Here’s everything you need to know before BitterSweet Festival in Poznań!
Just a reminder: the concerts will take place in Park Cytadela, Poznań, from August 14–16, 2025.
Entry to the festival grounds will be from al. Armii Poznań.
The Festival Center, located at the corner of al. Niepodległości and al. Armii Poznań, is the first stop before entering the festival site.
This is where you’ll exchange your ticket or festival pass for a wristband, which is required for entry.
The Festival Center will be open August 14–16, from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
What can you find at the Festival Center?
– Wristband exchange point
– Customer service
– Ticket sales
– Media accreditation
– Guest list
On festival days (August 14–16), you can exchange your pass or ticket for a wristband at the Festival Center (corner of al. Niepodległości and al. Armii Poznań):
- Thursday, August 14 → 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday, August 15 → 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday, August 16 → 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
One day before the festival (August 13), we’ll open two additional locations for exchanging festival passes and Thursday-only tickets. Both will be open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM:
- Centrum Informacji Kulturalnej – ul. Ratajczaka 44, Poznań
- Bar u Gosi – ul. Dworcowa 9, Poznań
– All tickets and festival passes must be exchanged for wristbands to enter the festival. A 3-day pass gets you a wristband valid for all three days. A single-day ticket is exchanged for a wristband valid on that specific day only.
– Only original, unused tickets can be exchanged. Please note that only tickets bought via official sales channels guarantee entry to the event. We strongly advise against buying tickets from unauthorized sellers, as these may be fake or invalid.
– Each festival attendee must exchange their own ticket for a wristband. A pass/wristband can be used by one person only.
– You must wear your wristband on your wrist at all times. In case it breaks or is damaged, report to the Organizer or Head of Security at the gate immediately. Damaged wristbands will be replaced only if the damage occurred on-site. Leaving the site with a broken wristband without informing staff will be treated as withdrawal from the event.
– Tickets must include a barcode or QR code – confirmation of purchase or payment alone is not enough.
– You don’t need to print your ticket – showing it on your phone is fine. Please turn your screen brightness to maximum when displaying your ticket.
– There may be signal issues on-site. Please download your ticket beforehand or take a clear screenshot of the QR code.
– Please read the full Festival Terms & Conditions:
https://bittersweetfestival.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GTP-regulamin-festiwali-2025-1.pdf
Thursday, August 14 – gates open at 4:00 PM
Friday, August 15 – gates open at 3:30 PM
Saturday, August 16 – gates open at 3:30 PM
Factory-sealed bottled water (up to 0.5L)
Empty reusable water bottles or plastic refillable bottles (any size)
Card/phone/smartwatch for contactless payments
Sun protection: hat/cap, sunscreen
Rain gear: rain poncho, rubber boots
Blanket
Bag/backpack/waist pack
Stroller
Please do not bring any of the following to the festival grounds:
Weapons
Alcohol
Dangerous objects or tools
Explosives or fireworks
Drugs or psychoactive substances
Toxic or radioactive materials
Flammable liquids
Beverages in glass, plastic, metal, or carton packaging
Food items
Chairs or camping loungers
Professional cameras
Selfie sticks
Umbrellas with pointed tips
From August 14 to 16, between 2:00 PM and 3:00 AM, festival attendees can travel by Poznań trams and buses for free by showing a valid BitterSweet Festival ticket (paper or digital).
A special tram line – number 30 – will also run during the festival:
From 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM, every 10 minutes
Route:
WILCZAK – Przełajowa – Winogrady – Pułaskiego – Roosevelta – Fredry – Gwarna – Św. Marcin – Poznań Główny – Dworzec Zachodni – Głogowska – GÓRCZYN
Get off at Armii Poznań stop – closest to the festival entrance.
Access from the city center will also be provided by regular tram lines 3, 7, and 10, as well as buses 160, 163, 167, 168, 169, 171, 174, 176, 182, and 190.
Night tram line 202 will run more frequently, every 10 minutes, between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM, rerouting through Rondo Śródka to stop at the Małe Garbary stop. Night bus lines 215 and 218 will run more frequently, every 15 minutes.
There is no parking available near Park Cytadela. Please use the following festival partner parking locations in the city center:
- The official BitterSweet parking lot at the Poznań International Fair (ul. Głogowska 12); open 24 hours a day (special tram line no. 30 will take you from the Dworzec Zachodni stop to the Cytadela Park area – get off at the Armii Poznań stop); information on booking and ticket purchase: https://tobilet.pl/parking-bittersweet.html
- Interparking Plac Wolności (parking under Plac Wolności); open 24 hours a day; information on booking and ticket purchase: https://www.parkingpodmienne.pl/
- Parking at the Music School (ul. Solna 12); from August 14, 10:00 AM to August 17, 3:30 AM; Information on how to book and purchase a ticket: https://www.eventim.pl/search/?affiliate=GTP&searchterm=Bittersweet+parking
The Kiss & Ride zone is the designated spot where someone can drop you off or pick you up (e.g. taxi, rideshare).
Located along ul. Kutrzeby and ul. Północna:
- August 14 – from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- August 15 – from 2:30 PM to 3:00 AM
- August 16 – from 2:30 PM to 3:00 AM
This is the closest car-accessible area to Park Cytadela.
There will be a deposit available at the festival, located near the main entrance, open daily from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
The cost of storing one item is 30 PLN.
You can pre-purchase your deposit spot online here: eventim.pl – BitterSweet Cloakroom
All lost items will be taken to the deposit area at the main entrance — that’s where to go if you’re looking for something you’ve lost.
The festival is cashless.
You can pay using:
- Contactless cards
- Mobile phones/smartwatches
- BLIK (Polish mobile payment system)
This applies to everything on-site: tickets, food & drinks, merch, etc.
The food court areas will be open throughout the festival (Aug 14–16), from the first to the last concert of each day.
Cashless payments only.
There will be something for everyone — meat options, vegetarian dishes, local and international cuisines. Drinks? You’ll find hot, cold, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please note: Drink cups require a 10 PLN refundable deposit.
We’ll also have free drinking water stations with disposable cups.
You’re allowed to bring:
- A sealed 0.5L water bottle, or
- An empty plastic bottle with a filter / refillable bottle to fill up on-site.
There will be three Safe Spots on the festival grounds — safe, calm spaces created for rest, conversation, and emotional support.
You can stop by to catch your breath, report a difficult situation, or simply talk.
Each Safe Spot combines relaxation, education, and intervention, and is staffed by professionals from:
- Społeczna Inicjatywa Narkopolityki
- MŁODE GŁOWY (UNAWEZA Foundation)
- SEXEDPL Foundation
- Psychologists from Poznań’s Resetownia
You’ll be able to rent a powerbank at any Safe Spot.
How it works:
Use the terminal to pay by card or phone (a refundable deposit of 49.99 PLN is required — refund time depends on your bank, typically 2 business days).
A charging fee of 6.99 PLN per hour will be deducted from your deposit.
Take the powerbank, enjoy your concerts, and return it to a HelloCharge station.
Limited-edition festival T-shirts (cotton with lineup or football-style), hoodies, and caps will be available for purchase on-site.
The festival is outdoors, so be ready for all kinds of weather. Bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat/cap
- Rain coatn and rubber boots
- No umbrellas with metal tips!
Full medical and emergency support will be available on site.
Pets are not allowed on festival grounds. Please leave them safely at home.
Be one step ahead with the official BitterSweet Festival app – whether you’re already on-site or planning your visit!
With the app you can:
Access the full festival lineup
Build your own schedule
Navigate with the interactive map
Get important updates (enable notifications!)
Find all essential info
Play the BitterSweet Quest scavenger game
Download now:
- iOS: App Store
- Android: Google Play
Take care of your safety and the comfort of others.
Follow the instructions from staff and keep an eye on festival announcements.
Medical and emergency services will be available throughout the event.
If you’re feeling unsafe or need help, head to a Safe Spot or reach out to our Safe Crew (more info on our socials).
Before you dive into the festival madness, fuel up for the day with help from our Gastro Friends!
Local partner venues have prepared special discounts just for BitterSweet Festival attendees. Great food, better prices, and festival vibes – stop by for a bite or drink before heading to the concerts!
To get your discount, simply show your festival wristband.
You’ll find the full list of partner venues and deals on our official website and in the festival app.
At the Cultural Information Centre and Bar u Gosi (where you can exchange your ticket for a wristband on August 13), you’ll also find a limited number of vouchers for Stary Browar and Termy Maltańskie.
- The Stary Browar Neighbour Card offers various discounts at restaurants and cafés in the Stary Browar complex. Details here:
https://starybrowar5050.com/kartasasiada/
- Termy Maltańskie vouchers give you 20% off entry to all zones. Vouchers can be redeemed from August 12 at the venue’s on-site ticket counter.
Show your festival wristband to receive a discount!
Amazonia Green Cafe – 15% off all drinks from the traditional menu; buy two slices of cake and get one free coffee; 20% off drinks from a specially prepared festival menu
Bajzel – 10% off the entire menu
Bo. – 10% off the entire menu
Body Balance – 20% off the entire menu
Brøt – festival goer set (sandwich + bun + coffee) – PLN 40
Ciasno – 10% off the entire menu
Grono – 10% discount or a free glass of wine when ordering any plate
Guest Coffee – 15% discount on coffee drinks and sweets
Kaferdam – a small drip or a free small cappuccino with every breakfast
Kura Warzyw – 20% discount or a free BitterSweet lemonade with any dish
La Cafeine – 20% discount on cakes and drinks
La Papaya – 20% discount on all dishes from the main menu (excluding drinks and the seasonal insert)
Lastryko – 15% off the entire menu
Lavenda – 10% discount on the entire main menu, available during the following hours: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM weekdays, 1:30 PM – 11:00 PM Saturdays
Lust Cafe Bar – 20% off all pizzas
Miel – BitterSweet Matcha (with blackberries) for PLN 10 with the purchase of any cake or coffee
Mitte – 10% off the entire menu
NaPiwek – 20% off the entire menu
Okruszki – free classic small drip with the purchase of an egg drop
Stary Browar – discounts at restaurants in Stary Browar upon presentation of your Neighbor Card – a limited number of cards can be picked up at the Cultural Information Center or at Gosia’s Bar
Umberto – festival cake – PLN 15, orange coffee – PLN 12
Zdolni – 10% off the entire menu
Festival Venue Access
There are two entrances to the festival grounds suitable for attendees with reduced mobility:
- From al. Armii Poznań, next to the Museum of the Poznań Army
- From Za Cytadelą Street, near the Rosarium
Tickets & Admission
You can buy day tickets or festival passes online at bittersweetfestival.pl.
People with disabilities are entitled to bring an assistant free of charge.
To request a free assistant pass, please email: bilety@bittersweetfestival.pl
Assistance Dogs
Guide dogs are welcome at the festival.
At the entrance, please present certification confirming the dog’s status and proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
Viewing Platforms
Attendees who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids can enjoy concerts from designated viewing platforms, available at the BitterSweet Stage and ENEA Stage.
Access is only granted with a special wristband, which can be picked up at the Festival Center or Info Point.
Accessible Toilets
There are accessible toilets available on-site.
Safe Crew
Our festival team – including organizers, volunteers, and security – will be present throughout the venue and ready to help.
They’ll be easy to spot by their distinctive clothing and name badges.
Medical Support
Medical staff will be on-site at all times, and first aid stations will be clearly marked.
Safe Spots
There will be three Safe Spots at the festival – safe, welcoming spaces for rest, conversation, emotional support, or crisis assistance.
You can stop by to take a breather, talk to trained professionals, or report a difficult situation.
Light & Sound Effects
Please note: Some performances may include intense lighting, including strobe effects, and loud sounds, which may be uncomfortable for some people.
If you feel unwell or notice any symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact the Safe Crew.
If you’re staying overnight at BitterSweet Camp, the festival shuttle will take you to and from the festival!
Departures from BS Camp are from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM (3-4 trips will take place during this time)
Departures from the festival grounds are from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM (3-4 trips will take place during this time)
All BitterSweet Camp participants will receive email information about the meeting points. The shuttle fee is 10 PLN per person (by card or cash).
Due to the organization of BitterSweet Festival in Park Cytadela, temporary changes to traffic flow and public transportation will be introduced in Poznań from August 11–17, 2025:
- August 11 at 6:00 AM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– Na Stoku Street will be closed to general traffic.
– Access to the southern section of Na Stoku will be permitted only for residents with a special access permit provided by the Organizer. - August 11 at 6:00 AM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– No parking allowed on the final section of al. Niepodległości (from Kutrzeby Street). - August 14 at 12:00 AM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– al. Armii Poznań will be closed to vehicle traffic (between Garbary and Za Cytadelą).
– Bus access to the loop on Garbary Street will be maintained. - August 14 at 12:00 AM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– No entry to Winogrady Street from the intersection with al. Armii Poznań.
– Entry to the western section of Za Cytadelą Street (from Kmieca to al. Armii Poznań) will be allowed only from the Kmieca intersection, and only for residents with a valid access permit from the Organizer.
– No entry to Winogrady Street from Pułaskiego Street. - August 14 at 12:00 AM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– al. Niepodległości will be closed to traffic between al. Armii Poznań and the entrance to os. Ataner. - August 14 at 4:00 PM to August 17 at 6:00 AM
– No parking will be allowed on Kutrzeby and Północna streets.
Suggested Detours:
- From Garbary Street: use Szelągowska, Słowiańska, and Mieszka I.
- From Szelągowska Street: use Garbary, Solna, Nowowiejskiego, and Pułaskiego.
Need help moving around the city during the festival?
Feel free to reach out to us at hello@bittersweetfestival.pl.
Our team will be available to assist you on the following days:
- August 10 (Sunday) – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- August 11 (Monday) – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- August 12 (Tuesday) – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- August 13 (Wednesday) – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
We aim to respond within 6 hours.
