by BRIAN NADIG A public hearing on the proposed Weber Spur Trail in the Mayfair-Sauganash area will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Student read story
Taste of Polonia Returns to Chicago for Four Days of Music, Polish Culture, Food and Family Fun
Labor Day Weekend celebration brings major artists from Poland, Chicago favorites, cultural performances, movies, hands-on activities, the Golden Riders Globe of Death and entertainment for every generation.
The following was provided by festival organizers: Taste of Polonia, the largest and oldest Polish festival in the United States, returns to Chicago September 4-7, 2026, for four days of live music, authentic Polish cuisine, cultural programming, family attractions and entertainment at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Presented by the Copernicus Foundation, the annual Labor Day Weekend celebration has been a Chicago tradition since 1980. The festival brings together generations of Polish Americans while welcoming visitors of every background to experience Polish culture in the heart of Chicago.
The 2026 lineup brings together some of Poland’s best-known contemporary artists, Chicago-area favorites and an energetic mix of rock, tribute, polka and live entertainment. Headliners include FEEL, Ørganek and Michał Wiśniewski, with music continuing across multiple stages throughout the four-day weekend.
The Tribute Stage keeps the party going from afternoon into night with Pink Talking Fish, The Neverly Brothers, Hi Infidelity, Chicago Tribute Anthology, The Phil Collins Experience, The Polkaholics, Keith Stras & Polka Confetti, Slippery When Wet and many more.
Polish culture is woven throughout the entire festival. Guests can experience colorful folk-dance performances, music and traditions from different regions of Poland, including the distinctive culture of the Polish Highlanders, along with orchestral and choral performances, cultural presentations, exhibits and special programs throughout the weekend.
And there is much more than music. Guests can enjoy Polish favorites such as pierogi, kielbasa, cabbage rolls and potato pancakes, along with festival beverages, tastings, local merchants and cultural exhibits. Food and beverage service is cashless, so guests should plan to use a credit or debit card for purchases.
A FESTIVAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Kids Zone is packed with activities all weekend, including games, crafts, dance and fitness activities, magic, workshops and family movie screenings. The movie lineup includes Zootopia and Zootopia 2 on Friday, The SpongeBob Movie on Saturday, Hoppers and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on Sunday, and Elio on Monday.
Young festivalgoers can also take part in the Taste of Polonia Kids’ Scavenger Hunt, turning the festival grounds into an interactive adventure with plenty to discover along the way.
A special Taste of Polonia @ O’Hare Ornament Workshop will take place Saturday and Monday. Children and families can create Poland-inspired ornaments that will later become part of a Christmas tree display at O’Hare International Airport during the holiday season.
Adults can enjoy Chicago-themed screen programming as well, including WTTW’s Chicago Stories and sports-focused programming celebrating hometown favorites such as the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
Outside, the Golden Riders Globe of Death brings professional motorcycle riders into a steel sphere for high-speed stunt performances. Mini golf, jumbo games and other family-friendly attractions add even more ways to spend the day between concerts and performances.
2026 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Major Polish artists including FEEL, Ørganek and Michał Wiśniewski
• Rock, tribute, polka and contemporary music across multiple stages
• Polish folk dance, regional traditions, Highlander performances, orchestral and choral music
• Authentic Polish cuisine, beverages, tastings and a festival marketplace
• Golden Riders Globe of Death motorcycle stunt attraction
• Kids’ Scavenger Hunt, mini golf, jumbo games, crafts and family activities
• Family movie screenings including Zootopia 2, The SpongeBob Movie, Hoppers, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Elio
• Taste of Polonia @ O’Hare Poland-inspired Ornament Workshop
• Chicago-themed film and sports programming, including WTTW Chicago Stories and Cubs/Bears features
• Cultural exhibits and hands-on activities throughout the weekend
RAIN OR SHINE – COME READY TO CELEBRATE
Taste of Polonia takes place rain or shine. Scheduled programming inside the Copernicus Center’s Theater, Lobby and Annex will continue regardless of weather. Outdoor activities may be adjusted if conditions require it, and any schedule changes will be shared through the festival’s official channels.
PARKING, SHUTTLE & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Festival visitors can take advantage of free parking and complimentary shuttle service at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. Shuttles run in both directions daily during festival hours, with the festival stop at N. Avondale Ave. and W. Lawrence Ave.
Public transportation is also strongly encouraged. The Copernicus Center is a short walk from the Jefferson Park Transit Center, served by the CTA Blue Line and Metra, and the #81 Lawrence bus stops near the festival.
CASHLESS FOOD & DRINKS
Festival food and beverage service is cashless. Guests should bring a credit or debit card for food and drink purchases. Merchandise vendors may set their own payment methods.
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
|
Dates |
Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7, 2026 |
|
Location |
Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 |
|
Friday |
4:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
|
Saturday |
11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
|
Sunday |
11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
|
Monday |
11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
|
Admission |
$10 Friday-only ticket; $15 any-day ticket; $45 four-day pass; children 12 and under free |
|
Parking |
Free parking + complimentary shuttle at Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. |
|
Weather |
Rain or shine |
|
Website |
TOPchicago.org |
ABOUT TASTE OF POLONIA
Founded in 1980, Taste of Polonia is an annual Labor Day Weekend festival presented by the Copernicus Foundation at the Copernicus Center in Chicago. The four-day celebration showcases Polish culture and heritage through music, dance, food, art, family programming and community engagement, while welcoming audiences from Chicago, the Midwest and beyond.
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