The Houston Fall Polish Festival – Dozynki is the largest festival of its kind in the state of Texas, celebrating the rich heritage and accomplishments of Poland through its unique cuisines, custom beers, music, history, traditions, and culture. This is one of the most colorful and uniquely decorated festivals you will find in Texas. When you walk into the festival you will feel fall setting in and the Polish spirit and culture envelop you, especially with the unique Polish costumes that can be seen throughout the festival on young and old. You cannot help but dance when you hear the rich Polish folk music and be tempted by the aromas of the Polish food.

The end of the harvest is the occasion for a major festival in old rural Poland known as Dozynki. Dozynki is based on the centuries-old Polish tradition – an end of harvest jubilee celebration. It is celebrated with ritual and pageantry, followed up by plenty of good food, drink, music, dancing and general merriment. This tradition is practiced to this day in many quarters of our American Polonia in terms of a festival. There is always a harvest mass held indoors or outdoors with all decked out in their regional finery. Attendees bring in harvest wreaths, herbs, grain, baskets of fruit and other crops symbolizing the abundance of the harvest. After mass, there is a procession, a harvest feast with lots of toasts, an abundance of entertainment – folk dancing, music and then the harvest fair!

The festival features a 3-day program with something for everyone. Live music from an assortment of artists including traditional Polish folk dances presented by our very own Polish folk-dance group, Dance Group Wawel. This unique folk-dance group will perform a wide variety of traditional folk dances and will feature several unique traditional costumes. Dance Group Wawel has grown this year by adding Mini Wawel to the dance group and they will be performing as well. Attendees will also enjoy the music of the Alex Meixner Band – Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. This festival is an experience unlike anything else and it is happening in the heart of Houston.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The Dozynki Festival is known for its deliciously authentic and traditional Polish Food, which is sure to bring the taste of Poland to the city of Houston. Enjoy the amazing selection of traditional Polish food such as pierogi (stuffed dumplings), golabki (cabbage rolls), bigos (hunter’s stew), kielbasa (sausage), and many more. Don’t forget to stop by the dessert booth for the impressive, and might I add ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS assortment of traditional cakes and desserts!

The Dozynki Festival will not leave you empty-handed. Gifts and souvenirs await you as numerous vendor booths line the charming paths of the festival. Make sure you stop by and explore the unique, and one of a kind items up for bid in our extravagant Silent Auction. The Auction has many items from Poland such as Polish pottery, food, and beverages to tempt your pallet, all conveniently located in one place.

In addition, the festival provides a children’s area full of exciting games, face painting, bounce houses, and other fun activities to keep the kids entertained.

Do not miss out on an opportunity for a rich cultural experience at the Houston Polish Festival! Keep checking the schedule for updates on more remarkable entertainers. More information can be found at the festival’s official website: https://www.polishharvestfestival.org/