Toronto 
Toronto’s famous Polish festival is back this weekend.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
The Roncesvalles Polish Festival marks its 20th anniversary with another weekend of food, music, and Polish culture in the heart of Roncesvalles Village on September 19 & 20.
You can expect familiar favourites such as polka and pierogi alongside local artists, street performances, shopping and family activities.
Presented by the Roncesvalles Village BIA, which represents more than 270 businesses, the festival reflects both the neighbourhood’s Polish roots and its wider mix of restaurants, shops, performers and community spaces.
What to See & Do
You will have plenty to choose from as you move along Roncesvalles Avenue. More than 40 restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bistros and bars will offer sample plates, special items and expanded patios. Music runs across four stages, while buskers perform throughout the street. You can also browse artisan stalls, cultural displays and local shops. Families can head toward reptile shows, bouncy castles, carnival rides and canine performances. As the festival greeting puts it, “Hello, Cześć!”
Music across four stages
More than 20 bands will perform during the weekend. The Main Stage, Scotiabank Polkamania Stage, Garden Stage and OLG DJ Zone will cover everything from polka and Euro Dance to Disco Polo, brass bands, choirs, Canadian headliners, Elvis tributes and 1950s and 1960s music.
Bring your appetite
Food is a major part of the weekend. Along with local restaurants and patios, you can find vendors serving Polish and international dishes. There is also a pierogi-eating contest if watching people tackle dumplings at speed sounds like your kind of festival entertainment.
Plenty for families
At the TD Family Fun Zone, Reptilia Zoo brings reptiles and live shows for children of all ages. Marmaduke Street hosts the Sidorova Inwood Bounce Park, while Harvard Avenue becomes the Midway Zone with amusement rides and carnival games.
Dogs, buskers and photo stops
The Canine Circus brings what organizers call “The World’s Greatest Show on Four Legs.” You can also catch buskers at several points along Roncesvalles Avenue or stop by the Kal Tire Roncy Letters at Fern Avenue for a #RoncySign photo.
Polish culture and local makers
Traditional Polish folklore, dance and choir groups will perform throughout the festival. You can also visit Polish cultural displays at St. Casmir’s Church Hall or browse handmade and one-of-a-kind products in the Roncy Rocks Artisan Zone.
AND admission is free!
Trip Planning: Roncesvalles Polish Festival
What:
Roncesvalles Polish Festival is North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. Enjoy great local and international music, including Polish folklore, Polka and Euro dance bands, family fun zones, as well as entertainment from near and far on 4 stages!
Saturday runs from late morning into the night across the Main, Garden and Scotiabank Polkamania stages. Highlights include Miron, Anna Cyzon, Dr. Draw and the Strange Parade, Kompot, Seven and New Vintage Polka Band. You can also catch military bands, Polish dance ensembles and the 2 p.m. opening ceremony, with performances continuing until 10 p.m. throughout the busy festival day.
Sunday starts with Charb Arts Studio at 10 a.m. and keeps the stages busy through early evening. The lineup includes Koffman Academy of Dance, Król Maciuś Pierwszy, Tom Frelek, Miron, Polanie, Seven and Polky. Garden Stage performances feature military bands and Polish dance groups, while the Pierogi Eating Contest takes place at 5 p.m. before the festival schedule wraps up.
When:
Saturday, September 19 – 11 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, September 20 – 11 AM to 7 PM
Where:
Roncesvalles Avenue, from Queen St. West to Dundas St. West., Toronto
The festival stretches along Roncesvalles Avenue from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West.
Transit is your easiest option because parking is limited. Take Line 2 to Dundas West Station and walk south, or use the 501 Queen, 505 Dundas, 506 College or 504 King streetcars. UP Express passengers can get off at Bloor Station, about a six-minute walk away.
How Much: Free
