Lotos Jazz Festival: known in Polish as Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa and held in late January, this jazz event features international talent, along with prominent Polish artists.

Fat Thursday:known by locals as Tlusty Czwartek, this day-long event take place on the last Thursday before Lent. Activities include eating and feasting as well as family gatherings. Once Lent commences, those observing the season cannot eat many of the delicacies that are prepared on this day.

Easter Monday: known as Smigus Dyngus in Polish, this is a day to watch out for. Instead of the religious celebrations you might expect, this day has become a giant water fight across the city. Residents take up arms with water pistols and buckets with which to soak unsuspecting passers by.

Mozart Festival: hosted by Warsaw Chamber Opera, this festival was first held in 1991. The month-long event runs from mid-June to mid-July and comprises of Mozart’s complete stage output and samples of his symphonic, chamber and vocal-instrumental works.

Warsaw Summer Jazz Days: not to be missed by jazz fans, this summer event sees some of Poland’s top jazz musicians come together for some explosive open-air performances, many of which are free; however, pre-booking is necessary of you want to watch any of the performances held at Sala Kongresowa.

Old Town Jazz Festival: with performances held every Saturday throughout July and August, this festival attracts both Polish and international jazz performers. Concerts are held at Rynek Starego Miasta and Old Town Square, with all jazz genres covered. Concerts are free and begin at 19:00 each Saturday, with poor weather never affecting the schedule.

Sopot International Song Festival: popular music festival held at Forest Opera and encompassing various music genres, this is one of the oldest song contests in Europe. The festival spans two days in late August.

International Festival of Contemporary Music: held from mid to late September, performers include some of the best classical musicians and composers in the city, with participation by the National Philharmonic and the Fredrick Chopin Academy of Music.

Montverdi Festival: held from September to October, the Warsaw Opera Chamber put on a feast of performances for all opera lovers. Both local and international talents come to the stage, while many of Mozart's operas are also featured, with the Chamber having exclusive rights over them.

International Chopin Piano Competition: held every five years in mid-October, this international competition has been running for 70 years. Hosted in commemoration of Frederick Chopin, participants between the ages of 17 and 28 compete for the prestigious title.

Warsaw International Film Festival: currently in its 22nd year, this week-long event sees screenings across the city of new works by entrants. A much talked about event, critics, spectators, directors and representatives from Cannes and Sundance cause a stir.

Warsaw Piano Festival: held annually and spanning five days, this event features the best of Polish pianists alongside some international stars. Performances are held at the Royal Palace and the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall.

Andrzej Day: held at the end of November, this name-day celebrates all those with the name Andrzej, which is a particularly popular name in Poland. Festivities feature street parties, while it is common to for people to leave work early on this day or start the party at work!

Great Christmas Aid Orchestra: held annually in aid of disadvantaged children, this event features a city-wide carnival, music, dance and street parties, with the Wola area of the city being a particular hotspot. Much of the festival is televised.

Wigilia: the Poles celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December, with celebrations including a huge feast consisting of 12 traditional dishes, which are only eaten after the first star has been spotted in the night sky.