MILWAUKEE ARMENIAN FEST A SUCCESS

By David Luhrssen

Despite a gloomy weather forecast, the smoke from Canadian wildfires cleared long enough for another successful Milwaukee Armenian Fest. An estimated 1,000 people gathered at the annual event, held this year on Sunday, July 19 at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church. As always, Armenian Fest was an opportunity for family and fellowship and renewing old acquaintances.

Good food has always been one of the attractions of Milwaukee Armenian Fest, and the festivalgoers weren’t disappointed. The menu this year included favorites such as chicken and beef shish kabobs, sarma and beoreg, and a range of desserts including paklava and nazooks. The Culture Booth did a thriving business in Armenian beer, brandy and wine, along with t-shirts, hats and other items. There was a silent auction in the hall, cultural displays outside and children’s activities. A steady stream of visitors enjoyed tours of the church.

As in recent years, the crowd remained to watch and participate in the entertainment. Racine’s Mideast Beat performed traditional Armenian music and filled the parking lot with dancers. Russian Armenian vocalist Joka brought a contemporary Armenian spin to the music menu with his dynamic show. All eyes were on Chicago’s Siragan Armenian Dance Company as they gave an agile, artful performance in full costume.

The 2026 Milwaukee Armenian Fest was a community building event that succeeded from the labor and contributions of volunteers, and was an opportunity to shine a light on Armenian faith and culture to the people of Metro Milwaukee.