About the Festival

Our History

The National Button Accordion Festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of Slovenian-American communities. What started as a local gathering of accordion enthusiasts has grown into one of the premier polka and button accordion events in the United States.

Each year, musicians and fans from across the country gather in Sharon, Pennsylvania to share their love of traditional Slovenian music, enjoy authentic food, and keep the cultural traditions alive for future generations.

The Button Accordion

The button accordion, also known as the diatonic accordion, is central to Slovenian folk music. Unlike piano accordions, button accordions use buttons for both melody and bass notes, producing the distinctive sound that defines Slovenian polka music.

The instrument was brought to America by Slovenian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has been passed down through generations of musicians who keep the tradition alive today.

Sharon, Pennsylvania

Located in the Shenango Valley of western Pennsylvania, Sharon has a proud history of Slovenian-American culture. The area's steel mills and manufacturing plants attracted many Slovenian immigrants, who built communities, churches, and social clubs that preserved their heritage.