From 11 to 13 September 2026, Kielce will host the first-ever Army Days – a three-day festival combining military heritage, modern technology, entertainment and Polish culture.
Visitors to Kielce this September will have a unique opportunity to discover a different side of Poland. Army Days 2026 will bring together an impressive open-air exhibition of military equipment, special events, sporting activities and live music – with plenty to see and experience throughout the weekend.
Discover Kielce and the Świętokrzyskie region
Located in central Poland, Kielce is the gateway to the beautiful Świętokrzyskie Mountains, one of the country’s most distinctive natural regions. With ancient landscapes, geological attractions, walking trails and centuries of history, the area makes an excellent destination for a weekend break.
Kielce also has deep-rooted military and independence traditions. More than a century ago, the city and the surrounding region played an important role in Poland’s struggle to regain independence. During the Second World War, the area became an active centre of resistance against Nazi German occupation.
That military legacy continues today. Kielce is involved in the training of Polish soldiers preparing for international missions, including United Nations operations, while the 8th Home Army Infantry Division is currently being formed in the city.
Kielce is also an important centre for Poland’s modern defence industry. Targi Kielce hosts MSPO – the International Defence Industry Exhibition, one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to defence technology and equipment.
Three days of attractions
Army Days will offer three action-packed days for visitors of all ages, with particular appeal for anyone interested in military history, technology and military tourism.
One of the festival’s highlights will be a major open-air exhibition of military equipment, which visitors can explore free of charge. There will also be an opportunity to try grochówka – the traditional Polish pea soup famously associated with the army.
Sport will also be part of the programme. On the second day of Army Days, visitors will be invited to join a special training session with Marcin Gortat, the celebrated Polish former NBA basketball player.
A spectacular concert at Kadzielnia
The festival will conclude with a major patriotic concert at one of Kielce’s most spectacular venues – the Kadzielnia Amphitheatre.
Set within the Andrzej Litwin Kadzielnia Geological Reserve, the amphitheatre can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators and provides a dramatic natural backdrop for live performances.
Leading Polish music stars will take to the stage alongside the Representative Artistic Ensemble of the Polish Armed Forces for an evening celebrating Polish music and culture. The concert will also be recorded for subsequent broadcast by Polish public broadcaster Telewizja Polska.
Turn a business trip into a weekend in Kielce
Army Days also gives MSPO exhibitors and visitors an excellent opportunity to extend their time in Kielce beyond the defence exhibition. Embracing the increasingly popular workation trend, business travellers can turn their professional visit into a longer stay and enjoy the festival weekend, discovering more of the city and the surrounding Świętokrzyskie region.
To make the experience even more appealing, organisers will offer interested exhibitors’ complimentary tickets to the festival’s spectacular patriotic concert at the Kadzielnia Amphitheatre. It is a perfect opportunity to combine business with culture, entertainment and local experiences – and experience Poland from a new perspective.
Come to Kielce from 11–13 September 2026 and discover why Poland is more than you expected.
The Army Days project is co-funded by the Polish National Foundation.
