11th International Poetry Festival Silesius – Wrocław 2026

From 17 to 24 May 2026, Wrocław becomes the capital of poetry for the 11th time as the International Poetry Festival Silesius takes over the city’s literary spaces. This year’s theme is Conflict, and the guest of honour is Slovenia.

The festival’s centrepiece is the ceremony of the Wrocław Silesius Poetry Award — returning in 2026 to the festival itself after several years — taking place on 23 May at Wrocław Contemporary Theatre. The award categories are Book of the Year and Debut of the Year, with the lifetime achievement award this year going to poet and publisher Konrad Góra.

Among this year’s featured guests are Ukrainian poet Serhiy Zhadan, Polish poet Marcin Świetlicki (performing his poems in complete darkness — a unique experience especially designed for visually impaired audiences), and a group of Slovenian poets including Anja Zag Golob and Nina Dragičević. Programmes also include poetry yoga in Park Szczytnicki, debates on AI and poetry, panel discussions on poetic conflict, and a closing theatrical poetry improvisation.

Main venues include Klub Proza (Przejście Garncarskie 2), Oratorium Marianum, Willa Karpowiczów, Muzeum Pana Tadeusza (Rynek 6) and Park Szczytnicki. All events are free of charge.