Every year in mid-August (dates for 2024 have not been announced yet) stalls are set up around the Small Square or Mały Rynek and local pierogi makers take them over– al competing to be named the best pierogi in Krakow.

This is something a lot of people plan their entire trips to Krakow around, and I heard many tourists say, oh I remember this one from last year, so there are a lot of people who are coming back to Krakow yearly to get their fill of pierogi.

2023 was the 21st annual festival- and on its last day, they once again awarded the statue of St. Jacek with a bowl full of dumplings to the reigning champs, Sekret Smaku! With other awards going out for various categories.

@krakowexplorers It’s time for 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣➕Things to do in Krakow (13/500): Go the the 🥟Annual Pierogi 🥟Festival! It’s mid-August so it’s once again time for the pierogi festival! This is something a lot of people plan their entire trips to Krakow around, and I heard many tourists say, oh I remember this one from last year, so there are a lot of people who are coming back to Krakow yearly to get their fill of pierogi. This was the 21st annual festival- and on its last day, they will once again award the best pierogi in Krakow to one of these deserving stalls! Everyday from Friday August 11th to Tuesday August 15th you can head to the Mały Rynek (Small Square) in Krakow from 10am to Midnight to sample pierogi. Mix and match at each booth- both savory and sweet options are available- and they are about 4zł or 1euro each, even cheaper if bought in larger quantities. They even had steamed dumplings this year that were an Asian style recipe that were fantastic. The blue and pink ones were of course movie themed. And the longest lines were at booths of previous winners. Not only was there pierogi- but you could also grab a beer, some mountain cheese, local honey, or even a wild blueberry pastry. By the way the adorable little statue I showed you here is the trophy for the winners. It depicts St. Jacek, who brought pierogi to Poland to help feed the poor, holding a little basket of his dumplings. I really wish they sold these as souvenirs. Did I mention it’s open until midnight?! There’s also a DJ! You still have time even tonight! Smacznego! #krakowexplorers #freewalkingtoursinkrakow #thingstodoinkrakow #krakow #poland ♬ Polish Folk Song (Karolinka) – The Suntrees Sky

The schedule usually runs from Friday  to Tuesday (they’ve extended it to these 5 days in recent years, instead of just a weekend). And you can head to the Mały Rynek (Small Square) in Krakow from 10am to Midnight to sample the pierogi.

Mix and match at each booth- both savory and sweet options are available- and they are about 4zł or 1euro each, even cheaper if bought in larger quantities.

They even had steamed dumplings this year that were an Asian style recipe that were fantastic. The blue and pink ones were of course movie themed- Barbie and Smurf. And the longest lines were at booths of previous winners.

Not only was there pierogi- but you could also grab a beer, some mountain cheese, local honey, or even a wild blueberry pastry.

By the way the adorable little statue I showed you  is the trophy for the winners. And it depicts St. Jacek, who brought pierogi to Poland to help feed the poor, holding a little basket of his dumplings. I really wish they sold these as souvenirs.

Did I mention it’s open until midnight?! There’s also a DJ! Smacznego!