Pol'and'Rock Festival

The Pol’and’Rock Festival, previously known as Przystanek Woodstock, is one of the largest music festivals in Poland, held annually since 1995. Organized by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of participants from around the world, offering a rich music program, talks with celebrities, and educational workshops. Initially, the festival took place in various locations, such as Czymanowo, Szczecin, and Żary, but since 2004 it has been held in Kostrzyn nad Odrą, which allowed for the expansion of infrastructure and better preparation for a massive audience. The main architectural features of the festival are the Main Stage and the Small Stage, where both well-known bands and lesser-known artists perform, fostering musical diversity. Interestingly, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was organized online, drawing crowds of Polish music fans to their screens. Each edition of the festival has its own slogan, which is reflected in the atmosphere and message of the event. Pol’and’Rock is also a nationwide undertaking involving volunteers who engage in various forms of assistance and support, building a unique festival community. The organizer is Jerzy Owsiak, who since 1994 has promoted the ideals of friendship, freedom, and love in the spirit of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. The festival’s famous call, "Zaraz będzie ciemno!" ("It will be dark soon!"), has become a symbol of the event. Over the years, the festival has evolved by introducing new elements and expanding its program, contributing to its international success and recognition in public consciousness. The festival is not only a musical event but also a cultural one, integrating diverse social groups and promoting values such as anti-racism and multiculturalism.