Chicago is home to some of the country’s best restaurants—it’s only natural that it hosts some of the world’s best food festivals. Last year, we covered the Taste of Chicago, but this year we at Just N Life want to spotlight Taste of Polonia, a four-day Labor Day weekend celebration of Polish culture, complete with nonstop live music, dance performances, and authentic cuisine.
Hosted at the Copernicus Center and its surrounding grounds in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, the event runs from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, 2025. The venue is both indoor and outdoor, offering live music on multiple stages, cultural exhibits, and activities for all ages. Best of all? Kids 12 and under get in free with an adult, according to the official Copernicus Center website.
The lineup this year is stacked. Kamil Bednarek, one of Poland’s top reggae and pop artists, headlines Saturday night, while legendary Polish rock band Voo Voo brings their eclectic sound to the main stage on Sunday. Local favorites include The Polkaholics, blending punk energy with polka tradition, and Sixteen Candles, known for their feel-good 80s covers. Other acts range from traditional Polish folk troupes to tribute bands and DJs spinning late into the night.
Religious and cultural traditions remain central to the festival. Sunday Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on the theater stage—offering a meaningful moment for community and reflection before the day’s festivities resume. Visitors can also catch Polish film screenings and browse vendor stalls selling everything from folk art to handmade jewelry and imported goods.
And then there’s the food. Taste of Polonia wouldn’t live up to its name without mouthwatering eats. Dozens of vendors serve classic Polish staples—pierogi, kielbasa, golabki (stuffed cabbage), and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)—alongside festival snacks, craft beer, and international fare. One crowd favorite you won’t want to miss: the zapiekanka, a toasted open-faced baguette topped with sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a drizzle of ketchup or garlic sauce. There’s also oscypek, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese from Poland’s Tatra Mountains, often served warm with cranberry jelly.
If you’re coming with kids, the Children’s Stage is packed with entertainment—magicians, storytellers, puppet shows, and interactive dance parties to keep the little ones engaged while parents enjoy the music (and a drink or two).
🎟️Ticket Info:
- Friday: $10
- Saturday–Monday: $15/day
- 4-Day Pass: $45
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Copernicus Center website. Pro tip: Friday offers the best value and tends to be less crowded, perfect for families and early weekend explorers.
Whether you’re Polish-American, a lover of Eastern European culture, or just someone who appreciates good food and even better music, Taste of Polonia is a can’t-miss event that’s become a staple of Chicago’s festival scene. Come for the kielbasa, stay for the dancing, and an even fuller stomach.
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