News Summary
The 47th annual Dożynki Harvest Festival in Grand Rapids will showcase Polish culture through food, music, and art from August 22 to August 24 at Calder Plaza. Free admission and a diverse lineup of activities make it a family-friendly event. Highlights include live performances, the crowning of the Busia Queen, and various vendor tents featuring authentic Polish items and traditional dishes. The festival even honors local community members, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
Grand Rapids is set to host the 47th annual Dożynki Harvest Festival, celebrating Polish culture with a vibrant showcase of food, music, and art. This beloved community event will take place at Calder Plaza from Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 24, providing a mix of activities for families and festival-goers alike.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, then from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, allowing everyone to join in the festivities without cost. The Dożynki Harvest Festival is recognized as the longest-running ethnic festival in Grand Rapids, proudly honoring Polish heritage.
As part of the opening ceremony, attendees can expect to hear both the Polish and American national anthems, setting a patriotic tone for the weekend. The festival features a lineup of lively entertainment, including performances by multiple polka bands and a Lithuanian dance group, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Among the highlights is the crowning of the Busia Queen, an honor that symbolizes the spirit of Polish grandmothers. Voting for the Busia Queen is open to festival attendees, inviting community participation in this celebratory tradition.
In addition to musical performances, the Dożynki Harvest Festival will include an array of vendor tents selling authentic Polish items such as traditional pottery, jewelry, clothing, and exquisite blown glass. Visitors can immerse themselves in culture through these carefully curated offerings, which reflect the rich heritage of Poland.
The festival’s food selection prominently features beloved Polish dishes, including kielbasa, pierogies, and golabki, along with sweet treats like paczki. For enthusiasts and competitive eaters alike, there will be contests involving traditional foods adding excitement to the culinary experience. A designated beer tent will also offer local brews and a variety of other drink options, ensuring refreshment throughout the event.
Among the special ceremonies during the festival, Bob Wojcik will be honored with the 2025 PHS Citizen of the Year award, recognizing his dedication to community service and contributions to the Polish community in Grand Rapids. Additionally, the festival will dedicate the Children’s Tent in honor of Char Czarnecki, showcasing her remarkable impact within the community.
Families visiting the festival can engage in various activities within the Children’s Tent, which offers crafts, balloon creations, and face painting, providing entertainment for younger attendees. With a mix of culture, community, and celebration, the Dożynki Harvest Festival promises an enriching experience for everyone.
This vibrant festival not only celebrates Polish heritage but also fosters community spirit, inviting all to partake in a weekend of joy, learning, and connection. Whether enjoying traditional foods, dancing to live music, or browsing local vendors, attendees are set for an unforgettable experience during this year’s Dożynki Harvest Festival.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Return to the River Music and Art Festival in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Prepares for Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival
Additional Resources
- Fox17 News
- Wikipedia: Polish Cultural Festivals in the United States
- WZZM 13 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poland
- Wood Radio
- Google Search: Polish heritage festivals
- MLive
- Google News: Dożynki festival
- Grand Haven Tribune
- Google Scholar: Polish culture festivals
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
