A Supercharged Summer in the Making
by Jen Pijanowski
Polka season 2026 is in full swing with dances, festivals, and conventions overflowing on calendars for the next few months. While there may be fewer bands in the business, promoters are finding ways to reel in the crowds and carry on their polka events. This summer is supercharged with some fantastic surprises if you find yourself attending one of the many events planned.
Dyngus Day in Buffalo has truly grown into the largest polka celebration in the country, and for one day each year nearly everyone in Western New York embraces Polish culture, especially its music. Bars, restaurants, and even grocery stores swap out their usual playlists for polkas, joining in the region‑wide festivities. With dozens of venues hosting live bands, choosing where to spend the day becomes a challenge in itself.
My celebration began on Easter Sunday at the M Hotel in Cheektowaga, where Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and Polka Country Musicians kicked off the holiday weekend. Hundreds of polka fans filled the ballroom, enjoying the music and mapping out their Dyngus Day plans for Monday. For 37 years, Val Bakowski has run Easter Sunday and Dyngus Day events with unmatched attention to detail, consistently bringing in top‑tier entertainment and creating a welcoming, high‑energy atmosphere.
Gomulka opened the night with his signature string of hits. He is always a crowd favorite, even with a few fill‑in musicians, the orchestra is an impeccable choice to set the tone for two days packed with nonstop polkas. PCM followed with its trademark high‑energy sound, captivating both longtime fans and newcomers and keeping the celebration in full swing.
First up on my Dyngus Day agenda was a brand-new venue for 2026: Kotecki’s Grandview Grove, which welcomed Keith Stras & Polka Confetti for an afternoon filled with honky‑style polka favorites. The all‑star band delivered some of my favorite Stas Golonka tunes along with a mix of crowd‑pleasing classics, giving our polka afternoon the perfect upbeat start to a fun‑packed day. Keith is a true entertainer—he reads the room effortlessly, engages the audience, and gets everyone out on the dance floor to join in the excitement. With its warm atmosphere and beautiful setting, Kotecki’s proved to be a fantastic addition to the Dyngus Day lineup, and I’m hoping to see many more events held there in the future.
No Dyngus Day is complete without a stop at Cheektowaga’s favorite watering hole, Pubski, that always delivers the perfect holiday atmosphere. This year, a group of talented musicians came together to form the Knewz‑Krew Polka All Stars, fabricating an afternoon jam session that showcased their skill, energy, and love for the music to a packed house. The venue itself has a vibe that works for everyone celebrating. Music lovers can squeeze into the lively bar area for the full, up‑close experience, while those who prefer to chat and enjoy the music from a distance can head to the large tent on the back patio, complete with its own full‑service bar.
After leaving Pubski, we made our way into Buffalo’s Polonia neighborhood to visit St. Stanislaus Church, where John Góra & Góralé and Polka Country Musicians were performing. St. Stan’s always draws a wonderfully diverse crowd—parishioners, devoted polka fans, longtime East Side residents, and families eager to share memories of their own childhood Dyngus Days with the next generation. John Góra is the perfect showman for this setting, bringing his passion for Polish music, culture, and crowd‑pleasing entertainment to the forefront of the celebration. It’s heartwarming to watch so many different people immerse themselves in the festivities at this historic church while helping raise funds for a true pillar of Buffalo’s Polish community.
On the way back to wrap up the evening at the M Hotel, I made a quick detour to Pubski to catch one more set from Gomulka. There’s something special about hearing the group in such a small, intimate venue—the cozy atmosphere makes every song feel personal, and it was a moment I didn’t want to miss. I’m especially grateful we stopped, because just a week later came the unfortunate news that Pubski Pub would be permanently closing, leaving yet another hole in Buffalo’s already limited polka‑music venues.
There was no better place to end the night than back at the M Hotel with LiveWire and Polka Family. While every venue drew a crowd, the M Hotel was absolutely packed with an incredible mix of people all having a great time. This year I made the rounds with many polka friends, including my friend Lauren, who had never heard LiveWire or Polka Family before—and watching her reaction was priceless. It was a perfect reminder of why these bands are considered some of the most entertaining in the business. Ever since hearing LiveWire a few years ago on Dyngus Day, they’ve been at the top of my must-see list, and they delivered once again to close out an unforgettable celebration. It’s no surprise that you couldn’t get anywhere near the stage once Polka Family started pumping out hit after hit as the energy they bring pulls the entire crowd in. Promoter Val Bakowski once again delivered a phenomenal two days of top‑tier entertainment, showcasing exactly why his events are such a cornerstone of Dyngus Day. With so much incredible music overtaking Western New York for the holiday, I only wish there were more hours in the day to soak it all in.
Riley Street Station in East Aurora took a welcome chance by hosting a post‑Dyngus celebration on Saturday after the holiday.
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, even though the owners had thoughtfully outfitted their patio with a large tent and a bar serving Polish beer and krupnik. Buffalo Touch and New Direction still delivered lively sets to a small but enthusiastic crowd. I wanted to stop by to support a new business willing to take a chance on polka music, and I’m glad I did. Hopefully they will bring this event back next year. Word deserves to spread about just how well‑planned and heartfelt this celebration truly was.
The Annual “Hard Times” Dance featuring the Buffalo Concertina All Stars was held at Potts Banquet Hall, where local fans turned out in full force for an evening of great music and the tradition of a bargain-priced bologna and onion sandwich.
This shindig, originally sponsored by the Corpus Christi Social Club, has become something the Buffalo polka community eagerly anticipates each year. This time there was even more to celebrate as the International Polka Association announced that two Buffalo musicians would be inducted into the prestigious Polka Hall of Fame: Gary Krupski, entering in the Living Category, had the crowd in full celebratory mode as he performed with the Concertina All Stars—especially when he tore into “Post Office Polka,” prompting an outpouring of love, pride, and applause from fans thrilled to see him recognized. Ken Machelski will also be inducted, honored in the Deceased Category. He genuinely loved performing, and his induction is bittersweet as family, friends, and fans celebrate this achievement without him here. It’s easy to imagine his trademark grin and a hearty “Na’ Zdrowie!” from above as he joins in the moment. Congratulations to both of our local inductees—your community is beaming with pride.
The Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival will take place July 24–26, 2026 at Town Park, offering three days of live music, authentic Polish food, cultural performances, and family friendly activities. The festival opens Friday with ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Krakowiacy Folk Dance Group and an evening performance by John Góra & Góralé on the Main Stage, while New Direction plays in the Pavilion.
Saturday features a full lineup including multiple Dance/Song Group performances including Pan Franek, with alternating sets by Lenny Gomulka and Polka Country throughout the evening, and Special Delivery and Seven in the Pavilion. Sunday continues the celebration with DynaBrass, Polka Country and Gomulka on the Main Stage, while the Buffalo Concertina All Stars and Impulse entertain at the Pavilion. With live music, folk dancing, cultural exhibits, crafts, vendors, a beer tent, and free admission all weekend, the festival showcases the best of Polish American culture in Cheektowaga. I am personally very excited to welcome back nonstop polka music, especially from our local bands during this long running local event.
The 2026 Polka Fireworks Festival will take place July 1–4 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, Pa., offering four days of music, dancing, and resort activities. The event features performances by top bands including Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, The New Generation, DynaBrass, Seven, Crusade featuring Eddie Biegaj, Ryan Joseph & All Access, Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic, Polka Family, and the “Live It Up!” band, along with special events like pool parties, volleyball and pickleball tournaments, and the 42nd Annual Litwin Concertina Jam. Lodging is available directly at Seven Springs—where guests can request “Polka Fireworks room rates” or use Group Code B7SPLK26 for rooms.
The 38th Annual Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest will take place August 12–15, 2026 at the Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St. in Frankenmuth, Mich., offering four days of top national polka bands, dancing on a wooden dance floor, and family friendly entertainment.
Gates open at 12:30 p.m. with music starting at 1:00 p.m. each day, with daily admission priced at $25.00 on Wednesday and Thursday and $30.00 on Friday and Saturday.
Wednesday’s lineup features Dennis Polisky & The Maestro’s Men, Stephanie, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, and Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network; Thursday includes John Gora & Gorale, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, “Live It Up!”, and Dennis Polisky & The Maestro’s Men; Friday showcases Polka Family, Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic, The New Generation, Polka Country Musicians, and DynaBrass; and Saturday will be New Brass Express, Polka Family, Polka Country Musicians, Blue Magic, and Freeze Dried.
With free parking, free admission for kids 19 and under, , and lodging options throughout Frankenmuth, the festival promises “the party of the year.”
