Walter Ostanek: Celebrating the Polka King's career on the stage
Canada's Polka King has been entertaining crowds for more than 70 years! We take a look back at some of his biggest moments on the stage.
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Walter Ostanek plays the accordion at The Crazy Canuck in Kitchener during Oktoberfest 2021. (Krista Sharpe/CTV Kitchener)
Walter Ostanek in a file photo.
Walter Ostanek performs live on Canada AM.
Walter Ostanek performs live on Canada AM.
Walter Ostanek performs with Keith Morrison on Canada AM. (File)
Walter Ostanek plays on Polka Time which aired on CKCO-TV/CTV Kitchener for 22 seasons. (File)
Walter Ostanek plays on the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest stage.
Walter Ostanek jokes with reporters about buying a new tuxedo after unveiling his star at his induction into the Walk of Fame along King Street in Toronto on Friday June 1, 2001. (CP / J.P.Moczulski)
Walter Ostanek entertains patients at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto in July 2016.
Walter Ostanek accepts a $1 million cheque in the Dream Lottery in July 2016.
Walter Ostanek on the stage. (File)
Walter Ostanek is interviewed by CTV News Kitchener at Oktoberfest 2021. (Krista Sharpe/CTV News)
Polka king Walter Ostanek performs at the Oktoberfest opening ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013. (Abigail Bimman / CTV Kitchener)
Walter Ostanek wins a Grammy Award in 1993 for Best Polka Album for "35th Anniversary." (File)
A cassette of Walter Ostanek's "35th Anniversary."
Walter Ostanek in an 1993 interview with CKCO/CTV Kitchener in his accordion room.
Walter Ostanek in an interview with CKCO/CTV Kitchener in 1993.
Eugene Levy and John Candy as the fictional polka duo, Schmenge Brothers, which was inspired, in part, by Walter Ostanek. (File)
Walter Ostanek plays the accordion at The Crazy Canuck in Kitchener along with keyboard player Wayne. (Krista Sharpe/CTV Kitchener)
Polka Time, which aired on CKCO-TV/CTV Kitchener for 22 seasons, with Walter Ostanek playing the accordion in the background. (File)
Walter Ostanek plays on Polka Time which aired on CKCO-TV/CTV Kitchener for 22 seasons. (File)
Walter Ostanek with his accordian. (File)
CTV's Alexandra Holyk with Walter Ostanek at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in 2025.
Walter Ostanek, also known as "Canada's Polka King," plays the accordion at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest on Oct. 10, 2025.
Walter Ostanek appears in "A Christmas Holiday."
Walter Ostanek and company have played at several seniors homes while on tour. (Wayne Mantyka/CTV News)
