Join the Pierogi Party: Whiting's Annual Fest Serves Up Fun and Flavor

Photo byvxla / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

(CHICAGO) Head just 16 miles from the Chicago Loop and only two miles from Chicago's South Side to Whiting, Indiana for a unique event celebrating pierogis.

The 2024 annual Pierogi Fest is held this year from July 26th to the 28th in downtown Whiting (less than 30 minutes from Chicago.)

At one of Chicagoland's largest festivals, you can eat pierogies of all kinds, hang out in the beer gardens, browse the arts and crafts vendors, and listen to live music at six performance stages.

This year, Sugar Ray is the headline act appearing on the main stage on July 27 at 8:30 PM.

What Are Pierogis?

Photo byPhoto by Karolina Kaboompics / Pexels

Pierogies are tender dumplings from Eastern Europe with fillings such as potatoes and cheese, meat and sauerkraut, or a variety of other items. They can be sweet or savory and are typically boiled and then deep or pan-fried.

What to Expect at Pierogi Fest?

At the Pierogi Fest, you are sure to find pierogies with both traditional fillings and more creative ones -- even alligator! (according to the Pierogi Fest website). Other foods offered include Polish sausages, potato pancakes, strudel, cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, and paczki (jelly doughnuts).

Photo byKarolina KołodziejczakonUnsplash

Strolling through the crowds you can expect to see various characters including the Buscias (grandmothers in housecoats and curlers), Mr. Pierogi, and people in jelly donut and cabbage roll costumes.

While pierogies are the highlight, foods from different cultures are sold. A few of the many vendors include Babushkas Polish Foods, Pies of London, Greek Delights, Bay City Tacos, and Marek's Authentic Polish Food.

Get all the details here at pierogifest.net.

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