Warszawska Jesień - the Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music - is running in the Polish capital throughout late September 2026, with concerts scheduled across multiple city venues. One of the oldest and most respected new music festivals in Europe, it draws composers, performers, and audiences from across the continent and beyond.
What Is Warsaw Autumn
Founded in 1956, Warsaw Autumn has spent nearly seven decades presenting world premieres and Polish premieres of contemporary classical works. The festival’s programming runs from experimental electronics and avant-garde chamber music to large orchestral pieces and interdisciplinary performances. It operates across the Warsaw Philharmonic, the Polish Radio Concert Studio, and a rotating selection of smaller halls and unusual performance spaces.
Unlike many summer festivals, Warsaw Autumn is designed for audiences who want to hear music they have never heard before - often including works receiving their very first public performance anywhere in the world.
What’s on in 2026
The 2026 edition spans the second half of September and includes evening concerts most nights, with afternoon events at some venues. The programme typically includes:
- Orchestral concerts at the Warsaw Philharmonic featuring major premieres
- Chamber music and solo recitals at smaller venues
- After-dark electronic and experimental sessions in non-traditional spaces
- Talks, workshops, and composer encounters - some of which are open to the public at no charge
Full programming details and ticketing are available on the Warszawska Jesień website. Individual concert tickets are reasonably priced by European standards; a festival pass is available for visitors planning to attend multiple events.
Getting to Concerts
The Warsaw Philharmonic sits in the city centre, a short walk from the Old Town and well connected by tram and metro. Most other festival venues are also within the central districts. Warsaw’s public transport runs late enough to cover evening performances.
For visitors unfamiliar with Warsaw, the festival is a useful anchor for a longer stay - concerts are in the evenings, leaving days free for the city’s museums, markets, and historic districts. Book a Warsaw walking tour for your first full day - it’s the fastest way to get oriented before evening concerts begin.
Combining Warsaw Autumn with Sightseeing
Late September is one of the better windows for visiting Warsaw. Crowds are smaller than in summer, temperatures are pleasant (typically 12–18°C), and the foliage along the Royal Route and Łazienki Park begins to turn. Many of the city’s cafés and restaurants are running autumn menus.
For guided introduction to the city’s highlights, see our Warsaw tours guide. Our Warsaw city guide covers neighbourhoods, transport, and where to stay at different budget levels.