The 20th edition of the festival, taking place in 2026, is a special moment in the history of the event. For forty years, Tychy has welcomed outstanding guitarists, young artists, educators, composers and music lovers from many countries. Festival audiences have had the opportunity to attend concerts by masters, international competitions, world premieres, masterclasses, lectures and exhibitions.
Tychy – a space for music
The Silesian Guitar Autumn fits perfectly into the character of Tychy – a city that consistently develops its cultural offering and creates space for events of significance reaching far beyond the region. The festival allows us to see the city not only as a host of the event, but as a meeting place for people, cultures and musical traditions.
During this year’s edition, festival events will take place in various locations across Tychy, including the Mediateka, the Music School Complex, the Tychy City Museum and the Arena Hotel. This means that music becomes present in different spaces throughout the city and naturally becomes part of its everyday rhythm.
Tychy is also an important centre for music education. It is here that acclaimed artists and educators meet young guitarists who come to take part in the competition and masterclasses. This year’s Jan Edmund Jurkowski Competition brings together participants from various countries, with its final taking place with the participation of the AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy.
“For years, Tychy has shown that a city can build its identity and recognition through culture and events whose significance extends far beyond its borders. The Silesian Guitar Autumn is the best example of this. I am pleased that over four decades Tychy has become a meeting place for artists from around the world, young talents and audiences for whom music is an important part of life. We want Tychy to remain a place where successive generations can encounter music, discover its diversity and draw inspiration from it.”
Maciej Gramatyka, Mayor of the City of Tychy
A city worth visiting
The festival is also an opportunity to discover Tychy itself. Located in the heart of Upper Silesia, the city combines an industrial heritage with modern infrastructure, green spaces and a rich cultural offering. For festival guests, it is a place where they can not only listen to music, but also stay longer, discover the local history and experience the atmosphere of the city.
A particularly special place is Paprocany Lake and the recreational areas surrounding it – a space perfect for relaxation and walks. It is also worth visiting the Tychy City Museum, which in this anniversary year is presenting an exhibition dedicated to forty years of the Silesian Guitar Autumn. Through photographs, archival materials and memorabilia, the exhibition tells the story of the festival and shows how deeply the event has become connected with the city’s cultural heritage.
40 years of music. 75 years of the city.
In 2026, the sound of the guitar will resonate especially strongly throughout Tychy. This year’s edition of the Silesian Guitar Autumn is not only 40 years told through music – a history of encounters, emotions, artistic discoveries and international cooperation. It is also a 40-year history that has helped clearly portray and define Tychy, which this year celebrates the anniversary of being granted city rights.
This year’s programme includes 14 concerts and events featuring around 200 artists. Alongside world-class guitarists, young performers competing in the international competition will also take the stage.
We invite you to Tychy – the city where the guitar has had a home for forty years.
Here, music is not merely an event.
It is part of the city.