Celebrate 59 years of Czech heritage and traditions in Ennis, Texas at the National Polka Festival! ULTIMATE GUIDE

The National Polka Festival is an annual event celebrating polka music and culture in the United States. The festival features live polka music performances, traditional dances, and authentic Czech food. It is a beloved tradition for many families and polka enthusiasts, and a wonderful way to experience the rich heritage of Czech culture right here in Ennis, Texas.

Explore Czech Heritage

Get a head start on your trip to the National Polka Festival at the Ennis Welcome Center with the Traveling Czech Museum. View beautiful Kroj from the Czech Republic, learn about the history of Czech coins, and mint your very own Czech coin! Experience the Exhibit of Folklore Costumed Babies by Monika Kluciarova.

The Ennis Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The National Polka Festival has extended hours on May 24th from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Ennis Welcome Center will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26th.

Lace up your running shoes, it's time for the Annual Polkafest Run!

Hosted by the Roatary Club of Ennis, this race will start and end in Downtown Ennis! Run your way through historic neighborhoods with the option of a 1 Mile Fun Run, 5k, or 10k. Click here for more information and to register for the Annual Polkafest Run!

Watch the Polka Parade and drink pivo (beer) in Downtown Ennis

On Saturday morning, the downtown festivities begin with an amazing parade featuring decorated floats, bands, and vibrant Czech traditional outfits winding through the historic streets of downtown Ennis. Don't miss the Pivo Pavilion, where you can enjoy an ice cold pivo (beer). Explore a variety of vendors in our historic Downtown Ennis. The fun doesn't stop with pivo! On Saturday, you can participate in the Kolache Eating Contest at 1pm and try your hand at the držení tupláků (Beer Stein Hoist Contest) at 2:30 pm.

Polka all day long at three Czech Halls!

Dance the weekend away at our Czech halls in Ennis! KJT Auditorium (1216 South Perish Street), SOKOL Hall (2622 East Highway 34), SPJST Lodge #25  (1901 East Ennis Avenue)

Plan your trip to the National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas!

Free Shuttles

Enjoy a free shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday! The shuttle runs in a loop from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Stops include:

• Downtown Ennis (Corner of NW Main Street & Ennis Avenue)

• KJT Auditorium (1216 South Perish Street)

• SOKOL Hall (2622 East Highways 34)

• SPJST Lodge #25  (1901 East Ennis Avenue)

National Polka Festival Admission

Purchase your tickets to the National Polka Festival at: https://www.nationalpolkafestival.com/purchasetickets

Friday Daily Admission

Adults: $10

Kids 12 & Under: Free

Daily Admission includes entrance to KJT. Food & Beverages available for purchase.

Saturday Daily Admission

Adults: $15

Kids 12 & Under: FREE

Downtown Admission: FREE

Daily Admission includes entrance to all participating Halls (KJT, Sokol, and SPJST). Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Saturday Southall Country Concert |

Early Bird: $30

General Admission: $35

Day of: $40

Sunday Daily Admission​

Adults: $11

Kids 12 & Under: FREE

Downtown Admission: FREE

Daily Admission includes entrance to all participating Halls (KJT and Sokol). Food and beverages are available for purchase.

3-Day Pass

Adults: $30

Kids 12 & Under: FREE

Downtown Admission: FREE

Admission includes entrance to all participating Halls (KJT, Sokol, & SPJST) for all three days. A separate ticket is required for the Southall Country Concert on Saturday Night. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

National Polka Festival Schedule

FRIDAY

KJT Auditorium - 1216 South Perish Street

5:30 pm - Stříbrňanka

7 pm - Beseda Dancers

7:30 pm - Red Ravens

9 pm - King & Queen Polka Dance Contest

SATURDAY

Downtown Ennis - 201 Northwest Main Street

7 am - PolkaFest Run

9 am - Vendors and Pivo Pavilion

10 am - Polka Parade

12 pm - Texas Sound Check

1 pm - Kolache Eating Contest

2:30 pm - držení tupláků (Beer Stein Hoist Contest)

KJT Auditorium - 1216 South Perish Street

11 am - Doors Open

11:30 am - Dujka Brothers

3:15 pm - Czech Slovak Dancers of CHS

4 pm - Vaneks of West

8:30 pm - Brave Combo

SOKOL Hall - 2622 East Highways 34

10:30 am - Doors Open

11 am - Ennis Czech Boys

2:15 pm - Mark Jirikovec Band

9 pm- Alex Meixner

10:30 pm- Southall

*Southall country concert ticket required, doors re-open at 8:30 pm

SPJST Lodge #25 - 1901 East Ennis Avenue

11 am - Doors Open

11:30 am - Stříbrňanka

1 pm - Czechaholics

4:45 pm - Jodie Mikula Orchestra

8:30 pm - Moravians

SUNDAY

Downtown Ennis - 201 Northwest Main Street

11 am - Vendors & Pivo Pavilion

12:30 pm - AlpenMusikanten

KJT Auditorium - 1216 South Perish Street

9:30 am - Doors Open

10 am - Mark Jirikovec Band

10 am - Live Remote Broadcast KBEC Polka Party

SOKOL Hall - 2622 East Highways 34

11 am - Doors Open

11:30 am - Stříbrňanka

1:30 pm - Czech and Then Some & Alex Meixner

9 pm - Brave Combo

St. John Church - 401 East Lampasses Street

9 am - Polka Mass

What to do while in Ennis

If you're looking for fun things to do in the area, look no further! Head to the Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm and shop local vendors. Check out the Traveling Czech Museum display in the Welcome Center all month. Explore Downtown boutiques and unique dining options. For more information about what to do while you're here in Ennis, visit our website.

Ennis is a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (35 miles south of Downtown Dallas on I-45), just a day-trip away!

Still have questions about the National Polka Festival? Visit the FAQ page here.