2026 Info Booklet

Everything you need to know before coming to Open Blues.

Open Blues and its home

Open Blues takes place at a beautiful and historically rich palace, which fell into disrepair during Russia’s rule over Poland 1945–89. It was bought by a Polish-British couple, Anna and Jim, who are now renovating it with much love. They make it available for visitors and cultural events. This unfinished palace is their home; a home they want to share. The palace has a raw feel that invites experimentation, so feel free to explore. However, remember to respect Anna’s and Jim’s privacy!

Open Blues is a non-profit do-it-yourself event. The main organisers deal with renting the venue, registrations, scheduling and some logistics, but music, workshops and merriment are crowdsourced. Not only is this more fun and creates a well-knit community, but it also reduces the costs from ~€450 pp to ~€120 pp!

The venue consists of the beautiful palace and two big barns. The palace has many rooms and attics that are great for sleeping. One of the barns is suitable for sleeping when it’s warm and has its own showers.

Ride sharing

Please join the WhatsApp transport group if you are looking for a ride or happy to share your journey.

Accommodation & food

Please bring your own towels and toiletries.

• If you booked a bed, you’ll have a bed or big mattress with fresh sheets, pillows etc. This will be in a shared room and is the most comfortable option.
• If you booked a mattress, there are no sheets. You have to carry your mattress, find a suitable spot for it and bring it back to where it was before. The advantage of this option is that you can put it wherever you like — so if you are a snorer or have very light sleep, you can probably find a nice spot. Unless you have a dust allergy, the barn is a great spot too. The disadvantage is that you have to arrange it yourself.
• If you have the tent or floor option, you probably know what you are doing. There is plenty of space and you can choose where you would like to stay.

You can also see some photos and a map of the rooms.

Food is included during the festival (Thursday dinner to Monday breakfast snacks). If you’re extending your stay: there is a small and poorly stocked village shop a 5-minute walk from the venue.

Showers and toilets can be used throughout the castle.

DIY, tasks & chores

This is a DIY festival. Please be as helpful as can be and actively look for things to help with. This might be helping carry speakers, rearranging the chairs or perhaps getting new toilet paper rolls.

Festival rules

• You have to ask at least three participants before asking Konrad.
• If something feels wrong, tell a trusted person from the Committee.
• Do not openly consume drugs or be nude where the public or neighbours can see you.
• There is a relaxation room should you want a moment of privacy. Please use it considerately (max 2h, no sleeping).
• You are free to take pictures, but try not to film or take pictures of specific people. We are all here to be free, comfortable and worry-free of looking silly in some video or picture. Before publishing pictures in which the main subject is someone else, make sure they are okay with it.
• The palace is a shared space. Keep it tidy; avoid leaving cutlery or clothes around to prevent clutter.

Payments and registration

Please register here. There are two steps:

1. The Reservation Payment. The prepayment is non-refundable, but you can find someone to take your spot if you can’t go. This goes towards our fixed costs such as bands.
2. Cash payment at the venue. This is calculated based on how many nights you stay, how much you drink etc. When you registered, you were asked to write down the amount. If you have booked a bed or double bed, you will also have to fill out the 2026 Accommodation Form.

If you can’t bring Euros, use 4.50 PLN = 1 EUR as the conversion rate for PLN (sorry).

Preliminary schedule

Weekly Mass: the Palace of Piotrowice Nyskie has its own chapel. The weekly Mass takes place on Saturday at 6pm, which you are welcome to join. Please be respectful during that time and do not make noise outside.

WhatsApp group

Join the festival WhatsApp group: chat.whatsapp.com/FpBbIsZpV18LRja8wNhFdX

There is also the Open Blues Handbook — a helpful handbook mostly for the Committee and core helpers.

Checklist

• Filled out Accommodation Form if you booked a bed or double bed
• Sheets or sleeping bag (if you booked a mattress)
• Right amount of cash (see your registration confirmation email)
• Dress-to-impress outfit for Saturday
• Earplugs
• Towel and toiletries
• Swimwear — there is a natural pool and a lake nearby
• Dance shoes, or your bare feet
• Joined the WhatsApp group
• Happy!