Taste of Polonia

Schedule

1. Sept. 4 — Friday: 4:30-10:30 p.m.
2. Sept. 5 — Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
3. Sept. 6 — Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Holy Mass listed at 11 a.m. in Copernicus Center notes.
4. Sept. 7 — Monday Labor Day: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

What to expect

47th annual Taste of Polonia at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence, Jefferson Park — the oldest and largest Polish festival in the U.S., September 4–7, 2026 (Friday through Monday Labor Day). Polish food (pierogi, kielbasa, gołąbki, paczki, rye bread), Polish beer (Żywiec, Tyskie, Lech) and vodka, polka and Polish-rock stages, traditional folk dancing, and the Copernicus Center's interior open for cultural exhibits. The Copernicus Center is the Polish-American cultural anchor of the city.

Tickets

Ticketed event. Official 2026 pricing: Friday-only ticket $10, any-day ticket $15, four-day pass $45. Kids 12 and under enter free; kids over 12 need an adult ticket. Buy ahead to beat entry lines.

Transit

Blue Line to Jefferson Park is a 5-minute walk, plus Metra Union Pacific Northwest to the same hub. The 81 Lawrence and 85 Central buses both stop within a block. Driving works — Copernicus has surface parking and Jefferson Park has commercial parking.

Bag policy

Bag check at gates; ID required at all alcohol vendors. Standard mid-size festival policies.

Family-friendly

Genuinely multi-generational. Polish-American grandparents bring grandkids to dance polka — that's the cultural baseline. The Copernicus Center has indoor restrooms (with changing tables), kid programming on the smaller stages, and a kids' carnival. Stroller-friendly. Three days plus Labor Day Monday means you can pick a calmer slot.

Local tips

1. Buy the four-day pass if you expect to return even briefly; at $45, it is cheaper than three separate any-day tickets.
2. Kids 12 and under are free, which makes Monday a smart family day if you want less crowd pressure.
3. The Theater Stage is the cultural heart; do not only bounce between food and tribute bands.
4. This is the strongest place to eat Polish festival food in Chicago, but still scout the church/community booths before committing to the first pierogi line.
5. Take transit to Jefferson Park and walk or rideshare the final leg if the Copernicus lots are jammed.

Frequently asked questions

How much are Taste of Polonia 2026 tickets?

Official pricing is Friday-only $10, any-day $15, and a four-day pass $45. Kids 12 and under enter free.

What are the hours?

Friday 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Monday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Where is it held?

At the Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave in Jefferson Park.

What does the festival support?

It is a Copernicus Foundation/Copernicus Center cultural fundraiser, with tickets supporting the venue and Polish cultural programming.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes. The official site lists a Kids Zone, outdoor attractions, cultural programming, and free admission for children 12 and under.