Simply Slavic, Youngstown's annual celebration festival for Slavic culture and heritage, has announced a five-year commitment to hosting their event at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. 

This agreement will make Simply Slavic the first nonprofit event to sign a long-term contract with JAC Management Group to use the city's venue.

Following a successful 2024 relocation that drew over 5,000 attendees despite last-minute changes, JAC Management Group offered Simply Slavic a permanent home at the amphitheater for the next five years.

Despite the venue change, Simply Slavic will continue to offer the same experiences that draw attendees from Ohio, Pennsylvania and beyond, including:

  • Authentic Slavic foods and beverages
  • Marketplace and ethnic heritage tent
  • Live entertainment
  • Cultural traditions and ceremonies, as well as community and family fun

The festival's 2025 dates are now set for Friday, June 13 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 from noon to midnight.

"This partnership marks a major milestone for Simply Slavic," said John Slanina, President of the Simply Slavic Board of Directors.

He continues, "We are thrilled to continue growing in a space that offers a premier festival experience for our guests while remaining rooted in downtown Youngstown, where our city's Slavic communities have long flourished."

Jordan Ryan, Executive Director of Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, added, "We were honored to support Simply Slavic in 2024 when they needed a new venue, and after seeing the festival's incredible energy and success, we knew this was a perfect fit for the amphitheater's future. We are proud to commit to keeping Simply Slavic in downtown Youngstown."

Additionally, Simply Slavic are now offering sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 festival.

The sponsorship contributions directly support festival programming as well as Simple Slavic's nonprofit initiatives including, Youngstown State University scholarships for students active in the Slavic community, cultural preservation projects like the "Simple Slavic Collection" at the Mahoning Valley Historical and newly established Simply Slavic Cultural Preservation Fund at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit SimplySlavic.org or contact [email protected] for additional information.