Pierogi Fest is a three-day food festival that takes place every last weekend of July in Whiting, Indiana. The festival is dedicated to dumplings, Eastern Europeans' favorite food. This annual event attracts about 300,000 attendees from all over the country and even from abroad. Organized by the Whiting–Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce (WRCoC), it commemorates Whiting's heritage and traditional food in a weird, wacky, and fun way.
Activities and Entertainment
Admission to the festival is free of charge. Pierogi Fest features dozens of food, arts and crafts vendors, a beer and wine garden, fun games, and daily live entertainment for all ages. In addition to pierogi, there is plenty of other Slavic treats like kielbasa and sauerkraut. Live music, carnival rides, and lots of other fun activities await visitors during the Pierogi Fest weekend. The festival was featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel as a local landmark.
Polka Parade
The main highlight of Pierogi Fest is the annual Polka Parade, which marches down 119th Street on Friday night. Starting from Forsythe Park and concluding at Atchison Avenue, just west of the festival's main entrance, this parade promises a blend of tradition and humor.
Schedule
Friday, July 26 (11 am-11 pm)
On Friday, Pierogi Fest offers a full day of entertainment across multiple stages. Highlights include performances by the Polonia Polish Folk Song & Dance Ensemble and Eddie Korosa and The Boys from Illinois at the Oliver Stage, while the Sheridan Stage features acts like the Ron Smolen Polka Band Trio and The Who's Who. Enjoy diverse entertainment at the Laporte Stage, now the Silver Streak Lounge, and lively music at the Beer Garden Stage throughout the day. Additionally, don't miss performances by Stern Approval and Nomad Planets at the Central Ave Stage, and culminate the evening with Rocky Road and The Blooze Brothers on the Main Stage. Plus, join the festive Polka Parade at 7 pm.
On Saturday, July 27 (11 am-11 pm)
Pierogi Fest continues its lively celebrations on Saturday. Highlights include The Buscias' Cooking Show and the Mr. Pierogi Song Fest with The Pieroguettes at the Oliver Stage, while the Sheridan Stage showcases acts like the Steve Kellogg Magic Show and Heart of Glass. Enjoy performances at the Laporte and Beer Garden stages throughout the day. The Central Ave Stage features a variety of entertainment, and the evening culminates with performances by The Indigos and a special presentation on the Main Stage, presented by Hard Rock Casino.
Sunday, July 28 (11 am to 5 pm)
On Sunday, Pierogi Fest concludes its weekend festivities. Highlights include performances by the Polonia Polish Folk Song & Dance Ensemble at the Oliver Stage and the Hillbilly Thomists at the Sheridan Stage. Enjoy the Pierogi Toss & Pierogi Eating Contests at the Oliver Stage and catch Strings Beyond Description and The StingRays at the Laporte Stage. The Fifty-One Lincoln Band entertains at the Beer Garden Stage, while Hipnotic takes the stage at the Central Ave Stage. Wrapping up the day on the Main Stage are the Von Crapp Family Singers and The WiseGuys, offering a delightful blend of music for all to enjoy.
Parking
Free parking lots are scattered across town, following the Polish tradition of claiming spots without lawn chairs. Shuttle services operate from these lots, including Calumet College, BP Globe Roofing, BP Barrell House, Clark Athletic Field, and Franklin Elementary School, with Pierogi, Halupky, and Sausage routes. Shuttle rides are $5 (or $20 for families of 5 or more), and children under six ride free. However, please note shuttle schedules exclude times during the parade and Sunday evenings. Paid lots benefit local churches and organizations, each with varying costs. Attendees arriving via the South Shore Stations are advised to arrange rideshares due to the lack of shuttle services.
