Opole Festival 2026 lineup announced; Rodowicz withdraws, Olewicz honored

The Opole Festival 2026 promises a rich lineup of Polish musical talent, though it will proceed without the participation of veteran singer Maryla Rodowicz, who voluntarily withdrew. The festival is set to launch its "SuperJedynki" concert on Thursday evening, immediately following the "Debiuty" competition.

This opening night will feature performances by Afromental, Luxtorpeda, Nocny Kochanek, Kombi, Ralph Kamiński, Renata Przemyk, and Majka Jeżowska. The evening will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the news program "Teleexpress," with journalists associated with the show hosting the event. These include Bartosz Cebeńko, Aleksandra Kostrzewska, Mateusz Jędraś, and Maciej Orłoś.

Friday's program centers on the "Koncert Premier" (Premiere Concert), where established artists will unveil brand-new songs. Nine artists were selected by the Festival's Artistic Council from numerous submissions to compete with their new works. Performers include Kamil Bednarek, Andrzej Krzywy, Patrycja Markowska, Michał Wiśniewski, Kuba Szmajkowski, Vix.N, Poparzeni Kawą Trzy, Maciej Skiba, Darya i Fabijański, Krzysztof Iwaneczko, Sargis, and Jasiek Piwowarczyk. The concert will also feature last year's winners, Anna Iwanek and Katarzyna Żak.

Additionally, Friday will host the second installment of "Hip Hop. Jedno Podwórko" (One Backyard), celebrating Polish hip-hop. The concert will feature thematic blocks, blending 90s and early 2000s classics with contemporary sounds, special stage configurations, and premiere tracks. Artists like Vienio / Kosi, DonGuralesko, Fukaj / Zalia, Łona, Sarius, Numer Raz / Natalia Kukulska, Ryfa Ri, Eldo, Grammatik, OG Kamka, Molesta Ewenement, and OSTR / Nosowska are slated to perform.

Saturday's program, titled "Autobiografia," is dedicated to Bogdan Olewicz, the renowned lyricist behind many hits for bands like Perfect. Celebrating his 80th birthday in 2026, Olewicz's work will be honored by a star-studded concert. Performers include Krzysztof Cugowski i Zespół Mistrzów, Doda, Natalia Kukulska, Kuba Badach, Perfect i Łukasz Drapała, Alicja, Mietek Szcześniak, Krystyna Prońko, Kamil Bednarek, Alicja Majewska z Włodzimierzem Korczem, Golden Life, Urszula, Natalia Sikora, Janusz Radek, Maciej Balcar, Andrzej Rybiński, Halina Młynkowa, Michał Lech i Echomotion. The concert will be hosted by Ola Budka and Marek Niedźwiecki. Saturday also features a "Kabareton" (Comedy Night) celebrating the 26th anniversary of the comedy group Neo-Nówka.