Fest features Polka Legend Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, along with a Special Tribute to John Stanky
WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 26, 2026) – As part of the America 250 celebrations, Pennsylvania Polkafest returns to Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday, April 11th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. At Pennsylvania Polkafest, 18-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra will be performing alongside Joe Stanky & The Cadets and The Polka Family Band. Sponsored by Mrs. T’s Pierogies, the show will celebrate polka music, dancing, cultural heritage and traditional Slovak-Polish food. “This event just gets bigger and bigger and I am honored this year to celebrate the talent of John Stanky,” said Jimmy Sturr.
A tribute to polka icon John Stanky, the Nanticoke native who passed away on Christmas Day, will honor his life and musical legacy. John, frontman for Stanky and the Coal Miners, recorded more than 20 albums. The tribute will be heartfelt for his brother, Joe Stanky, who noted, “All the featured bands will be coordinating a tribute to my brother, John.” Thom Greco added, “We have presented John Stanky and the Coalminers at several of our Polkafests and it will be an honor to celebrate John Stanky this year.”
Joe Stanky and The Cadets is a national act that has toured for 30 years, and The Polka Family Band is a four-time Grammy-nominated band that performs across the country. In addition to lively music and dancing, fest-goers can indulge in food and drinks, including Mrs. T’s beloved pierogies.
Joe Nardone Sr. said, “Looking forward to the tribute to John Stanky and the Coalminers – people travel from New York, New Jersey, all around Pennsylvania and there is a bus coming from Binghamton.” Jim Della Croce added, “Jimmy Sturr has been the top polka artist, and it is appropriate for this #1 Polka Star in America to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and pay tribute to the superstar legend, John Stanky.”
Polkafest debuted in 2023 and has grown steadily, with more than 500 guests attending last year. Presented by the non-profit Wilkes-Barre Metro Development Corporation, Pennsylvania Polkafest is co-produced by Greco’s Rittenhouse Entertainment, Joe Nardone’s Magnus Concerts, and Jim Della Croce’s Pathfinder Productions.
“Pennsylvania Polkafest is a cherished tradition, and we are honored to host an event that resonates so deeply with families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Tony Carlucci, President & General Manager at Mohegan Pennsylvania. “Supporting our local community has always been a priority for us and we take great pride in providing a welcoming setting where people can connect, celebrate longstanding traditions, and enjoy an experience that continues to grow each year.”
Tickets for this year’s Pennsylvania Polkafest are now on sale. Reserved table seating is $30 per person, with tables of 10 available for those looking to be closer to the stage with a guaranteed seat. General admission is open-table seating and is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketsalesnow.com, and assistance for online purchases is available by calling 570‑550‑6410. Tickets are also available at Gallery of Sound in Wilkes-Barre and Dickson City (cash sales only).
Pennsylvania Polkafest is an all-ages event; however, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are 21+, including the hotel, casino floor and most restaurants. All guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult, enter via the hotel and convention center entrance and proceed directly to the Keystone Grand Ballroom. Hotel rooms are available by contacting Mohegan reservations at 570‑224‑9557 or booking online on the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
Digital images, logos, and interviews are available upon request. For more information and exclusive updates, follow Pennsylvania Polkafest on Facebook or visit www.pennsylvaniapolkafest.com.
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Mohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a newly renovated 238-room hotel with an on-site spa, adjacent to a 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It features nearly 75,000 square feet of gaming space, including close to 60 live table games, over 1,500 slot machines and electronic table games, a sportsbook, a variety of dining options, nightlife, entertainment, and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram and view us on YouTube. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.
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