YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Simply Slavic festival will expand to three days this year to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

The event, which celebrates Slavic culture, will take place June 26-28 at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.

The festival previously took place over two days – a Friday and Saturday. This year, it will continue on Sunday.

Simply Slavic was founded 15 years ago and has become one of the region’s most well-attended festivals.

“For 15 years, Simply Slavic has celebrated the rich cultural traditions that shaped the Mahoning Valley,” said John Slanina, president of the Simply Slavic Board of Directors. “Expanding to three days, at least for this year, allows us to deepen that celebration while creating even more opportunities for families and visitors to experience our heritage.”

Friday and Saturday will continue to feature the vibrant experiences guests have come to love: authentic Slavic food and beverages, live folk dance troupes and traditional music, the bustling marketplace, cultural exhibits and ceremonial traditions.

These features will continue on Sunday, along with some new elements:

  • A Catholic Mass honoring the faith traditions of the region’s Slavic communities.
  • An ecumenical celebration welcoming diverse faith traditions of the Slavic people.
  • Mascot Day and expanded family-friendly activities.
  • Additional cultural performances.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 festival are now available. 

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in sponsorship, vendor booth spots and volunteer roles can learn more at SimplySlavic.org, by calling 330 333 1441 or by emailing info@simplyslavic.org.

Sponsorships will support festival programming, as well as Simply Slavic’s nonprofit initiatives, including:

  • Youngstown State University scholarships for students active in the Slavic community.
  • Cultural preservation projects like the Simply Slavic Collection at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.
  • The Simply Slavic Cultural Preservation Fund at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Pictured at top: The bonfire at a previous Simply Slavic festival.