Buffalo offers a wealth of Dyngus Day options next Monday, enough to make your head spin and possibly induce nausea (even before the Sobieski vodka!)  Here’s a simple breakdown of the hottest party locations, must-see musicians and a hidden gem you’ll want to check out. 

                                                        Where do I party?

Pussy Willow Party Tent, Historic Polonia:  Only a short walk from the Central Terminal, the massive party tent off Paderewski Drive was a blast in 2010—there’s ample beer, room to polka and exceptional live music.  An official festival site, this is a fine location to pick up your Pussy Willow Pass for $10—flashing this pass admits you into any other participating location for only $2.  If you’re planning on exploring Dyngus Day to the fullest, this single purchase will save you plenty of cash. 

Sobieski Vodka Fest Hall, 2735 Union Road:  A newcomer to Dyngus Day this year, Sobieski Vodka Fest Hall will feature more of a suburban flair.  The schedule begins promptly at 11 a.m. (festivities officially started at 4 p.m. last year), with 18-time Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr taking the stage at 1 p.m. after a hearty Polish lunch.  After the “Polka King of America”’s performance, merriment will continue until 11 p.m. 

Dyngus Day Parade, Corpus Christi Church:  Beginning at 5 p.m., the red-and-white clad swarm will venture through the historic Polonia District.  Floats will compete for awards such as “Dyngus Day Capital of the World Award,” “Best Use of Red and White,” and “Best Use of Pussy Willows.”  It’s a must-see.  For a map of the parade route, go here.

                                                      What can I listen to?

Jimmy Sturr:  The featured artist for Dyngus Day 2011, Sturr is an 18 time Grammy winner and boasts the nickname “Polka King of America.”  He has performed sold out shows at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and even the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland where the band received seven standing ovations.  Buffalo native Johnny Karas accompanies Sturr along with the rest of a 12-piece orchestra, serving as a vocalist and tenor saxophone player.

Those Idiots:  Dyngus Day veterans Those Idiots are back for more in 2011; they’re scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Central Terminal and 9:30 p.m. at the Pussy Willow Party Tent on Memorial and Paderewski.  Those Idiots are a spirited bunch to say the least—they’re famous for their hit “Rock ‘n Roll All Night and Polka Everyday.”  If infectious energy and aggressive polka dancing are what you’re in search of, hit up both of these shows and you’ll be satisfied (and exhausted).

                                                              Hidden Gems:

Adam Mickiewicz Library, 612 Fillmore Ave.:  Through our travels at last year’s Dyngus Day, we learned that the Adam Mickiewicz Library is a Polish cultural treasure, and it’s very crowded.  Once a library and “dramatic circle” that staged amateur theatre (though the library upstairs still houses 4,000 volumes), Mickie’s has evolved into more of a private club—but the doors will be open for celebration on Dyngus Day.  Over 60 original Polish beers are available, plus Sobieski Vodka and Krupnik, a coveted honey liquor.  Get there early to find a spot at the bar, because you’ll be rubbing shoulders in no time.

Do you know of another hidden gem?  Let us know in the comments.  Here’s the master schedule.