Get ready to celebrate the 10th Annual Muskegon Polish Festival this Labor Day weekend in Hackley Park.

This two-day festival brings the tastes, sounds, and traditions of Poland to the heart of Muskegon. Visitors can enjoy authentic Polish food, live polka music, live bands, dancing, a vodka bar, a cash raffle, swordsmanship demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making it one of the top cultural festivals in Michigan.

Picture-Perfect Setting in Muskegon

The festival takes place in historic Hackley Park in Downtown Muskegon, a beach town on Lake Michigan known for its seasonal attractions. The Muskegon Polish Festival has become a Labor Day weekend tradition, drawing visitors from across Michigan and beyond. (Check it out on the Visit Muskegon Calendar of Events HERE)

Food, Fun and Music

Savor the flavors of Poland with pierogi, golabki, kielbasa, and kapusta. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy authentic Polish beers imported from Poland, while families will find free children’s activities including face painting, balloon art, and caricature drawings. Live bands and polka music provide entertainment throughout the weekend. This is one of the best places to experience Polish food, music, and culture in Michigan.

Toast to Tradition

Visit the beverage tent or vodka bar to raise a glass or try a “Shot-ski” with friends. Sip on Polish beers like Tyskie and Warka or enjoy a Polish Mule from Muskegon’s own Wonderland Distilling Co. Non-drinkers have plenty of options, so everyone can join in to say “Na zdrowie!”

Polka, Shop, and Savor

Explore market vendors for unique Polish merchandise, enjoy live polka music and dancing, and watch live cooking demonstrations to learn traditional Polish recipes. Swordsmanship demonstrations and other cultural activities give visitors a full taste of Polish heritage. Included this year is an expanded history tent area, with interactive, educational displays from the University of Michigan that give guests insight into the Polish culture of West Michigan. “Part of our mission statement is to teach the younger generation about their Polish heritage and their Polish history,” said Donna Piasecki, president of the Muskegon Polish Festival.

That Dance Floor!

The iconic polka dance floor has been a festival favorite since the second year. Designed by two dedicated volunteers, the floor was restored in 2023 and continues to provide the perfect bounce for polka enthusiasts, ensuring lively dancing for generations to come.

Polish Festival

How It All Began

The Polish heritage journey began in 2012. A group of Polish community members came together to revive the celebration of Polish heritage, which was lost with the end of the Seaway Polka Festival. Led by former President Tom Sanocki and Vice President Len Piasecki, along with a team of passionate volunteers, the Muskegon Polish Festival began in 2015 and has grown into a celebrated Labor Day weekend event, keeping Polish traditions alive and thriving. Today, a passionate team of volunteer board members continues to carry this torch. The board meets monthly for planning sessions, which are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the festival’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Polish culture.

Smiling Woman in Traditional Polish Dress at Muskegon Polish Festival

Mission and Community Impact

With six percent of Muskegon County residents identifying as having Polish heritage, the festival highlights Polish culture through food, music, dance, and live performances in a family-friendly atmosphere. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the festival also gives back to the community, reinvesting approximately $50,000 since its inception into local organizations including Noah’s Project, Kids’ Food Basket, Catholic Charities of West Michigan, and the Salvation Army’s Turning Point programs.

Left: A child in traditional Polish folk costume smiling at a cultural festival. Right: An older person wearing sunglasses and a headscarf, cooking at an outdoor event.Babooshka’s Hot Tips

  • Admission: $10 for guests 21 and older; under 21 get in free. Visit Friday only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and you don’t need to pay.

  • Special Guests: Veterans and first responders receive free admission all day Friday with a valid ID.

  • Food & Drinks: Purchase tickets to enjoy festival food and beverages; vendors do not accept direct cash or card payments.

  • Getting Around: Golf cart rides are available during the festival. Shuttles pick up festival goers at the Culinary Institute (CIM) parking lot on Clay near 2nd Street.

  • Make a Weekend of It: Explore Downtown Muskegon, visit Lake Michigan, and enjoy one of the top Labor Day events in Michigan.

A decade of pierogi, polka, and Polish traditions. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Muskegon Polish Festival this Labor Day weekend and be part of the tradition!