If most of your summer weekends are filled with hamburgers, swimming and Top 40 music, why not try something different this year and trade those in for spanakopita, the polka and Calypso music?

Every summer Baltimore hosts numerous ethnic festivals throughout the city. These family-friendly events feature authentic food, music, performances and items for sale, and are a great way to reinforce a family’s heritage or experience new ones. No tickets are needed and many are free. (Note: While there are a number of festivals throughout the Baltimore suburban area, we chose to highlight the larger ones that take place inside the city.)

Polish Festival
>>June 4-6
This summer the Polish community kicks off the festival season in Patterson Park with three stages surrounding the monument to General Pulaski, Polish hero of the American Revolution. The highlight here is the polka music, and when all the dancing has worked up an appetite, try the kielbasa, pierogi, sour grass soup and apple cake. For shoppers, there are handmade dolls and afghans. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues. There is an entrance fee but children under 12 are free with paying adult.

St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
>>June 10-13
Opa! Enjoy a showcase of the Greek community that features dancing, costumes and tours of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Food for sale includes patstitsio, spanakopita, souvlaki and more. Thursday, noon to 11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 South Ponca St. 410-633-5020. www.stnicholasmd.org. Free.

LatinoFest
>>June 26-27
Experience a lively weekend of Hispanic arts and culture featuring live music, dances, food and more. Ocho do Bastos will perform and all proceeds from the festival benefit the Education Based Latino Outreach program. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues, 410-563-3160. www.latinofest.org. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free.

African American Heritage Festival
>>June 18-20
A celebration of African-American ancestry with nationally known entertainment and educational exhibits. Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Time to be announced. www.aahf.net. Admission is $5; children under 12, free.

Caribbean Carnival Festival
>>July 9-11
Enjoy a traditional island costumed parade; soca, reggae and steel drum bands and Caribbean cuisine like Jerk chicken, peas and rice and even coconut juice. Friday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Druid Hill Park. Admission is $10; children under 12, free. www.bmorecarnival.com.

International Festival
>>Aug. 7-8
For a one-stop ethnic experience check out this festival — an all-encompassing celebration of Baltimore’s cultural diversity with music, dancing and foods. Noon to 9 p.m. at Poly/Western High School near Falls Road and West Coldspring Lane. Free.

FestAfrica
>>Aug. 14-15
An African festival with traditional music, dances, food, crafts and art as well as a health fair and fashion show. Saturday and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues. www.festafricausa.com. Admission charged.

Ukrainian Festival
>>Sept. 11-12
A celebration featuring dance groups, Ukrainian Easter Eggs demonstration, musicians, traditional crafts, Ukrainian beer garden and children’s activities. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues. 410-967-0501 www.ukrainianfestival.net. There is an admission fee.

Russian Festival
>>Oct. 15-17
Come hungry to this celebration of the Russian community, where there will be more than 25 different foods to sample from blini to babka. There will also be an authentic tea room, lacquer ware and religious items to purchase and plenty of music. Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, noon-9 p.m. and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E. Fairmount Ave. www.holytrinityorthodox.com/festival/. Admission is free Friday and $2 per person Saturday and Sunday.

For more information and for updates, visit the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals page at www.promotionandarts.com.