YOUNGSTOWN – Simply Slavic, Youngstown’s premier celebration of Slavic culture and heritage, is proud to unveil its 2026 entertainment lineup, marking a historic 15th anniversary with an expanded three-day festival experience at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. For the first time, the festival will run Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, introducing a full third day of programming that blends cultural celebration with the spiritual traditions long at the heart of Slavic communities.
“This year’s lineup truly reflects what Simply Slavic is all about—heritage, community, and celebration,” said Simply Slavic Entertainment Chair Catherine Katrenich. “Expanding to three days gives us the opportunity to share even more music and dance, and to introduce a meaningful Sunday experience that honors the faith and family traditions at the heart of our culture. It’s a way to recognize what has sustained our communities while creating a warm, welcoming close to the weekend.”
Friday: High-Energy Opening Night
The festival kicks off Friday evening with the beloved sounds of Od Srca Adult Tamburitzans, followed by the Opening Ceremony and the annual tapping of Rodina, Simply Slavic’s signature Czech-style lager custom-brewed only once a year for the festival by Warren’s Modern Methods Brewing Company. This fan-favorite tradition officially opens the celebration. The night continues with a performance by the Sycamore Folk Dancers, leading into a high-energy lineup of live music featuring Mon Valley Push and No Funk No Justice, delivering a dynamic mix of contemporary and crowd-favorite sounds to launch the weekend.
Saturday: A Full Day of Folk Traditions and Festival Favorites
Saturday features a rich lineup of traditional dance and music representing cultures from across the Slavic world, including: Veseljaci, Living Traditions Folk Ensemble, St. Nicholas Russian Dancers, Selo Croatian Ensemble, and Youngstown’s own ZAPS Ukrainian band. Throughout the day, guests will also enjoy strolling musicians, interactive moments such as a possible dance lesson, and extended cultural experiences throughout the grounds. Evening performances bring back festival favorites Harmonia Band and the Chardon Polka Band, culminating in the beloved Vatra Lighting Ceremony and late-night jam session—one of the festival’s most cherished traditions.
Sunday: A New Tradition Begins
In honor of the 15th anniversary, Simply Slavic introduces Sunday programming for the first time, creating space to celebrate the faith, family, and community traditions that shaped the region’s Slavic heritage. The day will begin with a Catholic polka mass, featuring music by the Rex Taneri Orchestra and celebrated by Rev. Joseph Rudjak, followed by an ecumenical, non-denominational prayer service welcoming all. Afternoon programming continues with Mascot Day, featuring regional favorites including Rodina, Stan the Pierogi, paczki royalty, Baba Yaga & Baba Roga, and community mascots like YSU’s Pete and Penny Penguin. Live music will be provided by Cleveland’s Da Polka Bums and Southern Slavic musician Mikey Dee. Sunday will also feature a dance performance by the St. Michael Serbian Folklore Society.
Festival Schedule Overview
- Friday, June 26: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday, June 27: 12:00 PM – Midnight
- Sunday, June 28: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mass, cultural programming, and family activities)
Simply Slavic Festival 2026 Entertainment Schedule
From traditional tamburitza orchestras and folk ensembles to modern bands and interactive experiences, the 2026 entertainment lineup reflects the evolving and enduring spirit of Slavic culture in the Mahoning Valley. Simply Slavic continues to draw thousands each year to downtown Youngstown for an immersive celebration of music, dance, food, and heritage—and this milestone year promises to be its most dynamic yet.
Friday, June 26, 2026
- 5:00 PM – Od Srca Adult Tamburitzans (Croatian)
- 5:45 PM – Parade of Flags + Opening Ceremony
- Annual tapping of Modern Method Brewing Company’s Rodina Beer
- 6:30 PM – Sycamore Folk Dancers (Polish/Slovak)
- 7:00 PM – Mon Valley Push (Polka)
- 8:45 PM – Intermission
- 9:15 PM – No Funk No Justice (Disco, Funk, Rock, Pop)
- 11:00 PM – Closing – Thank You & See You Tomorrow!
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 12:00 PM – Gates Open
- 12:15 PM – Veseljaci (Croatian Tamburitza)
- 1:00 PM Parade of Flags + Opening Ceremony
- Blessing of the Food
- 1:40 PM – Living Traditions Folk Ensemble (Polish/Rusyn)
- 2:35 PM – St. Nicholas Russian Youth Dance Group (Russian)
- 3:30 PM – Selo Croatian Ensemble (Croatian)
- 4:00 PM – Intermission (Mini Dance Lesson – TBD, on festival floor)
- 4:30 PM – ZAPS (Ukrainian)
- 5:30 PM – Intermission
- 6:00 PM – Harmonia (Gypsy)
- 8:00 PM – Intermission
- 8:30 PM – The Chardon Polka Band (Polka)
- 10:30 PM – Vatra Lighting Ceremony
- Harmonia, Chardon Polka Band & Friends around the Vatra with a dance celebration
- 11:50 PM – Festival Closes – Thank You & See You Tomorrow!
SUNDAY – Main Stage (15th Anniversary Celebration & Family Day)
- 10:30 AM – Gates Open
- 11:00 AM – Catholic Mass (Rev. Joseph Rudjak) Music by Rex Taneri Orchestra (Slovenian)
- 12:00 PM – Welcome Ceremony – Ecumenical Prayer – Baking Contest Winner Announcement
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM – Mascot Showcase (Mascot Day)
- 1:30 – 3:30 PM – Da Polka Bums (Polka)
- 3:30 – 4:00 PM – St. Michael Serbian Folklore Society Gracanica (Serbian)
- 4:00 – 6:00 PM – Mikey Dee (Tamburitza / Southern Slav Polka)
- 6:00 PM – Closing Remarks Thank You & See You Next Year!
For more information about Simply Slavic, the 2026 Festival, or the Home for the SLAVidays event, visit SimplySlavic.org
or contact [email protected]. Let’s keep the traditions going – TOGETHER!
