The LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival 2026 invites you to free film screenings
Red carpets, Hollywood glamour, the magic of the movies, and unforgettable emotions. From the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea, through the heart of Poland's capital, to the majestic peaks of the Tatra Mountains, thousands of film lovers are once again coming together to celebrate the unique experience of watching films under the stars. On Wednesday, July 1, Poland's longest-running summer film festival, LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane, officially opened in spectacular fashion in Sopot. Throughout July and August, audiences can enjoy more than 150 free open-air screenings, along with special appearances by some of the biggest stars of Polish cinema at the iconic Sopot Pier.
This year's opening once again proved that the festival creates an atmosphere no traditional cinema can match. Even a sudden downpour failed to dampen the excitement. In Sopot, audiences were captivated by a screening of Andrzej Wajda's Pan Tadeusz, presented from a digitally restored print.
The festival would not be possible without the support of its Title Partner, LOTTO, the flagship brand of Totalizator Sportowy.
"We are honoured and proud that Totalizator Sportowy, the owner of the LOTTO brand, is the Title Partner of such an inspiring project," said Rafał Olejarz, Deputy Marketing Director at Totalizator Sportowy. "LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane is a unique event that combines a passion for cinema with the relaxed atmosphere of the summer season and the joy of spending time together. For us, this is much more than a partnership—it is an opportunity to help create unforgettable moments and emotions shared by thousands of people every summer.
"For the past 70 years, we have been committed to initiatives that bring people together, create positive experiences, and make culture more accessible. That is why we are proud to support an event that offers audiences free access to open-air cinema. Through initiatives like this, we can stay even closer to our customers while sharing the enjoyment of great films together."
The festival's unique blend of cinematic art, laid-back summer vibes and top-quality screenings is perfectly captured by the words of its founder.
"Every time the sun sets and I see that unmistakable sparkle and smile on our audience's faces, my heart fills with joy," says Paweł Adamski, the creator of the festival.
"LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane was born from a dream of making great cinema accessible to everyone, without barriers. Seeing acclaimed actors watching films under the open sky alongside our audiences, and then sharing stories about their work, is the greatest reward I could ask for. It is this shared energy that has created a truly special community—one that has inspired me and my entire team for nearly two decades."
A Summer of Cinema Under the Stars
The festival is only just getting started. Throughout July and August, audiences are invited to enjoy a carefully curated programme of themed open-air screenings.Each day of the week offers a different cinematic experience: Family Cinema Mondays, Tuesday Blockbusters, Made in Poland by LOTTO Wednesdays, LOTTO Cult Classics Thursdays, Oscar Fridays, action-packed Action Saturdays, and inspiring Sports Sundays.
What Time Do the Screenings Start?
All screenings at the LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane begin shortly after sunset.
Sopot: 10:00 p.m. in July, 9:30 p.m. in August
Don't Miss This Highlight
On 15 July, the prestigious Diamond Film Clapperboard Award will be presented on Sopot Pier. The award honours an actor or actress whose outstanding artistic achievements are matched by exceptional charisma and sensitivity.
Previous recipients include Adam Woronowicz, Izabela Kuna, Piotr Adamczyk, Maja Ostaszewska, Tomasz Kot, Magdalena Boczarska, and the late Anna Przybylska. This year's recipient will be another outstanding actress.
The full festival programme is available at kinoletnie.pl and on the festival's social media channels @FestiwalKinoLetnie.
Photo: organizer's materials.
This year's opening once again proved that the festival creates an atmosphere no traditional cinema can match. Even a sudden downpour failed to dampen the excitement. In Sopot, audiences were captivated by a screening of Andrzej Wajda's Pan Tadeusz, presented from a digitally restored print.
The festival would not be possible without the support of its Title Partner, LOTTO, the flagship brand of Totalizator Sportowy.
"We are honoured and proud that Totalizator Sportowy, the owner of the LOTTO brand, is the Title Partner of such an inspiring project," said Rafał Olejarz, Deputy Marketing Director at Totalizator Sportowy. "LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane is a unique event that combines a passion for cinema with the relaxed atmosphere of the summer season and the joy of spending time together. For us, this is much more than a partnership—it is an opportunity to help create unforgettable moments and emotions shared by thousands of people every summer.
"For the past 70 years, we have been committed to initiatives that bring people together, create positive experiences, and make culture more accessible. That is why we are proud to support an event that offers audiences free access to open-air cinema. Through initiatives like this, we can stay even closer to our customers while sharing the enjoyment of great films together."
The festival's unique blend of cinematic art, laid-back summer vibes and top-quality screenings is perfectly captured by the words of its founder.
"Every time the sun sets and I see that unmistakable sparkle and smile on our audience's faces, my heart fills with joy," says Paweł Adamski, the creator of the festival.
"LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane was born from a dream of making great cinema accessible to everyone, without barriers. Seeing acclaimed actors watching films under the open sky alongside our audiences, and then sharing stories about their work, is the greatest reward I could ask for. It is this shared energy that has created a truly special community—one that has inspired me and my entire team for nearly two decades."
A Summer of Cinema Under the Stars
The festival is only just getting started. Throughout July and August, audiences are invited to enjoy a carefully curated programme of themed open-air screenings.Each day of the week offers a different cinematic experience: Family Cinema Mondays, Tuesday Blockbusters, Made in Poland by LOTTO Wednesdays, LOTTO Cult Classics Thursdays, Oscar Fridays, action-packed Action Saturdays, and inspiring Sports Sundays.
What Time Do the Screenings Start?
All screenings at the LOTTO Summer Cinema Festival Sopot–Zakopane begin shortly after sunset.
Sopot: 10:00 p.m. in July, 9:30 p.m. in August
Don't Miss This Highlight
On 15 July, the prestigious Diamond Film Clapperboard Award will be presented on Sopot Pier. The award honours an actor or actress whose outstanding artistic achievements are matched by exceptional charisma and sensitivity.
Previous recipients include Adam Woronowicz, Izabela Kuna, Piotr Adamczyk, Maja Ostaszewska, Tomasz Kot, Magdalena Boczarska, and the late Anna Przybylska. This year's recipient will be another outstanding actress.
The full festival programme is available at kinoletnie.pl and on the festival's social media channels @FestiwalKinoLetnie.
Photo: organizer's materials.