Outside of Summerfest and Bucks games, few organizations can draw in masses of Milwaukeeans in a short period of time. One of those is the Holiday Folk Fair International. In one weekend, they can get upwards of 50,000 visitors 🤯
Visiting the Holiday Folk Fair is like stepping onto a map, with each move taking you to a different part of the world. Down one row of vendors alone, you could try goat curry from Uganda, hearty beef Goulash from Slovenia, Thai Chicken Satay, or sweet delicacies native to France.
But that’s not even half of it.
They have almost 60 ethnic groups represented, with cuisine only a part of the offerings. There’s a bazaar (vendor market) to shop for curated goods, dancing stages for traditional performances, interactive exhibits and so. much. more.
We wanted to learn more about the folk fair and how, after more than 80 years, it continues to be one of the most highly anticipated holiday events of the season.
How did the Holiday Folk Fair International get its start?
The first Holiday Folk Fair, with the theme “Parade of Nations,” took place at the Wisconsin Electric Public Service Building on December 10, 1944, with a program presented by the 14 ethnic groups.
Presented by the International Institute of Wisconsin, The Holiday Folk Fair had the dual mission of bringing together ethnic groups and publicizing the International Institute’s programs. The Folk Fair moved to the Milwaukee Auditorium in 1945, the Milwaukee Exposition Convention and Arena (MECCA) in 1974, and for 1998 to the Henry Maier Festival Park often referred to as the Summerfest Grounds. Since 1999, it has been held on the Wisconsin State Fair grounds and in 2002 in its Expo Center.
What exactly is the Holiday Folk Fair, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. You can explore the ways music, food, dance, and art weave together a message of welcome.
What’s the mission behind the Holiday Folk Fair?
The Holiday Folk Fair International continues to build bridges among cultural communities, groups, and people. For 82 years, it has been a keeper of our world’s living heritage, safeguarding the past, honoring the present, and embracing the future.
How many vendors do you have? How many countries are represented?
More than 50 ethnic groups celebrate their living cultural heritage at Holiday Folk Fair International, sharing their music, dances, traditional dress, exhibits, foods, crafts, and performances. Its Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) Education Day attracts thousands of grades 4-8 students and high school student volunteers.
The Holiday Folk Fair has grown into an annual international event that enhances multiethnic/multicultural understanding and respect for one’s own culture as well as that of others.
Holiday Folk Fair International provides an opportunity for cultures from all over the world to showcase their traditions, music, dress, and languages that are unique and meaningful to them, that call them together, and that celebrate their stories.
What can people expect when going to this year’s Holiday Folk Fair?
The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance, plus the opening and closing ceremonies; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House, where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the American Culinary Federation Chef’s Stage presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music,” will allow Fairgoers to explore how traditional music represents one’s cultural heritage. The featured food at the 2025 event will be Celebratory Cultural Foods, which are living links to cultural heritage and traditions and an integral part of any celebration in many cultures.
Special attractions include invited international performers from Poland and Utah plus groups representing Japan, photographic exhibits, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools students, the Artisan Corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Milwaukee Area Woodturners, a Children’s Area, a bonsai exhibit, a Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 21, Senior Day activities for those 62 and over on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, a Youth Chess Tournament on Nov. 22, and an Interdenominational Religious Service on Nov. 23.