Sat 7/29 @ 10:30AM-6PM

It was just ten years ago that the Cleveland Slovenian community revolving around the Slovenian National Home in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood came up with the idea for their winter festival, Kurentovanje. Modeled on an annual event in  Ptuj, Slovenia that attracts tens of thousands of people, they wanted to honor the area’s ethnic roots and well as bring both old and new neighbors together. It’s not as large as the one in Ptuj but Cleveland Kurentovanje has grown into a really big deal.

Now they’re starting another event at the opposite end of the year, called Zabava, which, they say, means “party” in Slovenian, hoping to capture some of that same spirit. “Established in 2023, Zabava is a cultural festival celebrating the rich Slovenian culture, history, and heritage that is unique to Cleveland, Ohio,” they say.

Like Kurentovanje, but with warmer weather and no one in big furry suits, the first annual Zabava is family-friendly and features food, drink, polka music, ethnic vendors and bocce.

Given that it’s in summer, the main focus will be outdoors with the grills fired up and food such as smoked sausage, grilled čevapi, potica and strudel, with a full bar providing pivo, vino and Slovovitz to wash it down (for the adults only!) Dance to live polka bands, browse Slovenian and European vendors offering native crafts, foods and other items, and come inside to watch the balinca (bocce) tournament in the lanes downstairs with 16 teams vying for victory.

The event is free and open to all. You can register here.