Did you know that Chicago is home to the International Polka Hall of Fame? Yup, just the way Gus Polinski intended. The idea for a national polka convention was born in Chicago, with popular moonlight dances starting in 1960. This eventually led to the first Polka Convention in 1963, which evolved into the International Polka Convention, hosted in Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo, New York.

In 1968, a steering committee formed the International Polka Association, officially chartered as a ‘not-for-profit’ organization in Illinois. Since then, the International Polka Festival has been presented by the Association. They established the Polka Music Hall of Fame and began presenting the annual Polka Music Awards.

The Association’s mission is to preserve and promote polka music and entertainment, encourage cooperation among members in the industry, and support polka-related events and talents. They also operate the Polka Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

If you’re interested in visiting, please contact them at 1-800-TO-POLKA (1-800-867-6552) or I.P.A. Official Rick Rzeszutko at 1-312-758-7490 to make an appointment.

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