YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Simply Slavic festival will return to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre this weekend.

Now in its 15th year, the festival is expanding to three days this year. It will open Friday and run through Sunday.

In previous years, it was limited to Friday and Saturday.

Simply Slavic celebrates the heritage and history of the Slavic people of eastern Europe. It features the food of the region, plus its folk dances and music.

Traditional tamburitza orchestras and folk ensembles will take the stage, along with modern bands.

Admission is $5 at the gate (free for children 12 and under). Parking in the Covelli Centre lots is free, as is parking on city streets and city-owned lots.

To learn more, go to SimplySlavic.org.

Here is the entertainment schedule:

Friday, June 26:

  • 5 p.m.: Od Srca Adult Tamburitzans (Croatian).
  • 5:45 p.m.: Parade of Flags and opening ceremony. Tapping of Modern Method Brewing Co.’s Rodina Beer.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Sycamore Folk Dancers (Polish/Slovak).
  • 7 p.m.: Mon Valley Push (polka).
  • 8:45 p.m.: Intermission.
  • 9:15 p.m.: No Funk No Justice (disco, funk, rock).
  • 11 p.m.: Festival closes.

Saturday, June 27:

  • Noon: Gates open.
  • 12:15 p.m.: Veseljaci (Croatian tamburitza).
  • 1 p.m.: Parade of Flags and opening ceremony.
  • 1:40 p.m.: Living Traditions Folk Ensemble (Polish/Rusyn).
  • 2:35 p.m.: St. Nicholas Russian Youth Dance Group (Russian).
  • 3:30 p.m.: Selo Croatian Ensemble (Croatian).
  • 4 p.m.: Intermission.
  • 4:30 p.m.: ZAPS (Ukrainian).
  • 5:30 p.m.: Intermission.
  • 6 p.m.: Harmonia (Gypsy).
  • 8 p.m.: Intermission.
  • 8:30 p.m.: The Chardon Polka Band (polka).
  • 10:30 p.m.: Vatra lighting ceremony. Harmonia, Chardon Polka Band and friends will perform around the fire.
  • 11:50 p.m.: Festival closes.

Sunday, June 28:

  • 10:30 a.m.: Gates open.
  • 11 a.m.: Catholic Mass (Rev. Joseph Rudjak), with music by Rex Taneri Orchestra (Slovenian).
  • Noon: Welcome ceremony, ecumenical prayer, baking contest winner announcement.
  • 1-1:30 p.m.: Mascot Showcase (Mascot Day).
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Da Polka Bums (polka).
  • 3:30-4 p.m.: St. Michael Serbian Folklore Society Gracanica (Serbian).
  • 4-6 p.m.: Mikey Dee (Tamburitza, southern Slav polka).
  • 6 p.m.: Festival closes.