Could we possibly get through an article about polka without using a Czech pun or three? The answer is no. Need a reason to Czech out something different this Memorial Day Weekend? The answer is yes, and involves kolaches. The National Polka Festival kicks off this Friday through Sunday in Ennis, Texas.

Celebrating its 48th year, the festival has everything from Czech food and a parade to Grammy winning performances and a kolache eating contest. You heard that right, folks. No need to drive to West, TX this weekend; get your kolache on in Ennis in a competition sure to cause tummy aches (in the best way possible) in people of all ages.

Friday night kicks off with a King and Queen Dance contest, where everyone is encouraged to wear their best Czech costumes and dance like nobody’s watching. Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, expect tons of floats, bands, and costumes at the Czech parade. Get your dance on with the Czechaholics and the Holub Polka band at the Downtown Street Dance, held both Saturday and Sunday. And because all your babysitters are out of town this weekend, the festival has tons of great activities for kids and kids at heart alike. Shop the streets of downtown Ennis while the kiddos get their face painted, rock climb, and jump around in the bounce house. Engage sugar mode with a funnel cake or try a traditional Czech favorite, like klobase and kolaches. Regardless of age, there’s plenty to do for everyone.

If you’re looking for music, particularly polka or country, look no further than this festival. Czech out the list of bands performing below (yes, we did it again).

Polka Bands:

Czech and Then Some
Squeezebox
Brave Combo
Dujka Brothers
Ennis Czech Boys
Jodie Mikulo Orchestra
Fritz Hodde’s “The Fabulous Six”
Czechaholics
Praha Brothers
Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5
Texas Dutchmen
The Moravians
Holub Polka Band

Country Bands:

Love and Theft
Madison King

Ready to buy tickets? Of course you are. They range from $7-$17 depending on the day and concert you attend. Czech out the website for more info. (One last time, for kicks.)

DETAILS
The National Polka Festival
Ennis, Texas 75119

TICKETS AND MORE INFO
National Polka Festival