South Bend Dyngus Day
The Political Dyngus Day
About
South Bend's Dyngus Day is uniquely political — since 1930, the West Side Democratic & Civic Club has hosted celebrations that serve as the unofficial kickoff to Indiana's campaign season. Bobby Kennedy campaigned here in 1968, the Clintons visited in 2008, and Pete Buttigieg was a regular. It's ground zero for kielbasa, polka, and politics.
Official site: visitsouthbend.com/events/annual-events/dyngus-day
Highlights
- •West Side Democratic & Civic Club — Ground zero since 1930 (96 years!). Kielbasa, noodles, cabbage, polka, and politicians.
- •Crumstown Conservation Club — Doors at 7 AM! Tony Blazonczyk's New Phaze 9 AM – 1 PM. $10 admission.
- •The 5 AM sausage tradition — Pete Buttigieg and candidates join at dawn to prep kielbasa at the West Side Club
- •Hedwig Memorial Center — NEW venue (replaced Z.B. Falcons). Polish food 1–6 PM, live entertainment.
- •Also celebrates Solidarity Day — streets temporarily renamed in honor of the celebration
- •Notre Dame students add a young crowd to this multi-generational tradition
Venues
West Side Democratic & Civic Club
617 S. Warren St., South Bend
Ground zero for 96 years. Polish sausage, noodles, cabbage. Polka music. Politicians work the room.
Crumstown Conservation Club
59440 Crumstown Hwy, North Liberty
Opens: 7 AM
Die-hard start. $10 admission. Tony Blazonczyk's New Phaze 9 AM – 1 PM. Food while supplies last.
Hedwig Memorial Center
331 S. Scott St., South Bend
Opens: 1–6 PM
NEW venue (2025). Replaced Z.B. Falcons. DynaVersaStickToneAires live. Cash bar. Polish food.
American Legion Post 284
23571 Grant Rd., South Bend
Opens: 11 AM
Polish sausage, sandwiches, live music
American Legion Post 357
5414 W. Sample St., South Bend
Opens: 11:45 AM
This End Up performs 2–6 PM. Sausage, pierogis, dancing. $5 cover.
DeAmicis Italian Club
302 W. 11th St., Mishawaka
Opens: 11:30 AM
Polish food from noon until gone. Raffles, tip boards, 50/50.
Political History
Bobby Kennedy, 1968 — Came to South Bend's Dyngus Day for the Indiana primary. Greeted people in Polish, sang 'Sto Lat,' brought his brother-in-law Prince Stanislaw Radziwill (a genuine Polish prince from the royal House of Radziwill). Over 6,000 packed the courthouse; 1,500 crammed inside the West Side Democratic Club. Kennedy carried Polish precincts with over 60% of the vote.
Bill & Chelsea Clinton, 2008 — Campaigned for Hillary at Dyngus Day during the Democratic primary.
Pete Buttigieg, 2010s–2019 — As South Bend's mayor, a fixture at Dyngus Day. Participated in the 5 AM sausage prep. His April 2019 presidential campaign announcement was timed near Dyngus Day season.
The Pattern — By the 1950s, Dyngus Day had evolved into a major political event. Since Indiana's primary falls in early May, Dyngus Day in April is the natural campaign kickoff. Politicians of both parties now attend.
What to Eat
- Classic plate: Polish sausage (kielbasa), noodles, sweet and sour cabbage, hard-boiled eggs
- Desserts prepared by club volunteers
- Cash bars at most venues
- Food is available while supplies last — go early!
Getting There
Parking
- Street parking near individual venues — arrive early for best spots
- Crumstown Conservation Club (rural) has its own lot
- No organized shuttle system — a car or rideshare is essential
- Venues are spread across South Bend and surrounding communities
Transit
- No public transit shuttle between venues — drive or rideshare
- Uber/Lyft available in South Bend metro area
- Crumstown is ~15 miles north of South Bend — you need a car
Pro Tips
- ★Start at Crumstown at 7 AM if you're a die-hard (or 5 AM at the West Side Club for sausage prep!)
- ★The West Side Democratic Club is the main event — get there by noon for the best experience
- ★Hedwig Memorial Center replaced Z.B. Falcons (which closed May 2024 after 50+ years)
- ★Wear layers — April in South Bend can be unpredictable
- ★If you're interested in the political tradition, this is your Dyngus Day
- ★Notre Dame students: this is your excuse to experience real Polish culture