The fifth annual festival will take place September 20-21, 2019.

Slavs have a rich history in Johnstown

From 1880 until 1920, thousands of Slavic immigrants came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to find employment in the area’s mills and mines. By 1920, 25 percent of Johnstown’s residents were of Slavic descent. They created a rich network of churches and social clubs to support their way of life and culture.

Johnstown went through tough economic times in the 1970s and 80s, and many people were forced to leave the community. Johnstown’s ethnic organizations suffered. Today, many young people want to know about their ethnic heritage, and the culture and history of their Slavic ancestors.

Join us for this free festival!

Come celebrate this rich heritage at the fourth annual Johnstown Slavic Festival, set for September 20-21, 2019! The festival, which is expanding to a two-day format in 2019, is planned by a volunteer committee in cooperation with the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA), and is held one of JAHA’s museums, the Heritage Discovery Center. Museum admission will be free during the event, too!

We plan a festival full of:

• Authentic Slavic music
• Slavic folk dance performances
• Homemade Slavic food, as well as Slavic beer
• Educational speakers and cooking demonstrations
• Ethnic vendors

The presenting sponsor for the Johnstown Slavic Festival is the Best Windows & Door Company.