JEFFERSON PARK — An estimated 30,000 people are expected to flock to downtown Jefferson Park over the Labor Day weekend for Taste of Polonia, the largest festival of Polish food, culture and beer in North America.
More than 35 bands are expected to play on four stages during the four-day festival that starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
The fest’s four stages promise something for every music lover — including tribute bands bringing some of rock's biggest names to life, including Tom Petty, Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, organizers said.
The world music stage will feature not only polka music, but also reggae, organizers said.
The kids stage will feature dance shows and karate demonstrations, organizers said.
Cooking classes and vodka tasting will take place inside the Copernicus Center’s theater annex at 2 p.m. Saturday through Monday, organizers said.
The theater’s lobby will be transformed into a casino from 2-10 p.m. Saturday through Monday, organizers said.
Many booths will serve Polish beer and pierogies, which are dumplings of unleavened dough that are first boiled, then baked or fried in butter with onions. They are usually stuffed with potatoes, but sometimes can be stuffed with sauerkraut, ground meat, cheese or fruit.
Taste of Polonia will take place from 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, noon-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and noon-10 p.m. Monday.
Admission to the festival is $7 for adults. Children 12 and younger are free.
For more information, go to topchicago.org.
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