Dozynzki (Harvest Festival) – Sponsored by USPA/CPA/IPA
IPA Presents the Parade of Polka Bands Picnic
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…
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…
IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame and Music Awards Banquet Tickets are Now Available
Saturday, September 5th, 2026 10:45 AM Arrival & Seating11:00 AM Luncheon Tickets are $60 per person and can be reserved only by advance reservation. Reservations must be made before August 21st, 2026. For more information and purchase your tickets, please click on the following:
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…
Announcing the 7th Annual IPA Young Songwriters Competition for 2026
So you think you can compose a hit polka or waltz? What’s new this year? Well, there is now NO minimum age. The competition is open to anyone 39 years old or younger as of the July 1st, 2026 deadline. Click HERE to go to the Submission Form and see instructions, eligibility and terms. IPA Young Songwriters Video Ad
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
20th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance 2026, Ludlow, MA
Please Join the International Polka Association for the 20th annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance in Ludlow, MA. We hope to see you there!
The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Li’l John Nalevanko
With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Li’l John Nalevanko, a 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. John G. Nalevanko, Sr., 72, of Greensburg, died Monday, June 23, 2025, in Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. He was born August 22, 1952, in Greensburg, a son of the late John J. and Catherine (Bohatch) Nalevanko. Prior…
57th Annual IPA Polka Festival and Convention
Join us now for the 57th Annual International Polka Association Festival and Convention from August 29th to August 31st, 2025. We also have a special welcome party once again featuring IPA Hall of Famer Alex Meixner on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Schedule Hotel Location and Reservations DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Pittsburgh Cranberry910 Sheraton DriveMars, PA 16046724-776-6900 The IPA has secured special rates and you can make your reservation by clicking on the button below:…
2025 IPA Hall of Fame Selectees & 2024 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 2025 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2024 Polka Music Awards. This year, the following candidates will be inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame: Living Category: John Krawisz, Mark Janson Deceased Category: Bob Earl, Chester Pala Pioneer Category: Richard Sendra The 2024 IPA Polka Music Award Winners…
The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Don Peachey
With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Don Peachey, a 2011 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. Don C. Peachey, 91, of Burnett passed away peacefully at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Don was born on July 21, 1933 the son of James E. and Vivian V. (Hanser)…
IPA/USPA Unity Dance in Western Pennsylvania – April, 26, 2025
The IPA and USPA are doing their first-ever joint unity dance in Western Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Location Kinloch Firehall915 New York Ave.New Kensington, PA 15068 Dates Saturday, April 26th, 20255:00-9:00 pm (Doors Open at 4:00pm) Reservations or More Information Chris Bogdon – 412-260-9725 – chris@westernpapolkas.comCindy Fisher – 216-299-0934
56th Annual Festival of Bands and Warm Up Dance – Jan 18 and 19th, 2025
Join the International Polka Association in Celebrating January as National Polka Month with our 56th 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 18,…
19th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance – March 8 and 9th, 2025
Location Polish American Citizens Center355 East StreetLudlow, MA 01056 Saturday, March 8th Music by the Dynatones7pm – 11pmAdmission $20 Sunday, March 9th Honoring the music of the G-Notes with a Special Tribute to Johnny KarasFeaturing:Lenny GomulkaPiatkowski BrothersThe Baltic Boys2pm – 7pmAdmission: $20 Tickets For tickets, please contact: Ernie Daigle: 413-519-7014Peter Danielczuk: 203-231-1819
You must be logged in to post a comment.