Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival Returns to Downtown Plymouth for its 21st Year
Every summer, the streets of Plymouth come alive with a parade, polka music, local food and craft vendors, and that familiar smell of kielbasa. For over twenty years, the Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival has taken over Main St. in Plymouth. The festival celebrates NEPA’s love for that famous Polish sausage and all of the polka music that comes along with it.
With live entertainment, kids’ activities, and an abundance of vendors, the Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival is bound to please seasoned festival-goers and newcomers alike. And, if you consider yourself a kielbasa expert, the legendary Kielbasa Competition is a must. So, stop by the Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival and experience the magic of a NEPA summer festival—from local classics like pierogies, barbecue and, of course, kielbasi to some of the area’s best entertainment.
This year, the festival runs from Friday, August 8 through Saturday, August 9.
Nearly 100 vendors line Main Street Plymouth during the two-day festival. When it comes to food, you’ll find just about everything — from BBQ food trucks and ice cream to homemade favorites like pierogi, potato pancakes, and, of course, kielbasi.
There’s also plenty of local arts and crafts vendors, so you can do a little shopping while you’re there.
Festivities officially begin on Friday, August 8, running from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities filling Main Street throughout the day.
The celebration continues on Saturday, August 9, starting at 11:00 a.m. with a parade and opening ceremonies, followed by another full day of music, shopping and delicious food.
Don’t forget to head over to the American Legion on Center Ave. on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. for one of the festival’s most anticipated events — the Annual Kielbasa Tasting Competition. Sample a variety of local kielbasa entries, cast your vote for the best, and see who takes home the top prize. It’s a mouthwatering celebration of regional flavor you won’t want to miss!
Free parking is available in the lots behind the band shell as well as around the Wyoming Valley West High School.
Both days of the Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival will be filled with nonstop entertainment, featuring a full lineup of live performances by talented local bands at the Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell, located in the municipal parking lot.
The music kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and continues through the evening until 11:00 p.m., offering a lively soundtrack to your festival experience. From high-energy classic rock and toe-tapping country to nostalgic oldies and lively Pennsylvania Polka, there’s something for every musical taste.
The band shell is conveniently located on Main Street between Eno St. and Center Ave.
Live Entertainment Schedule:
Friday, August 8
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – John Stevens Polka Band
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Breakaway
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Eddie Day & TNT Reunion
9:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Lost at the Rodeo
Saturday, August 9
11:00 –
Parade
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Stanky and the Coalminers
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Tori V & the Karma
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – $haken (Eddie Money Tribute Band)
9:00 – 11:00 p.m. – The Lance Thomas Band
The always-popular Kid Zone, located in the Wyoming Valley West High School parking lot, offers hours of family fun and entertainment just for the little ones. Located Main Street between Wadham Street and Downing Street, the kids section of the festival features bounce houses, balloon artists, foam parties, magic shows and more.
With interactive performances, special appearances, and music throughout the day, there’s never a dull moment in the Kid Zone — be sure to stop by and let the kids join in the fun!
Kid’s Zone Schedule:
Friday, August 8
3:00 p.m. – Justin Davis – Balloon Animal Artist
4:00 p.m. – The Magic of Bill Dickson
Saturday, August 9
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Plymouth Rotary’s Kids Foam Party and Meet & Greet with Bluey
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Justin Davis – Balloon Animal Artist
5:00 p.m. – The Magic of Bill Dickson
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Nonstop Music
Article Updated from its original version published on 8/5/2024
Plymouth Kielbasa Festival
