Johnstown PolkaFest 2026
When:
Friday, May 29th, 2026
–
Sunday, May 31st, 2026
Where:
NO PETS are allowed inside Peoples Natural Gas Park
Times & Cost:
Friday, May 29th – 4:30 PM – $5 Donation
Saturday, May 30th – 10:30 AM – $5 Donation
Sunday, May 31st – 10:30 AM – FREE
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PolkaFest was created in 1998 by “Polish Bill” Marano and his late wife Debbie, who pursued their dream of creating a world-class Polka festival in Johnstown. The Maranos’ knew that Johnstown’s ethnic heritage would make it the perfect setting for the festival. The Maranos’ partnered with the former Johnstown Business District Coalition to coordinate the festival in 1998 and 1999, which was held in multiple locations throughout downtown Johnstown.
Visit Johnstown, in coordination with the Maranos, assumed the operation and promotion of the festival in 2000. In 2001 the evening dances were moved to the Masonic Temple on Valley Pike, which was a perfect dancing venue with its large sprung wooden dance floor. The Masonic Temple remained the festival’s home until 2006, when the festival moved to Cambria City and was staged at multiple locations. In 2008, St. Mary’s became the title sponsor and host site. In 2021, Johnstown PolkaFest made the move to Peoples Natural Gas Park in downtown Johnstown, which is now the primary location for the event. PolkaFest features the country’s best bands, as well as local and regional favorites. The lineup regularly consists of bands and musicians who have been nominated for or who have won Grammy Awards. Johnstown’s PolkaFest is one of only a few to combine Polish and Slovenian styles at one festival, alternating sets, a format that has proven to be successful over 25 years. PolkaFest has also featured other Polka styles including German, Country, and even Rock, and continues to attract a younger audience.
PolkaFest’s daily admission is $5 Friday and Saturday, Sunday is Free. Minors accompanied by an adult are free.
PolkaFest is always the first weekend after Memorial Day. It attracts visitors from multiple states and the region throughout the weekend.
2026 PolkaFest Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are available to area businesses and organizations.
Contact Lindsay Arcuri at 814-536-7993, ext. 103 for details, or email lindsaya@visitjohnstownpa.com.
Watch this video to see what it's all about!
Johnstown PolkaFest 2026 Band Schedule
Check back next year!
Polkafest Band Bios
Crusade featuring Eddie Biegaj
Crusade featuring Eddie Biegaj is a dynamic polka band known for pushing musical boundaries while honoring the great bands and songs of the past. Their performances combine technical precision with energetic showmanship, featuring complex arrangements, lively stage movement, and audience interaction that make it impossible not to join in. The group is led by Eddie Biegaj, a trained opera tenor who sings and performs on concertina, accordion, drums, and percussion. He is joined by Randy Krajewski on accordion, bass, piano, and vocals, who has written several of Crusade’s big hits. Jimmy Mackiewicz Jr. plays clarinet, trumpet, sax, and sings, bringing authentic traditional arrangements to life. Doug Galuzny contributes trumpet and vocals, driving the melody and adding depth with his rare bass voice. Rounding out the lineup is Andrew Kuczmarski on drums, providing the rhythmic power and versatility that define Crusade’s signature sound. After not performing in Johnstown since 2007, Crusade is making an exciting comeback to the stage.
Klancnik and Friends
Klancnik and Friends is an American-Slovenian polka band known for their dynamic style of playing and high-energy performances. Brian O’Boyle (Cleveland, OH) is a former Duquesne University Tamburitzan and is the band’s featured accordionist. He is joined by Eric Stehle (Denver, CO) on saxophone/clarinet and Eric Granata (Pittsburgh, PA) on lead vocals. The rhythm section is anchored by Ed Klancnik (Nashville, TN) on the drums and rounded out by Jerry Zagar (Pittsburgh, PA) on bass guitar, with Nick Rote (Detroit, MI) strumming the plectrum banjo. The KNF Band has been a perennial fixture at several polka festivals throughout the country, and this is their first time appearing at the Johnstown PolkaFest.
PolkaFest Vendors
Check back next year!
Visit Johnstown is also seeking ethnic food vendors and other vendors. For information on how to become a vendor, contact Nicole Waligora at 814-536-7993, ext. 104, or email NicoleW@visitjohnstownpa.com.
