The Last Goodbye: Hala Gwardii

Seen as a revolutionary force for good, Hala Gwardii as we know it will cease operations after one last hurrah this weekend.

Set to close ahead of a controversial renovation, this legend of Warsaw isn’t going quietly though, and this weekend brings with it a host of events aimed at every age group. Reflecting their diverse, multi-generational appeal, expect a variety of happenings sure to please all.

FRIDAY

Till Midnight

Funky Fest

Beer festival held in collaboration with the cult craft brewery Funky Fluid

From 8 p.m.

DJ Yoonior

SATURDAY

Noon till midnight

Funky Fest

The beer will continue to flow!

From 8 p.m.

Italo Disco sounds from DJ Tony Giuffrida + Dj Marane

SUNDAY

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Culinary workshops

Kids cooking workshops overseen by Gwardii legend Marta.

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Inter-generational Dancing

So say Gwardii: “bring your friends, grandma, uncle and neighbour!”

Back Story

Built as a market hall during Tsarist times, in later years Gwardii became ‘the home of Polish boxing’ – in 1953, under the guidance of coach Feliks Stamm, Poland’s team triumphed over its Soviet and German counterparts to rack up a horde of nine medals at the European Boxing Championship.

Resurrected as a food hall in 2017, its unpolished interiors have helped it retain a gritty authenticity and a lingering sense of history that’s appreciated by all. In many ways, it is on these sincere foundations that Gwardii have been able to build a sense of genuine community that has united all ages bands, income brackets and backgrounds. To all those that made it happen – thanks for the memories…