The Kielbasa Festival

Yearly Memorial Day regional festival showcasing Kielbasa, Polish culture and international foods, games, vending and rides.

The Kielbasa Festival grew each year since its origin in 1974 when it was first held on the bank of the river behind Main Street. It was conceived and organized by the Fireball club, a fund-raising committee for the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, as a way to promote the many civic organizations and local businesses that call Chicopee home. Parking soon became an issue in Chicopee Falls, and after two years the festival moved to where most people remember it, on Memorial Drive. It was run by a crew of volunteers who would man the ticket booths, beer stands and clean-up crews. For 22 consecutive years, with a brief comeback in 1997, The K-Fest was a source of pride for Chicopee residents, and a genuine Chicopee tradition.