58th Annual IPA Polka Festival and Convention

Join us now for the 58th Annual International Polka Association Festival and Convention from September 4th through September 6th, 2026. We also have a special welcome party once again featuring IPA Hall of Famer Joe Zalewski and the Dynabrass on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. This welcome party is a fundraiser for the Veterans Committee at the Cranberry Elks. All the proceeds will go directly to serve the Veterans. Schedule Hotel Location and Reservations DoubleTree by…

Continue reading

2026 IPA Hall of Fame Selectees & 2025 Music Award Winners!

The IPA is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees that determines the 2026 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2025 Polka Music Awards. This year, the following candidates will be inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame: Living Category: Gary Krupski, Jeff Heinz Deceased Category: Kenneth Machelski, Rich Anton Pioneer Category: Eddie Rodick, Jr. The 2025 IPA Polka Music Award…

Continue reading

Introducing the Launch of the Virtual IPA Hall Of Fame

After months of planning, collaboration, and development, the International Polka Association is proud to officially launch the Virtual IPA Hall of Fame Museum! Working closely with our web development team, we have brought a long-standing vision to life — creating an online destination where fans, historians, and future generations can explore and celebrate the rich history of polka music. We invite you to explore the museum and celebrate the people and moments that made polka music…

Continue reading

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer John “Stanky” Stankovic

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of John “Stanky” Stankovic a 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. John “Stanky” Stankovic, 89, of Hanover Section, Nanticoke, passed away early Thursday, December 25, 2025. Born at home on Phillip Street, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke on May 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Joseph…

Continue reading

57th Annual Chicago Festival of Bands and Warm Up Dance – Jan 17th and 18th, 2026

Join the International Polka Association in Celebrating January as National Polka Month with our 57th Annual Festival of Bands Weekend. Location Elements by the Odyssey Banquet Hall16235 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IIllinoisLocated behind and connected to the Homewood Suites Hotel Lodging Homewood Suites Hotel16245 South Lagrange RoadOrland Park, IL 60467 Special Rate for the IPA is $159. The Homewood Suites Hotel is connected to Odyssey Banquet Hall. Warm-Up Dance – Saturday, January 17, 2026…

Continue reading

20th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance – March 14th and 15th, 2026

Location Polish American Citizens Center355 East StreetLudlow, MA 01056 Hotels Special Room Rates are available for the IPA weekend at: Holiday Inn Express321 Center St.Ludlow, MA413-589-9300Rates: 3/12/26 ($149), 3/13/26 & 3/14/26 ($165), 3/15/26 ($149) Saturday, March 14th Music by the Dynabrass7pm – 11pmAdmission $20 Sunday, March 15th Honoring the music of the Joe Zalewski and Toledo Polkamotion Reunion Featuring: Lenny Gomulka Eddie Forman Orchestra Dennis Polisky’s Maestro’s Men 2pm – 7pmAdmission: $20 Tickets For tickets,…

Continue reading

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Thaddeus Okrzesik, Sr. (Ted O)

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Teddy Okrzesik, Sr., a 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. The Born in Chicago on July 29, 1937, Ted was a devoted husband and father, and the proud and loving Dziadz of 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was a dear friend to many. Ted is survived by his…

Continue reading

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Richie Gomulka

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Richie Gomulka, a 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. Richie was born on February 6, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ted and Mary (Owca) Gomulka, first-generation American-born parents. The oldest of four children, Richie shared a lifelong bond with his 2 sisters and younger brother. Richie leaves behind his…

Continue reading