News Summary
The 53rd Annual Pulaski Days festival is taking place in Grand Rapids, MI, from October 2 to October 5, celebrating Polish culture through food, music, and community activities. A highlight of the festival is the ‘Polito’, a unique burrito filled with kielbasa and other Polish delicacies. Attendees can also enjoy traditional dishes and fun activities, honoring the rich ties of the local Polish community.
Grand Rapids, MI is hosting its 53rd Annual Pulaski Days festival, a vibrant celebration of Polish culture that runs from October 2 through October 5, 2023. The event takes place at the Polish Falcons Hall, located at 957 Fulton St. W, and features a variety of traditional food, beer, and music aimed at bringing the community together.
This year’s festival highlights a unique culinary creation known as the ‘Polito’, a burrito filled with kielbasa, cabbage, garlic mashed potatoes, cheese, and a horseradish-based sauce. The Polito is exclusively served during Pulaski Days and has been a highlight for the past 12 years, thoughtfully crafted by Three Men and a Grill, a Grand Rapids-based catering company.
Co-founder Rich Nawrocki anticipates serving approximately 1,000 Politos by the festival’s end. The Polito has gained immense popularity, with around 80% of lunch-hour customers opting for this flavorful burrito. Originally launched as a “dry” burrito without sauce, the Polito has evolved over the years to include a signature whiskey bacon sauce due to customer feedback, adding to its appeal.
In keeping with local culinary traditions, the wet version of the Polito pays homage to the famous wet burrito style made popular by the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids. Festival-goers can enjoy the wet Polito for $15, while the drier version is priced at $13. Additionally, festival offerings include Polish meatballs, kielbasa sandwiches, and pierogis, ensuring an authentic culinary experience.
Operating hours for the kitchen at the Polish Falcons Hall are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Along with delicious food, Pulaski Days also features various engaging activities, including a kielbasa and pierogi eating contest and a kapusta cook-off, which highlight the cultural contributions of the Polish community.
The Pulaski Days festival is named in honor of General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant and American Revolutionary War hero, and serves its roots in supporting local Polish social clubs. Initially established to foster community ties, the event has now expanded to include participation from 13 clubs and lasts a full week celebrating all things Polish.
As Pulaski Days marks its 53rd anniversary, the festival continues to play a significant role in sharing and celebrating Polish culture within the Grand Rapids community. For detailed information and updates about this year’s festivities, attendees can visit the Pulaski Days Grand Rapids Facebook page.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Celebrates the 53rd Annual Pulaski Days
Grand Rapids to Celebrate Polish-American Culture at Pulaski Days
Grand Rapids Hosts Its First Dyngus Day Festival
Additional Resources
- Fox 17: Pulaski Days Celebrating 53 Years in Grand Rapids
- WOOD TV: Pulaski Days Kicks Off in Grand Rapids
- WZZM 13: Pulaski Days Kielbasa Eating Contest
- Wikipedia: Casimir Pulaski
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Polish American Society
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.
