The 16th annual Portland Polish Festival, my favorite local cultural event, takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25.
The fest features non-stop music (much of it featuring accordions!) and dance performances, polka contests, and a can’t-miss Saturday night street dance. Enjoy Polish food like pierogies, kielbasa, gołąbki (cabbage rolls), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and other delectable options – and of course delicious Polish beer! In the vendor village, check out the jewelry, clothing, Polish pottery, and sundries for sale.
Below the masthead on the festival website are the words: the best kept secret of Portland, Oregon. This statement hasn’t been true for several years – the Polish Fest is the premier fall festival in the Portland area.
Entrance to the Polish Festival is free. Hours on Saturday are 11am to 10pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm. The fest takes place on North Failing street, on the east side of Interstate, between the St. Stanislaus Church and the Polish Library (3832 N. Interstate). Take the 4 – Fessenden to Mississippi and Failing and then take the Failing Street Pedestrian Bridge across the freeway and you are there. Or take the Yellow Line MAX to the Overlook Stop – Failing street is two blocks north up Interstate. Check out the festival website for more information, and follow @PDXPolishFest on Twitter!
Heather and I have blogged the festival the past few years:
Mile73.com
- Pierogi ruskie, Gołąbki, and My Favorite: Placki Ziemniaczane (2008)
- A Night At The Polish Fest (2009)
Dave Knows
- Polish Festival: No longer the best kept secret in Portland, Oregon (2008)
- Polish Festival 2009
- Portland Polish Festival 2010
Protip: arrive Saturday evening after sunset to avoid the bulk of the crowd, and the ridiculously long lines. (Read more tips here!)
Might I be able to rendezvous there with you & the lovely Mrs. on Saturday evening, perhaps?
We attended the Polish Festival and had a wonderful time. Good food, good music, and wonderful shows. My daughter who spent a year in Poland said one brand of beer was authentic! Most excellent!
While at the festival we cruised the craft tents and would like to make contact with one of the providers but we lost their business card. Is there any one on the festival committee who might be able to help us?
Thank you