Portland Polish Festival

Every September, Portland’s only Polish church puts on a polka and pirogi-filled fest. The festival kicks off in North Portland, between the two historic buildings of the Polish Library (built in 1911) and St. Stanislaus Church (built in 1907) on Failing St. The festival include cultural music, dancing, polka contest, and, of course, Polish food and beer.

Polish Festival

Dates: September 24-25, 2011
Time: 11am – 10pm on Saturday, noon-6pm on Sunday
Location: 3900 N Interstate Ave Portland, OR 97227
Cost: Free
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Although no longer a hidden gem — over 10,000 people are expected this year, the Polish Festival is a great way to spend a Portland weekend. A festival of all things Polish. Tokens, not cash, are used to buy traditional pirogis, kielbasa, and Placki Ziemniaczane (potato pancakes). And, of course, no festival would be complete without Polish beer and other wines and liqueurs.

Highlights include the polka competition, Saturday street dance and jewelry vendors.

Photo by: surfonaut. Original article written September, 2005. Updated August 2011.