Courtesy of Slavic Experience
What began as a small gathering celebrating Slavic heritage has grown into one of the Twin Cities’ largest multicultural festivals. This year, Slavic Experience returns to St. Louis Park’s ROC on Aug. 1-2. We spoke with the fest’s executive director, Aneta Toporowska Lennartson, about how the gathering has evolved over the past five years, what visitors can look forward to, and why the event has become an important celebration of culture, community, and connection for people of all backgrounds.
What inspired you to create the festival, and how has it grown over the past five years?
Courtesy of Slavic Experience
Slavic Experience was born from a simple truth: our community needed a place where Slavic culture could be seen, heard, celebrated, and shared with pride. After bringing back Twin Cities Polish Festival in 2009, I saw how deeply people craved connection to their heritage—and how many Slavic cultures were still missing from the conversation. In 2019, I created Slavic Experience to bring all of us together: Polish, Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Slovenian, Bulgarian, and beyond. It started as a small cultural gathering, but the heart behind it was enormous.
Over the past five years, the festival has grown into a major Twin Cities event. Attendance has multiplied, our programming has expanded, and our community partnerships have deepened. What began as a cultural showcase has evolved into a full weekend of music, dance, food, art, storytelling, and cross‑cultural celebration—a place where heritage is honored and new traditions are created.
What are you most excited about for this year’s festival, especially with new additions like the Miss Slavic Experience competition?
The festival is bigger, more vibrant, and more diverse than ever—and the introduction of the Miss Slavic Minnesota competition adds a beautiful new dimension. It’s not a beauty pageant; it’s a cultural ambassador program. Young women from Slavic and non-Slavic backgrounds will share their heritage, traditions, and personal stories, becoming voices for their communities. It’s empowering, meaningful, and deeply aligned with our mission.
I’m also excited about the expanded performance lineup, amazing fashion show, new vendors, an interactive culinary workshop by Jason Sawicki, and the stronger presence of youth programming.
For someone attending for the first time, what are some can’t-miss highlights?
First‑time visitors should absolutely experience the Grand Opening Ceremony—it’s emotional, powerful, and sets the tone for the entire weekend. The traditional dance performances are another must‑see; they’re full of energy, color, and authenticity, showcasing the richness of Slavic movement and music. The paczki eating contest on Saturday at 3 p.m. and the best pierogi competition on Sunday at 3 p.m. will be so much fun.
I always encourage people to explore the artisan vendors and cultural exhibits, where you can see craftsmanship passed down through generations. And of course, the food—pierogi, cabbage rolls, ćevapi, placki, pączki, borscht, pastries, and regional specialties—is a cultural experience all its own. Every bite tells a story.
What does Slavic Experience mean to the community, and why do you think having a festival like this is so important?
Slavic Experience is more than an event—it’s a homecoming. For immigrants, first‑generation families, and anyone connected to Slavic heritage, it’s a place where identity is celebrated rather than explained. It gives our community visibility, pride, and belonging. For the broader Twin Cities community, it’s an invitation to learn, connect, and experience cultures that have shaped Minnesota for generations.
In a world where division is easy, festivals like this remind us of the power of culture to unite. They preserve traditions, uplift artists, support small businesses, and create shared joy. Slavic Experience strengthens community bonds and ensures our heritage continues to thrive.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about this year’s Slavic Experience?
I want people to know that Slavic Experience is for everyone. You don’t need Slavic roots to feel welcome—you just need curiosity, openness, and a love for culture. Our mission is to celebrate heritage, build community, and create a space where people feel connected, inspired, and uplifted.
Slavic Experience 2026 runs Aug. 1-2 at the ROC, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park; visit slavicexperience.com for details.
