Łódź is a city that is not afraid of transformation. Once Poland’s industrial heart, today a European UNESCO City of Film, it will soon once again transform into a giant open-air gallery. All thanks to the Light Move Festival (Festival of Kinetic Art of Light), whose 16th edition will take place from 25–27 September 2026.
This is a unique time of year, when industrial spaces fall silent, making way for a play of light and shadow. This year’s theme – “Dreams” – promises a journey into a world of imagination, where the boundary between historic architecture and illusion completely disappears. It is worth experiencing the atmosphere of this upcoming celebration now, a festival that attracts tens of thousands of guests every year, and finding out how to plan this special weekend in Łódź, glowing with millions of lights.
What is the Light Move Festival? Poland’s largest light festival
LMF (Festival of Kinetic Art of Light) is not only about illuminations in Łódź, but above all the country’s largest event of its kind, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world. Organised by the Lux Pro Monumentis foundation, the festival uses the city’s architectural fabric – eclectic tenement houses, post-industrial halls and urban parks – to tell stories through 3D mappings, large-format projections and interactive installations.
Source: https://lmf.com.pl/en/
This year’s theme – Dreams
The theme inspiring the invited artists this year is Dreams, something each of us has.
The creators, however, are not limiting themselves solely to dreamlike fantasies. They will speak of our shared longing for a better tomorrow – of the need for closeness, building deep relationships between people and respect for the nature around us. Here, light will take on a deeper meaning, becoming a vehicle for important social emotions, while modern technology will serve as a tool for weaving wise and moving stories.
The festival’s three dimensions
For years, the event has been built around three coherent pillars that combine visual art with music and science.
The following areas can therefore be distinguished:
- LMF ART, the visual heart of the festival. These are three-dimensional mappings, large-format projections and spatial installations that completely transform the geometry and character of Łódź’s buildings for several nights.
- LMF MUSIC – a space where sound completes the image. Music and light form an inseparable whole here – in previous years, festival stages have featured artists including Natalia Kukulska, Mery Spolsky and Gooral’s mesmerising sets.
- LMF EDU – the event’s educational side. It consists of discussion panels, meetings and workshops devoted to new media art and 3D design. They are usually held in the modern interiors of EC1 Łódź and at the MeMo Mediatheque.
Places worth visiting
Although the installations change with each edition, the festival has its iconic locations on the map:
- Poznański Palace and Freedom Square – the monumental façade of Łódź’s “Louvre” becomes the backdrop for the most spectacular large-scale projections. Meanwhile, on the renovated Freedom Square, large-format imagery naturally intertwines with live music.
- Piotrkowska Street becomes a brightly lit pedestrian route. Light draws architectural details of the Art Nouveau and eclectic tenement houses out of the darkness, stretching from Freedom Square all the way to the “Unicorn Stable”.
- Staromiejski Park and Sienkiewicza Park – places where you can take a break from the largest crowds. Dynamic kinetic sculptures reign in Staromiejski Park, while Sienkiewicza Park invites you into the depths of an atmospheric, subtly illuminated garden, where the lights are hidden in the treetops.
Source: https://lmf.com.pl/
A visitor’s guide – how to plan an evening at the Light Festival in Łódź?
A tried-and-tested walking route, or the Loop Strategy
To fully experience the festival and avoid getting lost in the crowds, it is worth following a planned loop. It is best to start the walk at Manufaktura and Poznański Palace, pass through Staromiejski Park towards Freedom Square, and from there leisurely make your way down Piotrkowska Street. Along the way, it is easy to turn into the quiet paths of Sienkiewicza Park and visit the industrial EC1 complex.
Comfortable accommodation in the city centre
Choosing a place to rest is crucial for the comfort of the entire trip. The Piotrkowska 89 Residence apartments are an excellent option, hidden in a historic, restored tenement house right in the heart of the events.
When the miles of walking leave you tired, simply cross the threshold of a comfortable apartment to find peace and quiet, with illuminated Łódź just outside the window – without having to sit in traffic jams or wait for a taxi.
Travel and transport
Driving into the very centre during the festival can be extremely difficult due to streets being closed to traffic.
It is best to leave your car in the P+R (Park & Ride) car parks near Łódź Fabryczna or Łódź Kaliska railway stations. On these special evenings, travelling by tram is the most convenient option – MPK Łódź operates special lines and extends service hours, making it easy to move between the installations.
With an eco-friendly spirit and the youngest visitors in mind
Caring for the planet – the beauty of the festival goes hand in hand with responsibility. Most of the large illuminations use highly energy-efficient LED technologies and low-power laser systems, ensuring that the spectacle leaves the smallest possible carbon footprint.
There is also something special for families. The event is entirely child-friendly. The special LMF Kids zone allows the youngest visitors to enjoy creative play with light. Parents with prams are especially recommended to visit the parks – they offer a gentler, more peaceful atmosphere than the city’s bustling main artery.
Source: https://lmf.com.pl/program/
FAQ – what is worth knowing?
- Is admission to the festival free?
Participation in all outdoor shows, concerts and installations in the urban space is completely free of charge. Only selected, closed workshops in the educational zone may require a ticket. - What happens in case of rain?
The festival takes place regardless of the weather. Rainy evenings have a unique charm of their own – wet pavements reflect the light from the projectors like mirrors, creating incredible effects that are particularly appreciated by photographers. It is simply worth bringing an umbrella. - Where can you eat along the route?
In addition to restaurants on Piotrkowska Street and in Manufaktura, food truck zones are stationed every year at key points around the city (e.g. in Schiller Passage), where you can enjoy a hot meal during your walk.