GOOD WEATHER AND GOOD TURN-OUT FOR THIS YEAR’S MILWAUKEE ARMENIAN FEST

By David Luhrssen

The clouds cleared and the sun came out just in time for this year’s Milwaukee Armenian Fest. Held on Sunday, July 20, the annual event was blessed with ideal summer weather and continued to build on its tradition as a gathering for Southeast Wisconsin Armenians and a showcase of Armenian culture and heritage for the area’s non-Armenians.

This year’s festival featured traditional music by Chicago’s Armenian band, the Hye Vibes, as well as contemporary Armenian pop sung by Joka. The colorfully costumed Siragan Armenian Dance Company of Chicago also performed, and their graceful movements inspired festivalgoers to dance to the Hye Vibes’ kef music. The culture booth did a thriving business in T-shirts, hats and mugs as well as wine, beer and other products from Armenia. A second booth displayed Armenian antiquities. Children’s art activities and guided church tours were also available.

As always, first-time festivalgoers and familiar faces were delighted by the food. Business was brisk for the kebab dinners, lahmajoun, beoreg and yalanchi sarma and a variety of homemade desserts. New this year was the iced Armenian coffee, available at the outdoor beverage station.

As well was its role as a fundraising event and an opportunity to share Armenian culture with the public, Milwaukee’s Armenian Fest continued to be a community builder with the area’s Armenians working together as a team to organize the successful annual event.

Milwaukee Armenian Fest 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026.