Holiday Folk Fair International 2025: A Family Guide

Milwaukee's beloved multicultural festival returns for its 82nd year, transforming Wisconsin State Fair Park into a vibrant celebration of global cultures where families can taste authentic dishes from 60+ countries, watch traditional dance performances, and explore interactive exhibits—all under one roof across three festive days.

This year's theme, "Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music," promises an especially rich experience for families eager to introduce children to the world's diversity through food, music, dance, and hands-on cultural exploration. With children 7 and under admitted free and advance tickets just $13, this represents exceptional value for an educational adventure that families consistently describe as a cherished Milwaukee tradition spanning multiple generations.

Started in 1944 during World War II when 3,500 people braved a violent snowstorm to attend, the Holiday Folk Fair has grown into America's largest indoor international festival, now attracting approximately 50,000 attendees annually. Organized by the International Institute of Wisconsin—a nearly century-old nonprofit serving immigrant and refugee communities—the event creates what one attendee beautifully described as "a respite from all those pressures" of division, where families discover "we people have more in common than not."

The essentials: when, where, and how much

The 82nd Annual Holiday Folk Fair International takes place at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 West Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin 53214. This massive indoor facility spans over 200,000 square feet, making it Wisconsin's second-largest exhibit hall and completely climate-controlled—a crucial comfort for families visiting during Wisconsin's unpredictable November weather.

The event runs Friday, November 21 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday, November 23 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This timing the weekend before Thanksgiving makes Folk Fair an excellent opportunity for unique holiday shopping at the International Bazaar while introducing children to global traditions before your own family celebrations begin.

Advance tickets cost $13 for ages 8-61 and $12 for seniors 62+, available through Thursday, November 20 at folkfair.org/admission. Gate prices increase to $16 and $14 respectively, representing a $3 savings per ticket when purchasing ahead. Children 7 and under enter free, as do military personnel with valid military ID. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted admission at $11 per person. For a family of four with children ages 9 and 11, advance purchase means just $26 total admission compared to $32 at the gate—meaningful savings that can be redirected toward sampling the incredible food offerings.

Parking costs $10 per vehicle or $5 for motorcycles, payable by credit card only for on-site purchases. The State Fair Park offers nearly 10,000 parking spaces, though savvy families purchase parking in advance through the HONK mobile app at parking.honkmobile.com to save time. Multiple lots are accessible via gates along West Greenfield Avenue and South 84th Street, with dedicated accessible parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Getting there and navigating the space

Families relying on public transportation can take Milwaukee County Transit System Route 18 (National Avenue-Greenfield), which provides direct service from downtown Milwaukee to stops at 81st or 84th Street near State Fair Park. Route 33 (Vliet-84th) offers an alternative path. The Umo Mobility app enables real-time bus tracking and mobile fare payment, simplifying transit with children. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft drop passengers at a designated area on the north side near the UScellular Main Entrance, and free bicycle parking accommodates two-wheeled arrivals.

The venue's exceptional accessibility features make this an unusually family-friendly festival for those with strollers or special needs. The entire main floor is completely flat with wide aisles meeting ADA width requirements—no stairs to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. All permanent restrooms are ADA-compliant with at least one handicap stall featuring grab bars, accessible coat hooks, and wheelchair-height amenities. A dedicated Family Restroom on the first floor near the elevator includes changing stations. Push-activated automatic doors mark all main entrances on the north and west sides of the building, and an elevator provides access to second-floor spaces.

Important note for 2025: wheelchairs are not available for rent "due to circumstances beyond our control," so families requiring wheelchairs must bring their own. However, service animals are welcome throughout the facility when leashed or harnessed. Families can call 414-225-6225 in advance to arrange any special services needed.

A journey through Heritage Lane and cultural pavilions

More than 60 ethnic groups participate in Holiday Folk Fair, representing communities from across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific. This extraordinary diversity comes to life most vividly in Heritage Lane, where approximately 20 cultural groups create interactive exhibits showcasing traditions, customs, and heritage through displays, demonstrations, and personal storytelling.

Heritage Lane exhibitors include Indian, Irish, Korean, Latvian, Polish, Thai, Burmese, Donauschwaben (ethnic Germans from Central and Eastern Europe), Lithuanian, Pomeranian, Rohingya, Slovenian, and Welsh groups. Each pavilion offers unique educational opportunities—one attendee discovered that "Pomeranians are a group from modern day Germany that live near Denmark" and learned about the Donauschwaben, "ethnic Germans that live in the Kingdom of Hungary," insights impossible to gain from books alone. Children can interact with cultural representatives, ask questions, and see traditional clothing, artifacts, and customs up close.

The complete roster of participating cultures spans African communities (Cameroonian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Nigerian, Senegalese, Ugandan), Asian cultures (Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Rohingya, Taiwanese, Thai, Vietnamese), Eastern European groups (Albanian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Pomeranian, Polish, Romanian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Ukrainian), Western European nations (Bavarian, Cornish, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Norwegian, Scottish, Spanish, Swedish, Welsh), Latin American communities (Bolivian/Andean, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Aztec), Middle Eastern cultures (Arab, Armenian, Israeli, Turkish), and Pacific (Polynesian) and North American (Native American) indigenous traditions.

Special exhibits for 2025 include the Dirty Kettle Native American Interactive Display, where Herb Heck depicts and teaches Plains Indians and Mountain Men traditions through hands-on experiences. The Milwaukee Bonsai Society presents maple, elm, juniper, pine, cedar, and ficus bonsai trees with educational signage explaining Japanese techniques and terminology—attendees can even vote for their favorite tree. The Wisconsin Woodturners provide live demonstrations throughout each day, creating bowls, sculptures, and vases while children play with tongue drums (wooden musical instruments with slits). Seventeen cultural murals prepared by Milwaukee Public Schools students decorate the space, showcasing young people's artistic interpretations of global cultures.

Music and dance across continents

The All Nations Theater serves as the festival's beating heart, featuring traditional music and dance performances from more than 20 adult and youth groups. This large seated theater hosts opening and closing ceremonies, daily "Grand Entry" dances featuring performers from all participating groups, and continuous performances throughout each day.

Typical performance schedules include shows at 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM on Friday; 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:30 PM on Saturday; and performances at 2:00 PM, 3:15 PM, concluding with the closing ceremony at 4:30 PM on Sunday. Families should arrive 15-20 minutes early for popular performances to secure good seating, as the theater fills quickly during peak times.

Dance groups representing African American, Aztec, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Filipino, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mexican, Polish, Polynesian, Romanian, Scottish, Serbian, Slovak, Thai, Turkish, and Ukrainian traditions perform throughout the weekend. Both adult and youth ensembles showcase their cultures—the Lithuanian community alone fields multiple groups including Laume, Puga, Spindulys, and Runse ensembles. This year's theme emphasizing traditional music means enhanced focus on the instruments, melodies, and songs that tell stories within each culture.

Sunday morning features the beloved Children's Showcase with two performances at 11:15 AM and 12:45 PM, spotlighting youth groups from 14-17 ethnic communities. Young dancers from the Chinese Milwaukee Chinese Community Center, Czech Sokol, Filipino, Greek Hellenic, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mexican Academy, Polish Syrenka, Scottish, Serbian St. Sava, Thai, and Ukrainian groups take the stage, inspiring young audience members to appreciate their own heritage or discover new cultures. This is the single most popular attraction for families with elementary-age children—arrive early.

The Tanzhaus creates an entirely different experience through interactive participation. Unlike the formal All Nations Theater, the Tanzhaus invites attendees to dance and sing along with various musical styles. Live bands perform throughout each day, interspersed with ethnic dance groups. Featured musical acts have included the Bob Breuer Polka Band (German/Polish), Paddygrass (Irish, bluegrass, gospel), Orkestar Sloboda (Serbian and Balkan), Polish Fusion (high-energy polka), Prazna Flasa (Balkan), and Bluegrass Thunder Band. Youth groups including Armenian, Aztec, Filipino, Irish, Serbian, and Turkish dancers perform between band sets, and families can join the dancing—no experience required.

For a more intimate experience, the Coffee House offers beverages, Italian biscotti, Scottish scones, and talented musicians in a relaxed atmosphere. Past performers have included Mariachi Sirenas (Chicago's first all-women mariachi band), the Filipino-American Himig Cultural Choir, Rohingya Tarana Group performing traditional Rohingya music, Sa-Mool-Nol-Ee (Korean percussion), Goda Vänner (Swedish folk music), and klezmer musician Michael Kotkin. The Coffee House also hosts the Interdenominational Religious Service at 10:30 AM Sunday morning, bringing together various ethnic groups in worship.

A delicious education through the World Café

Perhaps the most consistently praised aspect of Holiday Folk Fair is the food. As one enthusiastic reviewer asked, "Where else can you have Czech roasted pork, falafels, African goat curry and spicy Thai noodles all in the same place?" The World Café features traditional dishes from 22+ ethnic groups, with portions deliberately sized at $3-6 to encourage families to sample multiple cuisines. This year's featured food theme of "Celebratory Cultural Foods" highlights dishes that serve as living links to cultural heritage and traditions integral to celebrations.

Asian cuisines dominate with exceptional variety. Chinese vendors offer combo platters with sesame chicken, lo mein, pot stickers, crab rangoon, and pearl bubble tea. Filipino booths serve pancit (rice noodles), lumpia (eggrolls), siopao (steamed buns), ube cookies, and leche flan—the Filipino Halo Halo (sweet treats over shaved ice) consistently ranks among families' favorite desserts. Hmong offerings include sausage with sticky rice, Hmong eggrolls, chicken curry noodle soup, and tapioca dessert. Japanese vendors prepare tempura dishes, hibachi fried rice, teriyaki bourbon chicken, and honey sesame orange chicken alongside pumpkin cheesecake puffs. Korean food ranges from coffee frappes to Oreo milkshakes, pandas cake, and sesame balls. Thai stalls serve Pad Thai, Panang chicken curry, chicken volcano, crab rangoon, Thai iced tea, and bubble teas. Vietnamese food includes pho soup (perfect for cold November weather), banh mi sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, chicken curry, and Vietnamese coffee. Asian Indian cuisine features chicken or paneer tikka masala, samosas, naan bread, and mango lassi. Burmese vendors offer coconut noodle soup, biryani, fried noodles, and golden soji.

European cuisines showcase hearty traditional dishes. Croatian booths serve sarma (stuffed cabbage), Croatian sausage sandwiches with ajvar, Lika Cap torte (a traditional celebratory cake), and walnut rolls. Czech vendors prepare roast pork dinners with dumplings and sweet-sour cabbage, knedliky, and apple and cherry strudel. French/Orleans crepes come with Nutella, fruit jams, butter variations, or Grand Marnier suzette, alongside beignets, mini eclairs, and macaroons. Irish food includes corned beef sandwiches, Guinness brats, potato soup, soda bread, and scones. Italian vendors offer pizza, pasta with meatballs, panini, arancini (rice balls), cannoli, tiramisu, and pizzelle cookies. Serbian stalls serve sarma, gulas (beef goulash), burek (meat/cheese pastries), and the highly sought-after krofne (Serbian donuts available Saturday only—arrive early as they sell out). Ukrainian booths feature honey cake, Ukrainian cheesecake, Napoleon cake, pyrizhky (stuffed buns), and pies—the Ukrainian honey cake was a featured 2024 dessert likely to return.

African cuisines bring bold flavors. Senegalese vendors prepare yassa chicken with roasted onions, mafe (peanut stew), fataya (similar to beef empanadas), beignets, joloff rice, and bissap drinks. Ugandan food includes sambusa, fried plantains, chicken curry with spinach, jerk chicken, goat curry, and chickpea coconut curry. Mexican cuisine offers bean bowls, nachos, tacos, tamales, quesadillas, churros (plain, strawberry, or vanilla), and fruit water.

The American Pantry provides familiar comfort options for picky eaters: ice cream, popsicles, coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, lemonade, water, and milk. Coffee is also available at multiple booths throughout the venue.

Families should budget both money and stomach space—the portions allow sampling multiple cuisines, and sharing dishes enables trying even more. Most attendees recommend bringing small bills for easier transactions and planning to spend $30-50 per family on food depending on appetites and adventurousness. The World Café includes table seating, though it can become crowded during peak meal times (noon-2 PM and 5-7 PM). The American Culinary Federation Chef's Stage, presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths, features local chefs preparing traditional cuisine throughout the weekend with live cooking demonstrations that are both educational and entertaining.

Activities designed for young explorers

The Children's Area, presented by Leafguard, creates a dedicated space where young people explore their heritage through games and activities explaining cultures and traditions from around the world. Unlike typical festival kids' areas with inflatable bounce houses, this zone focuses on culturally-focused, educational hands-on engagement suitable for ages 5-12, though all ages are welcome. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes here allowing children to fully participate in the interactive cultural games and activities.

Beyond the dedicated Children's Area, numerous attractions engage young visitors. The Bonsai Exhibit captivates children with its miniature trees and voting opportunity. The Wisconsin Woodturners demonstration proves especially popular—children can watch artisans create bowls and sculptures, then play with tongue drums (wooden musical instruments). The Artisan Corner features skilled craftspeople demonstrating traditional crafts including Japanese pottery using Zaishu technique, canoe paddle making, Korean paper folding, and Filipino wooden stars and paper crafts.

The Youth Chess Tournament, organized by the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation, takes place Saturday, November 22, with the first round beginning at 11:00 AM and an awards ceremony at 4:30 PM. Individual trophies go to top-five players in each division, team trophies are awarded in three classes, and all participants receive medals. Registration is available online in advance or on-site by 10:30 AM—an excellent option for chess-playing children who might find the general festival overwhelming.

A special Cultural Awareness Program runs Friday, November 21, specifically designed for fourth through eighth-grade students and teachers. This school-focused program includes ethnic displays, workshops, mini-language classes, genealogy classes, music and dance performances, storytelling, ethnic food sampling, and marketplace exploration. Schools in southeastern Wisconsin regularly bring students for this educational experience that allows young people to personally experience global connections and cultural diversity.

Perhaps most inspiring for children are the youth performance groups themselves. Watching peers dance traditional routines, wear authentic costumes, and proudly represent their heritage often sparks children's interest in exploring their own cultural backgrounds or learning about new ones. The Sunday Children's Showcase at 11:15 AM and 12:45 PM specifically highlights these talented young performers.

Planning your visit: timing, tips, and what to pack

The least crowded times for families are Friday afternoon from 2:00-5:00 PM when the event opens but before the dinner rush, and Sunday late morning to early afternoon from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Avoid Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, which represents the busiest period, and Friday and Saturday evenings during All Nations Theater performances when crowds peak. The event typically draws 50,000+ attendees across three days, so strategic timing significantly improves the experience for families with young children who struggle with crowds.

Optimal visit duration depends on children's ages and attention spans. Plan 3-4 hours minimum to experience main attractions including at least one performance, food sampling, and Heritage Lane exploration. A comprehensive experience including multiple performances, extensive food sampling, shopping at the International Bazaar, and visiting all activity areas requires 5-6 hours. For families with toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5), 2-3 hours proves sufficient before fatigue sets in. Elementary-age children (6-12) typically enjoy 3-4 hours, while teens and full families can easily spend a full day exploring.

What to bring: Cash and credit cards (food vendors accept both; parking requires credit card only), reusable water bottles (drinking fountains are available throughout the facility), wipes and hand sanitizer, a small backpack or bag for purchases from the International Bazaar, comfortable walking shoes for navigating the large facility, light jacket or layers (indoor climate may vary), and a stroller if needed. The venue is completely stroller-friendly. Bring small bills for easier food transactions when sampling multiple vendors. Wheelchairs must be brought from home as rentals are unavailable this year.

Money-saving strategies include purchasing advance tickets for $3 per person savings, taking advantage of free admission for children 7 and under, buying parking online in advance, sharing food dishes (portions are generous and sampling is encouraged), and bringing refillable water bottles rather than purchasing beverages.

For families prioritizing specific experiences, here's what to schedule: Toddlers and preschoolers (0-5) benefit most from Sunday morning 10:00 AM-1:00 PM visits focusing on the Children's Area, Heritage Lane interactive exhibits, the Coffee House, and kid-friendly World Café foods like pizza, noodles, and churros. Bring strollers and plan 2-3 hours maximum. Elementary-age children (6-12) should attend Friday afternoon or Sunday morning, catch at least one All Nations Theater performance, explore the Children's Area and Heritage Lane, try the Tanzhaus dancing, watch Chef's Stage or Artisan Corner demonstrations, and sample diverse foods. The Sunday Children's Showcase is unmissable. Plan 3-4 hours. Teens can handle any time and crowd level—focus on diverse food sampling (create a "passport" challenge listing countries to try), International Bazaar shopping, multiple performances across different venues, and the educational value of cultural exhibits. Plan 4-5 hours.

The story behind Milwaukee's cherished tradition

The International Institute of Wisconsin traces its roots to 1923, when Edna H. Merrell founded it in Milwaukee under YWCA auspices. Originally called the International Institute of Milwaukee County, the organization worked from a tiny cottage at 183 North 7th Street, specifically chosen to avoid intimidating prospective immigrant clients. After budget constraints forced the YWCA to sever ties in 1936, the organization was incorporated as an independent entity. In 1986, it adopted its current name to reflect statewide service availability. Now located at 1110 North Old World Third Street in Milwaukee, IIW has served immigrant and refugee communities for nearly a century.

The organization's mission is to "provide services for safe and legal pathways for immigration and United States naturalization, passionately championing the preservation of cultural identity, creating mutual understanding, and celebrating the rich tapestry of our varied cultural and multiethnic heritage." Core programs include immigration and citizenship services, refugee resettlement (serving 150 families in 2024 alone from over 50 countries), the International Visitor Leadership Program hosting foreign visitors under Department of State sponsorship, translation and interpretation services, education and training including ESL classes, and of course, Holiday Folk Fair International.

The fair itself began December 10, 1944, during World War II at the Wisconsin Electric Public Service Building. Despite a violent snowstorm and wartime conditions, 3,500 people attended the inaugural event featuring 14 nationalities. Modeled after similar fairs including one in Chicago, the original purpose served a dual mission: bringing together different ethnic groups and publicizing the International Institute's programs. The fair expanded to two days in 1947, added Friday evenings in 1964, and has been held at multiple venues including MECCA (Milwaukee Exposition Convention and Arena), Summerfest grounds, and since 1999, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center.

From 14 nationalities and 3,500 attendees in 1944 to 60+ ethnic groups and approximately 50,000 annual attendees today, Holiday Folk Fair has earned recognition as America's largest indoor international festival. The event's current scale includes 22+ food vendors in the World Café, 20+ cultural groups in Heritage Lane, multiple performance venues running continuously across three days, the International Bazaar featuring cultural artifacts from around the world, and special attractions ranging from naturalization ceremonies to youth chess tournaments.

The Naturalization Ceremony held on opening Friday particularly exemplifies the event's deeper significance. Over 200 individuals accept the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship during this moving ceremony celebrating new Americans from diverse cultural backgrounds. In 2022, more than 100 people became citizens at Folk Fair, completing their journey from immigrant to American while surrounded by the very cultural diversity that makes America distinctive.

Paul Trebian, President and CEO of the International Institute of Wisconsin, articulates the event's philosophy: "The Holiday Folk Fair International allows cultures to showcase their heritage and traditions. As we foster an environment of learning, understanding, respect, and tolerance, visitors will find within themselves the qualities to shape their lives and that of their community. There's plenty of strife out there, but if we take a look at our differences and celebrate them instead, it gives us a respite from all those pressures."

This sentiment echoes in attendee testimonials. One visitor reflected: "I learned that Pomeranians are a group from modern day Germany that live near Denmark. I learned of the Donauschwaben, ethnic Germans that live in the Kingdom of Hungary. I watched two different types of Polish groups dance—northern and southern. I ate a Senegalese 'fataya' which is similar to a beef empanada. Ultimately, I learned that we people have more in common than not. We all seem to be proud of our language, our customs, our food, our dance, our music, our homelands, and our stories."

Why families keep coming back

Holiday Folk Fair succeeds because it accomplishes something increasingly rare: creating genuine cross-cultural understanding through direct, joyful experience rather than abstract lessons. Children don't just read about Korean culture in textbooks—they taste bulgogi, watch traditional fan dances, and perhaps try on a hanbok. They don't memorize facts about Mexico—they learn by eating authentic tamales, hearing mariachi music, and watching Aztec dancers perform ancient rituals.

The event's educational value transcends typical family entertainment. Teachers recognize Folk Fair as an outstanding supplement to social studies curriculum covering world geography, immigration history, cultural traditions, and American diversity. Homeschooling families use it as an immersive field trip impossible to replicate. Yet the learning happens almost accidentally, wrapped in the pleasure of discovery, the excitement of performances, and the universal appeal of delicious food.

For families specifically, three factors make this event exceptional. First, the accessibility and affordability—free admission for young children, reasonable ticket prices, and a completely stroller-friendly indoor venue mean families of all sizes and budgets can participate. Second, the genuine authenticity—these are not staged performers or caricatures but actual community members sharing their real heritage with pride and joy. The Latvian grandmother explaining her culture's winter solstice traditions, the teenage Serbian dancers continuing their parents' customs, the Hmong vendor patiently explaining the ingredients in traditional chicken curry—these authentic interactions create lasting impressions. Third, the comprehensive scope—families can experience 60+ cultures in one afternoon, eliminating the need to choose and allowing children to discover unexpected interests.

The timing the weekend before Thanksgiving carries symbolic weight. As American families prepare for their own cultural tradition of Thanksgiving, Holiday Folk Fair reminds us that every culture has its celebratory foods, music, stories, and gatherings that bind communities together. Children learn that the comfort they feel in their own family traditions is universal—every culture treasures its foods, honors its elders, tells its stories, and passes heritage to the next generation.

In an era when abstract discussions about diversity can feel politically charged, Holiday Folk Fair offers something simpler and more powerful: the chance to sit down, share a meal, enjoy music, and recognize our common humanity. For North Shore families seeking meaningful experiences that will shape their children's worldview, the 82nd Annual Holiday Folk Fair International provides an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate difference while discovering connection.

Contact Information:

• Website: folkfair.org

• Phone: 414-225-6225 or 1-800-FAIR-INTL

• Email: info@folkfair.org

• International Institute of Wisconsin: 1110 North Old World Third Street, Suite 420, Milwaukee, WI 53203