tenement house at Grodzka 5a, you’ll find a performance hall – a space that transforms beyond recognition for every event. Sometimes it hosts music workshops for children, and at other times you can watch a film in the cinema hall.
Old Town | Bałagan Pub | Grodzka 5a
Bałagan mixes wine, gin, and beer with great music and an excellent atmosphere. And all of this takes place in the beautiful setting of Lublin’s Old Town.
Old Town | Słowobranie Festival Bookstore | Między Słowami Bookshop Cafe
Didn’t have time to buy the book during the event at the Workshops of Culture? Don’t worry! Check out Między Słowami Cafe at Rybna 4. That’s where you’ll find all books published by the Workshops of Culture and drink delicious coffee.
Old Town | The Hartwig Alley
You’ll find our outdoor exhibitions in this magical corner just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town’s main street. The exhibitions are always focused on photography. This is because the alley bears the name of the Hartwigs, the family of one of Lublin’s most famous photographers.
At the very bottom of the stairs, you’ll find our cozy Photography Studio – a charming little space where, every Thursday and Friday you can have a souvenir photo taken using a historic photographic technique or simply step into the world of a photographer’s studio from 100 years ago.
Your safety is our priority and every year we make every effort to make visitors feel comfortable.
The event area is secured by security services. Your bag or backpack will be checked upon entry.
Prohibited items:
– alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages designed to imitate alcoholic drinks,
– dangerous items (knives, sharp tools, gas, weapons, laser pointers, explosives, and pyrotechnics),
– intoxicating and psychotropic substances.
Individuals attempting to bring in or possessing any prohibited items as listed above, as well as those exhibiting behavior that threatens the safety of other attendees, will be removed from the premises.
Behaviours of a harassing nature will not be tolerated. This includes:
– unwanted physical contact,
– vulgar language,
– threats,
– harassment,
– any other behavior that may cause discomfort or a sense of danger.
Anyone engaging in such behavior will be removed from the festival grounds.
If you witness or experience inappropriate conduct, please report it to the security or the festival staff / organizers. The security is located at the festival entrance, in the festival tent, and around the stage.
Together, let’s create an atmosphere of kindness and respect!
Additional safety rules can be found in the Festival Terms and Conditions.
A first aid kit is available at the Information Point, located at the entrance to the event area.
The event area is secured by security services. Your bag or backpack will be checked upon entry.
You can bring:
– plastic bottles of water or soft drinks,
– prescription medications: with proof / documentation,
– hygiene items: deodorants, tissues.
With chilly evenings and unpredictable weather, be sure to pack rain gear and warmer clothing like jackets, sweaters, scarves, and hats.
Prohibited items:
– alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages designed to imitate alcoholic drinks,
– dangerous items (knives, sharp tools, gas, weapons, laser pointers, explosives, and pyrotechnics),
– intoxicating and psychotropic substances.
Individuals attempting to bring in or possessing any prohibited items as listed above, as well as those exhibiting behavior that threatens the safety of other attendees, will be removed from the premises.
Lost your keys, bank card, ID, student card, favorite hoodie, or wallet? Visit the Info Point, located just by the entrance to the festival grounds. There’s a good chance your items are there!
Throughout the entire event, we invite you to our Festival Club in the People’s Park. There, you can relax on comfortable deckchairs and pallet seating, buy festival merchandise, take part in the Indie Labels’ Fair, and get a sneak peek at rehearsals of the bands performing in the evening. This is also where you’ll find the Food Truck Zone and the bar run by our sponsor, Browar Zakładowy, with more information provided below.
The Festival Club is open daily from 16:00.
Remember to stay well hydrated! Hot weather is expected. You can bring your own water bottle to the festival, but drinks will also be available for purchase on site. Please note that bringing your own food and alcohol onto the festival grounds is not allowed.
Your non-musical cravings will be satisfied in the festival Food Truck Zone! In the People’s Park, you’ll find a carefully selected lineup of food trucks that will meet your culinary needs. We’ve chosen only the most delicious options.
For the fourth time, our sponsor is Browar Zakładowy! In their zone, you’ll find as many as THREE places where you can buy tokens. You go to the cashier, buy as many tokens as you like, and then exchange them for your favourite drink! One token equals one bottle, can, or cup filled with a refreshing beverage. You can pay for tokens by card.
Browar Zakładowy has long since given up single-use plastic. You’ll receive your drink in colourful Zakładowy eco-cups. They are reusable, dishwasher-safe, and you can take them to a party or to your allotment garden. The deposit is 10 PLN. If you wish, you can return the cup and get your 10 PLN back. If not, nothing happens – and you’ll have a nice festival souvenir.
Browar Zakładowy hasn’t forgotten about those who enjoy alcohol-free beer this time either. You’ll find two flavours of non-alcoholic beer there!
And if you feel like going to a restaurant or café, make sure to visit the venues in the Old Town.
Festival Store – you’ll find it near the stage. They’ve got a selection of festival merch like posters, hats, tees, and pins. Plus, you can browse and buy books published by the Workshops of Culture.
Indie Labels’ Fair – a cornerstone of the festival, offering a unique chance to explore the work of lesser-known, small music publishers who keep their music on vinyls.
Artists’ merch – remember, many artists have it, but not everyone does. Fans can buy merchandise directly from the artists at the festival, either during or right after their performances. Each artist will announce the location of their merch stand individually from the stage.
Między Słowami Bookshop Cafe – an incredibly charming place where you can savour a cup of coffee or tea, delve into a book, play board games, and, during the festival, also purchase books we’ve published. Między Słowami Bookshop Cafe is located in the Old Town at Rybna 4.
We would like to remind you that in Lublin you can rent a bike through the Lubelski Rower Miejski system. The nearest stations are located in the immediate vicinity of our festival area in the People’s Park and near the Town Hall, right at the entrance to the Old Town. You will also be allowed to ride your bike into the festival grounds and lock it in designated areas, where it can safely wait out all the concerts.
There are several large parking areas around the People’s Park. Free parking is available at the Metropolitan Station (Dworzec Metropolitalny) and Lublin Główny Railway Station (Dworzec PKP Lublin Główny), both approximately a 10-minute walk from the festival area in the People’s Park.
Paid parking is available at Arena Lublin and at Targi Lublin, both approximately a 5-minute walk from the festival area in the People’s Park.
All concerts and exhibitions during the festival are open to all ages, and we have dedicated a selection of workshops specifically for our younger audience. Check out the Little Different Sounds programme!
To ensure the safety of the youngest Different Sounds attendees, a special wristband for children will be available at the festival Information Point in the People’s Park. The wristband includes space to write down a parent’s phone number. It will help reunite children with their guardians in case they lose sight of each other. If needed, please go to the Information Point, where we will be happy to help.
Calm, non-aggressive pets are welcome at the festival, but for their comfort, well-being, and safety, we kindly encourage you to leave them at home. The event draws thousands of people, with loud sounds, bright lights, and a flurry of stimuli – all of which can overwhelm even the most socialized pets. The combination of all these factors creates a highly stressful environment, which can frighten even pets accustomed to such situations. We leave our four-legged friends at home.
If you do decide to bring your pet:
– dogs must be kept on a leash,
– large dogs or those that might cause concern should wear a muzzle,
– owners are fully responsible for their animal’s behavior, including any financial liability,
– please clean up after your pet and ensure it doesn’t disturb other festivalgoers.
Let’s look out for each other – for the comfort and safety of both people and animals.
The festival will not be cancelled or interrupted in case of inclement weather. The concerts are held in a tent, so we’re not afraid of rain or heat.
Have you come to our festival and would like to explore the city as well? Check out our top 10 must-see places when visiting Lublin!
1. The Old Town
Lublin’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic architectural and urban complexes in all of Poland. As much as 70% of the original buildings have survived to this day, and the oldest structures date back to the Middle Ages. While exploring this part of the city, be sure to check out the Grodzka Gate, Po Farze Square, Ku Farze Street (the narrowest street in the city), the Crown Tribunal, the Archcathedral, the Trinitarian Tower, the Dominican Basilica, and the Old Theatre. As you stroll through the Old Town, take a moment to admire the charming tenement houses scattered throughout – one of them is even our home! Stop by Grodzka 5a and 7 – some festival modules take place there.
2. The Lublin Castle
The Lublin Castle beckons with its enchanting walkway leading directly into the heart of the Old Town. Keep an eye out for this iconic landmark! This building was erected in the first half of the 14th century by Casimir the Great, initially serving as a defensive fortress. Over the centuries, the castle has been rebuilt numerous times, serving as the venue for parliamentary sessions, a prison, the Lublin Museum, and finally, the seat of the National Museum in Lublin. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Museum also hosts temporary shows. The Castle complex also includes the Castle Tower (donjon) and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, a site of international significance. The chapel’s walls and vaulted ceiling are covered with stunning frescoes in the Ruthenian-Byzantine style.
3. Zemborzyce Lake
Our concerts got you fired up? We’ve got just the thing for that! Cool down by the Zemborzyce Lake, fondly called “our sea” by locals. This tranquil body of water is nestled in the southeastern part of Lublin. It’s the perfect destination for both singles and families alike. Enjoy sailing, fishing, swimming, and water biking. Thrill-seekers can also take advantage of the slides at Słoneczny Wrotków Water Park.
4. Maria Curie-Skłodowska University Botanical Garden
If you enjoy relaxing in nature, take a walk through the Botanical Garden. You’ll find it in the western part of the city, at Sławinkowska 3. The garden spans around 22 hectares of picturesque, varied landscape, featuring a section of the Czechówka River valley and natural loess gorges. It’s home to approximately 7,000 plant species from around the world, as well as the Kościuszko Manor, once owned by the uncle of Tadeusz Kościuszko. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing, getting a breath of fresh air, or capturing a fantastic photo session.
5. The Open Air Village Museum in Lublin
Within a stone’s throw of the Botanical Garden, you’ll discover the Lublin Village Museum. This open-air museum, one of Poland’s largest, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the Lublin Province. Beyond an array of traditional rural cottages, you’ll encounter a meticulously recreated pre-World War II town. The Village Museum has consistently attracted film crews, serving as a captivating backdrop for productions such as “Sami Swoi: Początek” (“Our Folks: The Beginning”), “Wołyń” (“Hatred”), “1920: Bitwa Warszawska” (“Battle of Warsaw 1920”) and “Znachor” (“Forgotten Love”).
6. The Regional Museum of Cebularz
As the saying goes, Lublin is built on cebularz. You’ll find these onion-filled pastries in every bakery and bread shop throughout the city. These savoury delights are the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring, before heading to the Festival Stage for some lively entertainment. But did you know we also have our very own Regional Museum of Cebularz? It’s located in the heart of the Old Town, at Rybna 9. Pop in if you’re keen to learn how to bake this local delicacy yourself. Franek and Esterka will guide you through every step of the process!
7. Trinitarian Tower
Craving a bird’s-eye view of our vibrant festival? Ascend the Trinitarian Tower’s observation deck to witness the spectacle from above. Prepare for a challenge, as 207 steps await your determined ascent. But the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before you will surely leave you awestrck. Gaze upon the sweeping cityscape, including the festival grounds, a sight that has captivated countless visitors. Don’t forget to spot the weather vane rooster perched atop the tower. Legend has it that this vigilant sentinel once warned residents of impending danger, and some say it still does.
8. State Museum at Majdanek
A short distance from the city centre lies the Majdanek State Museum. This somber site commemorates the victims of World War II, particularly those who perished during the Holocaust. If you plan to visit Majdanek, ensure you have ample time, as it encompasses a vast 90-hectare area dotted with approximately 70 historical structures, including gas chambers, a crematorium, execution trenches, and barracks. Be advised, this site is not for the faint of heart.
9. The Lublin Underground Route
If you want to cool down after all the festival excitement, why not explore Lublin’s underground tunnels? The cool, damp air will surely do you good! The Lublin Underground Trail spans 280 meters, connecting 16th-century cellars beneath the Old Town buildings. The tour begins at the Crown Tribunal and ends at Po Farze Square. Along the way, you’ll find exhibitions showcasing Lublin’s history. A highlight is the moving model of Lublin from the time of the great fire in 1719.
10. The Saxon Garden
As Lublin’s most iconic municipal park, the Saxon Garden exudes an air of timeless elegance and charm. Established in 1837, this verdant oasis draws its name from its illustrious counterpart in Warsaw. The garden’s design bears the mark of Piotr Vernier, a renowned horticulturist employed by the Czartoryski family. His vision transformed the space into a botanical haven, showcasing an impressive 300 species of plants. Amidst the lush greenery, visitors can encounter a variety of peacocks, adding a touch of avian splendor to the tranquil ambiance. A refreshing fountain offers a welcome respite on warm days, while the concert shell provides a stage for captivating performances. Across from the Saxon Garden stands the Executioner’s Cottage, shrouded in local lore. Legend has it that approaching this enigmatic dwelling brings misfortune upon those who dare. Heed the cautionary tales and steer clear of this supposedly ill-omened spot during your leisurely strolls!
Read the Terms and Conditions (available in Polish).
