Annual Cleveland Polish Festival: Music, Food and Celebrating Polish Heritage

History and Background of the Cleveland Polish Festival

Cleveland, Ohio has a vibrant Polish community with deep roots going back to the 19th century. As Polish immigrants came to America seeking better opportunities, many settled in Cleveland to work in the steel mills and manufacturing plants. By the turn of the 20th century, Cleveland had the highest concentration of Poles in the United States after Chicago and New York.

To celebrate their heritage and customs, the local Polish community started the annual Cleveland Polish Festival in 1972. Over the decades it has grown into the largest Polish festival in Ohio, attracting over 60,000 visitors each year.

Bringing Polish Culture to Cleveland

The lively 3-day festival aims to share the rich culture, traditions, food, music, and arts of Poland with the wider Cleveland community. Highlights include folk dancers in colorful regional costumes, polka bands, authentic pierogi and kielbasa, a marketplace with Polish pottery and crafts, genealogy services, cultural exhibits, children's activities, and more.

The festival promotes Cleveland's diverse heritage and helps connect Polish-Americans across generations through celebrating shared roots. It also educates other locals about Poland's centuries-old customs passed down to today.

When and Where Does the Cleveland Polish Festival Take Place?

The Cleveland Polish Festival takes place every year in May or June at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds provide a spacious outdoor venue to accommodate the festival's crowds, vendors, entertainment stages, and activities.

The festival typically runs Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Planning starts months in advance by the Polish American Cultural Center (PACC) and local volunteers. The PACC continues supporting Polish culture year-round with classes, a museum, and event space in historic Warszawa Hall.

What to See and Do at the Cleveland Polish Festival

Festival goers can enjoy three days packed with fun, food, and cross-cultural connections. There are activities and entertainment for all ages and interests:

Music and Dance Performances

No Polish festival would be complete without plenty of lively polka music! Two outdoor band shells host nonstop performances by popular polka bands and folk dance troupes. See dancers in colorful handmade regional costumes as they perform traditional routines from Poland's different provinces.

Polish Cuisine

From pierogi to kielbasa, savor all the rich flavors of Poland in the food tent. Vendors dish up Polish favorites like haluski cabbage noodles, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage rolls, and more. Don't miss the irresistible paczki pastries for dessert!

Cultural Exhibits and Demonstrations

Experience Polish history and heritage at the cultural exhibits tent. Learn how arts like wycinanki paper cutting and stained glass crafts are passed down through generations. Chat with costumed reenactors portraying figures from Polish history. Marvel at live folk carving and embroidery artists at work.

Marketplace and Vendors

Shop for imported Polish wares in the festival marketplace. Find hand-crafted gifts like amber jewelry, woodwork, pottery, textiles, and painted eggs. Browse Polish cookbooks, language lessons, clothing, and collectibles. Vendors also sell crafts, artworks, baked goods, and other items.

Amateur Pierogi Eating Contest

A Cleveland Polish Festival tradition! The wildly popular pierogi eating contest challenges amateurs to gobble down as many potato and cheese pierogi as possible in three minutes. Contestants get raucous cheers from the crowds as they stuff their faces for a chance to win prizes.

Polka Bands and Dancing

Put on your dancing shoes! Two covered pavilions with polish dance instructors offer lessons and host nonstop polka dancing to live bands. Cleveland has a dedicated polka dance scene, and the festival brings veterans and newcomers together to dance, whirl, and stomp along with the music.

Genealogy Services

Research your Polish ancestry through genealogy services based at the festival. Experts can help you trace your Polish roots, locate ancestral villages and relatives, and translate records. Many Clevelanders have discovered long-lost branches of their family tree.

Polish Mass

On Sunday, local Polish Catholic parishes hold an open-air Polish language mass on the festival grounds. Mass incorporates Polish hymns, prayers and blessings. Attendees can meet visiting clergy from Poland and receive a special Polish pilgrimage certificate.

Fun for All Ages

The Cleveland Polish Festival offers plenty of attractions for families and kids, including:

• Children's costume parade
• Youth dance and polka lessons
• Folk arts and crafts workshops
• Polish fairy tale theater
• Treasure hunts and scavenger quests
• Picture booth with folk costumes

Teens and young adults also enjoy mingling, listening to music, and checking out Polish culture.

Getting to the Cleveland Polish Festival

The festival takes place at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, located south of downtown Cleveland in the suburb of Berea. The fairgrounds offer ample parking for cars and tour buses.

Public transportation options include:

• RTA train - take the Red Line to Brookpark Station, then transfer to the 76 bus
• RTA bus - multiple bus routes serve Berea and the fairgrounds

Bike trails also connect Berea to downtown Cleveland and surrounding areas. Major highways I-71, I-480, and I-80 are located within 15 minutes of the fairgrounds.

Where to Stay in Cleveland for the Festival

Downtown Cleveland hotels offer convenient access to the RTA. Many run festival packages with discounted rooms and shuttle transportation. Hotels near Hopkins International Airport are another option, with rides available to Berea.

Popular places for festival-goers to stay include:

• Hilton Cleveland Downtown
• Metropolitan at The 9
• The Westin Cleveland Downtown
• Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
• Cambria Hotel Cleveland Airport
• Aloft Cleveland Airport

Book accommodations early, as hotels fill up fast during major festivals. Area B&Bs, Airbnbs, and camping are other lodging alternatives.

Join in the Fun at the Cleveland Polish Festival!

For over 50 years, the lively Cleveland Polish Festival has celebrated this city's Polish roots and heritage. Come experience Poland's vibrant music, dances, food, crafts and culture while enjoying a weekend of family fun. From polka dancing to pierogi eating, it's a Cleveland tradition not to miss!

FAQs

What are the dates for the 2023 Cleveland Polish Festival?

The 2023 Cleveland Polish Festival will take place Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th.

What is the address and location for the festival?

The festival is held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, located at 19201 East Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.

What time does the festival open and close each day?

Festival hours are:

• Friday - 5 PM to 12 AM
• Saturday - 12 PM to 12 AM
• Sunday - 12 PM to 8 PM

How much do tickets cost to attend the festival?

Admission each day is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Discounted multi-day passes are also available.

What kind of food and activities are at the festival?

Enjoy authentic Polish food, polka music and dancing, cultural exhibits, shopping, children's activities, a pierogi eating contest, and more!