Unsound 2026: SOFT POWER in Kraków and Warsaw – Two Cities. One Festival. The Unsound Train
Additional SOFT POWER events in New York and London
Unsound has presented its share of curveballs over the years – but have you ever seen an Unsound train rumble across the Polish countryside?
For the first time in the festival’s history, Unsound’s main edition – uniquely conceived as a single, continuous festival with two chapters – will take place across two cities: Warsaw and Kraków – the festival’s long-time home, where the HQ is still based. Full weekly passes will cover both locations, connected by a dedicated Unsound Train travelling between the cities and stopping en route for performances:
Warsaw – October 2 - 6
Unsound Train: Warsaw → Kraków - October 7
Kraków – October 8 - 11
The idea, as always, is to follow the Unsound journey from start to finish – shows will not be repeated in both cities. Long Weekend and Weekly Passes will go on sale soon, so audience members intending on attending the full event can plan accommodation accordingly.
The theme for Unsound this year is SOFT POWER. Originally used to describe influence exercised through culture rather than force, the phrase now demands re-examination. Unsound asks what softness and power mean in a time of “might makes right”, global lawlessness, artificial intelligence and algorithmic control – alongside a collective desire for comfort, cosiness, and safety that can feel incongruous.
Apart from the discourse programme, the words SOFT and POWER will shape this year’s performance programme via music and sound, looking at intimacy, vulnerability as well as authority, pressure, volume and scale. In this way, the theme marks a development of our 2024 NOISE theme.
The idea of SOFT POWER also reflects Unsound’s wider mission to connect artists, scenes, and presenters across borders and contexts. In 2026, this means bridging two the major cities of Kraków and Warsaw, but also extends beyond Poland to include Unsound events in New York and London, with dates as follows:
New York – October 21 - November 5
London – November 25 - 28
Last but not least, we are launching an Open Call for the discourse program addressed to artists, journalists, writers, activists, academics, and other cultural practitioners. We welcome submissions that engage with the SOFT POWER theme, reimagining how the concept can unfold in formats such as discussions, workshops, lectures, as well as other experimental or hybrid forms. You can submit your proposal through a form until May 30th.
The visual identity for Unsound events this year is created by the acclaimed Polish visual artist Ada Sokół, who is building a world connecting all SOFT POWER cities, as well as Adelaide – where Unsound takes place this year from July 10 - 11. SOFT POWER graphic design is by Renata Motyka.
A reminder also that we are presenting The Infinite Now with Atonal at Kraftwerk in Berlin from May 16 - 17, along with Prelude concerts earlier that week.
Unsound is co-financed by the City of Kraków and the Capital City of Warsaw. The festival is supported by its main partner, the Polish National Foundation. Co-financed by the funds of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage under the National Centre for Culture’s SYNERGIE programme.