Little Poland Broad St
Experience authentic Polish culture on Broad Street, New Britain, CT, with delicious food, vibrant festivals, and unique shops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full cultural immersion
Little Poland Broad St
Best Time
Experience the full cultural immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Polish culture on Broad Street, New Britain, CT, with delicious food, vibrant festivals, and unique shops.
"The most beautiful festival with best food. Very organized and very fun atmosphere."
🎯 Skip the Carnival Food Trucks
Some visitors recommend avoiding generic festival food trucks for more authentic flavors at local restaurants.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Street parking is generally free on Broad Street and surrounding areas during the festival.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Pierogi
Various food vendors and restaurants
Savor delicious, homemade pierogi in a variety of traditional fillings. A must-try Polish delicacy!
Kielbasa Sandwiches
Food stalls and restaurants
Indulge in hearty kielbasa sandwiches, a savory and satisfying staple of Polish street food.
Polish Community Festival
Broad Street
Experience the vibrant culture with music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere celebrating Polish heritage.
Unique Polish Crafts
Street vendors
Discover handcrafted jewelry, amber, painted eggs, and other unique souvenirs from local artisans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Festival Timing is Key
Foodie Focus: Beyond the Booths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip the Carnival Food Trucks
Some visitors recommend avoiding generic festival food trucks for more authentic flavors at local restaurants.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Street parking is generally free on Broad Street and surrounding areas during the festival.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music & Dance
Multiple stages offer music and dance performances, creating a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Crafts
Browse vendors for Polish jewelry, amber, hand-painted items, and other cultural souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip the Carnival Food Trucks
Some visitors recommend avoiding generic festival food trucks for more authentic flavors at local restaurants.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Street parking is generally free on Broad Street and surrounding areas during the festival.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music & Dance
Multiple stages offer music and dance performances, creating a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Crafts
Browse vendors for Polish jewelry, amber, hand-painted items, and other cultural souvenirs.
💰 Food Can Be Pricey
While delicious, festival food prices can add up. Budget accordingly or explore restaurant deals.
🇵🇱 Embrace the Culture
Even if you're not Polish, the festival is welcoming and offers a fun cultural experience for all.
🥟 Try Real Pierogi
Look for authentic pierogi, not just mass-produced versions. Many local spots offer the best.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Little Poland Broad St for its vibrant annual festival, highlighting the delicious authentic Polish food like pierogi and kielbasa, lively music, and engaging cultural atmosphere. The free admission and variety of vendors are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find the festival food a bit pricey, and a few suggest exploring permanent restaurants for potentially better value or authenticity.
"6.4.23 Free stree parking all around Broad St and surrounding streets. This annual festival is FREE to enter, walk around, a couple bands play, there's a dj, street vendors selling Polish related jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, toys, hand carved jewelry boxes, amber, etc. Food such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage (golombki), potato pancakes, Kielbasa, etc sold along the street but also in surrounding restaurants. Beer gardens all around. Dancing performances on Main stage. This is great for all ages to walk around. People watch. Get some amazing food and beer. And open to all, not just the Polish community."
Margaret Honan
"A free festival and it's a great place to spend time. The food was a bit pricey, but there was quite a lot of different things to do. There were a few different music areas, and the volume was loud enough to be heard, but not overwhelming. Even though there were a lot of people, it wasn't overcrowded."
Jacek Radko
"It was such a wonderful event. Amazing food, vendors, music performances and people. Well organized event. Will be back next year!"
Maureen Pietraszuk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Poland is located on Broad Street in New Britain, Connecticut. Driving is a common way to get there, with street parking often available, especially during non-festival times. Public transportation options may include local bus routes.
Yes, free street parking is usually available around Broad Street and nearby streets during the annual festival. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Broad Street is the main artery. Depending on your starting point, you'll likely use major local highways to reach New Britain and then navigate to Broad Street. GPS is recommended.
Local bus services operate in New Britain and may provide access to the Broad Street area. Check with the local transit authority for specific routes and schedules.
While Broad Street is generally accessible, sidewalks can be uneven. During festivals, crowds may present challenges. It's advisable to check with event organizers for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The annual Little Poland Festival is free to enter. However, individual vendors and restaurants will charge for food, drinks, and merchandise.
Individual businesses on Broad Street have their own hours. The Little Poland Festival typically runs for a specific weekend, with hours announced annually.
No, the Little Poland Festival is free to attend, so no advance ticket purchase is necessary. You pay for any food, drinks, or items you wish to buy.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting during weekday mornings or later in the afternoon on festival days. Weekends are generally the busiest.
While individual businesses may have their own pet policies, large festivals often discourage pets due to crowds and safety concerns. It's best to leave pets at home during festival times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try authentic pierogi and kielbasa sandwiches. Other popular items include stuffed cabbage (golombki) and potato pancakes.
While many vendors offer pierogi during the festival, some locals recommend trying permanent restaurants on Broad Street for a more authentic experience.
Traditional Polish cuisine is meat-heavy, but some vendors might offer potato and cheese pierogi or other vegetable-based dishes. It's best to inquire directly with vendors.
Beyond festival vendors, explore local Polish restaurants for a full dining experience. Roly Poly Bakery is a popular spot for baked goods and more.
Food prices at the festival can be a bit high, with items like pierogi and kielbasa sandwiches costing several dollars each. Budget accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of the festival atmosphere, colorful food displays, traditional dancers, and unique Polish crafts. Drone footage can offer stunning aerial views.
Generally, photography is allowed, especially for personal use. Be mindful of private businesses and ask permission before photographing individuals up close.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the street scenes and festival energy.
Absolutely! Food photography is encouraged, especially for delicious pierogi and kielbasa.
The main Broad Street area during the festival, with its bustling vendors and stages, offers the most iconic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the festival, exploring the shops can also be an engaging experience for children, offering a glimpse into a different culture. Look for bakeries with colorful pastries and shops with interesting crafts. It's a great way to introduce kids to diverse traditions in a fun and accessible way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the free entertainment, music, and cultural atmosphere. You can find affordable souvenirs from various vendors, and simply walking the street and soaking in the ambiance is a rewarding experience in itself. Pack snacks or a picnic if you want to save on food costs.
👫 Couples
Consider visiting some of the local Polish restaurants for a more intimate dining experience outside of festival times. Exploring the unique shops for handcrafted gifts or amber jewelry can also be a delightful activity for couples looking for something special.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Polish Culture on Broad Street
The area is a testament to the strong Polish diaspora in Connecticut. Visitors can find bakeries selling traditional pastries, delis stocked with Polish meats and cheeses, and shops offering imported goods. This concentration of Polish businesses creates a unique atmosphere, making Broad Street a destination for those seeking an authentic cultural immersion.
During the festival, Broad Street transforms into a lively pedestrian mall. Street vendors offer a wide array of Polish delicacies, from savory pierogi and kielbasa to sweet pastries. Live music and dance performances fill the air, creating a festive and welcoming environment for all ages. It's a celebration of heritage that resonates with both the Polish community and curious visitors alike.
Navigating the Culinary Delights
While the festival offers a wide variety of food stalls, some seasoned visitors suggest venturing into the permanent restaurants along Broad Street for a potentially more authentic and less crowded culinary experience. These establishments often provide a broader menu and a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
Be prepared for festival food prices, which can be higher than usual. However, the quality and authenticity of the food often make it a worthwhile indulgence. Exploring different vendors and restaurants will allow you to sample a diverse range of Polish flavors.
Beyond the Festival: Year-Round Charm
Visitors can find imported foods, traditional crafts, and a warm community atmosphere. Roly Poly Bakery is frequently mentioned as a popular spot for delicious baked goods and other Polish specialties.
Exploring these year-round businesses allows for a more intimate understanding of the Polish-American community. It's an opportunity to connect with local culture, discover unique products, and enjoy authentic flavors at a more leisurely pace than during the bustling festival.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit