A Pączki Spree Leads Us to Dyngus
by Jen Pijanowski
Western New York is home to plenty of talented polka bands, but January weather doesn’t always make it easy to host a National Polka Month dance.
This year, though, the weather cooperated long enough for one celebration at Potts Banquet Hall, where the Kaisertown Polka Band brought polka fans together in full force. With high energy, quirky stage antics, and belting out all the classic favorites with heart, Kaisertown gave dancers exactly what they needed to shake off the winter doldrums. Kaisertown Polka Band also kicked off the first Buffalo Polka Boosters meeting of 2026 on March 18, setting the tone for another lively year in Buffalo.
Buffalo Polka Boosters began its 2026 monthly calendar a month early this year. Typically taking the winter off and resuming in April, members requested an additional meeting prompting the early start. This local club has been supporting polka music since 1970, proudly celebrating 56 years of keeping the tradition alive. Meetings will continue at Polka Falcons in Depew on the third Wednesday of each month. You can join Buffalo Polka Boosters for $10.00 annual dues, and each meeting costs just $10.00. For the price of admission, a local Buffalo polka band is featured along with a snack; free beer, pop and coffee.
Pączki, Polkas, and Potts. As Lent begins, many Catholics in Western New York still step back from partying and dancing during the 40 days leading up to Easter. That’s why Pączki Day isn’t just a chance to indulge in sugary treats; it’s the final hurrah before the solemn season begins. Potts Banquet Hall hosted a jam‑packed celebration, with the Buffalo Concertina All Stars firing up the crowd. It was clear that polka fans were eager to get out and hear their beloved music again, as the dance floor stayed full all night. With the nominal admission fee of just $5.00, attendees were treated to a free buffet with a free pączek for everyone who walked through the door.
It was joy seeing so many familiar faces at the Pączki Day celebration, including a wonderful turnout from our friends across the border in Canada. I had the chance to chat with Ed Rajewski, who arrived with his daughters to present Greg Chwojdak with a handmade diamond‑art portrait of Greg’s concertina. Rajewski’s artwork has been gifted to countless musicians over the years, and while I’ve admired many of his pieces in photos, seeing one up close was breathtaking. Greg and the Buffalo Concertina All Stars delivered an incredible performance, giving fans the perfect chance to get their polka fix before the quiet of Lent settles in.
DYNGUS UPON US. It’s once again time for the polka spotlight to shine on Western New York. Each year, venues pack in thousands of people eager to hear polka bands from near and far. Dozens of locations within just a few miles will be filled with music as the region celebrates Dyngus Day, proudly showcasing its Polish heritage.
You can kick off the festivities early on Saturday at the M Hotel with Polkas After Dark featuring Robin and Geri. On Sunday, choose the cozy charm of Pubski’s on William Street in Cheektowaga, where Keith Stras’ Polka Confetti will keep the celebration rolling. Or head back to the M Hotel for a Pre‑Dyngus party with music by Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and the Polka Country Musicians.
There are so many Dyngus Day parties across Western New York that it would take half this paper to list them all, but the biggest concentration is in Cheektowaga and Buffalo’s historic Polonia District on the East Side. Some of my favorite stops include Pubski, the M Hotel, St. Stanislaus Church, and Pussywillow Park. These places pack in crowds for a wild, high‑energy celebration. If you’re looking for something a little lower‑key, you can always slip over to Polish Falcons, St. Gabriel’s Church, or Kotecki’s Grandview Grove for a more relaxed Dyngus Day vibe. Bands lighting up the area this year include PCM, Livewire, Polka Family, Chicago Push, Gorale, John Stevens, and Maestros Men. It is an all‑star lineup guaranteed to keep Western New York dancing from morning till night.
With so many bands and venues to choose from, having a game plan is the key to enjoying a smooth, stress‑free Dyngus Day. Map out your must‑see stops, pace yourself, and get ready for a celebration that doesn’t let up.
UPCOMING. The North Canton Eagles will host its Polka Fest on Sun., April 26, at 6979 Sunset Strip NW in North Canton, Ohio, with live music from 1:00-8:00 p.m. The event features performances by Seven, Jody Maddie’s Uptown Sound, and John Gora & Gorale, along with a special appearance by the Living Traditions Folk Ensemble. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door, and guests can enjoy food and drinks at reasonable prices, with no outside beverages permitted. For ticket information, call (234) 360-4207.
The United States Polka Association (USPA) Convention will be held May 21–24, 2026, with the Wyndham Independence (formerly known as the DoubleTree Hotel) serving as the official host hotel. Make plans now for four unforgettable days of live polka music, dancing, and celebration, where every day offers something special.
The festivities begin Thursday, May 21, with lively lounge entertainment from Jack Beachley’s Jam Band, setting the perfect tone for the weekend. On Friday, May 22, enjoy a sunny afternoon pool party featuring a live broadcast with the hosts of the Hooked-on Polkas radio show, followed by an exciting night of ballroom performances from Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic. Saturday, May 23, keeps the energy high with Da Polka Bums entertaining guests in the lounge and poolside, leading into a powerhouse ballroom lineup with Seven, Dynabrass, and LiveWire. The celebration wraps up on Sunday, May 24, with a midday pool party hosted by Bryan “The Party” Palacz and the Polish Freight and Music Co. show, and a grand finale of ballroom entertainment featuring Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, John Gora & Gorale, Polka Country Musicians, and Polka Family. Located at 6200 Quarry Lane in Independence, Ohio, the Wyndham Independence hotel offers a special room rate of $105.00 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees, for attendees of the event. You can visit www.uspapolka.com for all the pertinent information to make this a part of your 2026 polka calendar.
PucoYashu will host “Wild Wild Wildwood Days” from May 28–30, 2026 at the Oceanic Hotel in Wildwood, N.J., with rooms priced from $129–$179. You can make your reservations by calling (609) 522-6500 and using group code POLKA. The weekend will feature a $5.00 welcome‑party night with DJ Bruce Z on May 28, followed by $30.00 daily events on May 29 and 30 showcasing Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic at the Oceanic Pool from 1:00–5:00 p.m. and the Eddie Forman Orchestra at the Oceanic Bar from 8:00 p.m.–midnight, with three‑day passes available for $55 and free admission for attendees 16 and under.
Ocean Beach Park Polka Days will take place June 17–20, 2026, at Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Avenue in New London, Conn. with a special Welcome Party kicking off the festivities on June 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.at Tox Brewery, 123 Bank Street. The festival runs June 18–20, featuring live polka music throughout the day and evening. Admission is $25.00 per person per day, with children 16 and under admitted free with an adult. Parking for ticket holders is available at $20.00 per vehicle per day or $10.00 per walk‑in guest. Bands performing over the course of the event include Polka Country Musicians, Matt’s All Stars, Maestro’s Men, The Natural Talent, Dynabrass, Polka Family, Live Wire, and Eddie Forman Orchestra. Everything you possibly need to know about this fun-filled event can be found at: www.oceanbeachparkpolkadays.com.
