In February, people from all around the world participate in cultural celebrations including Carnival Brazil, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival Mazatlan, Fasching in Germany, and Carnival Venice. Since 2009, we have modeled our annual fundraiser after these celebrations.

On Friday, March 6th, the UEDA Community celebrated the 18th annual Carnival Milwaukee fundraise! This year’s event was a resounding success with 350+ guests enjoying food by 25 local, diverse-owned food enterprises (Food Tasting Menu for insert, live entertainment by De La Buena, Salsabrositas, and Samba Da Vida, and photos by Pixel Booth.

We also recognized the Hmong American Friendship Association as this year’s Bill Johnson Bridge Builder Awardee. The event, established in 2009 by Bill, has grown into an annual fundraiser that brings together our community in celebration and support of UEDA’s mission. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Erie Insurance, and all of our event sponsors who helped support this year’s event — we appreciate you!

Each year this highly anticipated community event brings together people from a diverse array of backgrounds, neighborhoods and ages – we believe this interaction is meaningful and promotes a deeper appreciation of the “mosaic” that is Milwaukee.

SAVE THE DATE – Carnival Milwaukee 2027 will be held Friday, March 5th 5:30PM – 8:30PM

View our Carnival Milwaukee 2026 Mini Recap Video: View on Facebook – View on LinkedIn

View our 2026 Event Booklet Carnival Program 2026

View our full google drive photo gallery 

A special thank you to our photographer, Enrique Hernandez! @j.r.productions.jpg on Instagram

Check out our local, live entertainment partners!

De la Buena	Salsabrositas	Samba Da Vida

Our 2026 Bill Johnson Bridge Builder 

The Hmong American Friendship Association

Every year we present this award as a way to recognize a community member or partner for their efforts to honor diversity and connect people and places through the expression of culture in food, art, music, and space.

In recognition of their commitment to ensuring Milwaukee has a thriving Southeast Asian community through culturally responsive services, community connection, and advocacy.

The Hmong American Friendship Association empowers individuals and families through food access, job placement, language assistance, youth programming, mental health awareness, disability advocacy, and support for refugee families and those experiencing housing instability. Through their work uplifting Hmong culture and fostering understanding across communities, HAFA embodies the spirit of the Bill Johnson Bridge Builder Award.

Check out their 2025 Hmong New Year Celebration: Video Here! 

Learn more about HAFA’s history in this 2023 Milwaukee Magazine profile.

Food Tasting Participants

View our Carnival Milwaukee 2026 food menu here! We encourage you to support these local businesses, restaurants, and food vendors throughout the year.

• Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop
• Aladdin – Taste of the East
• C. Adams Bakery
• Cafe India
• China Gourmet
• Diverse Dining Market featuring Mister Bar-B-Que
• Fusion & Spice Catering
• Glorioso’s
• Green Baked Goods
• Immy’s African Cuisine
• Johanna’s Cafe
• Junior’s Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul
• Kellie Katering
• Lola’s Empanadas
• Mombay Café
• Orenda Café
• Poud for Pound Cakes
• Richmond’s Catering
• SQ Chocolates
• Sweet Joy Brazilian Café
• Thai Bar-B-Que Restaurant
• That Salsa Lady
• The Ladle Lady
• Tres Hermanos
• Xankia

Check out this flier of all Carnival Milwaukee Food Tasting Participants since 2009.

Thank You to Our 2026 Raffle Donors 

Thank you to our committed sponsors!

To learn about future sponsorship opportunities, check out this year’s Carnival Milwaukee Sponsor Menu.

Carnival Milwaukee is a fundraiser for the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA) and celebrates Milwaukee’s diversity through food, music, and dance while supporting the local businesses, individuals and organizations that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our city.

Volunteer With Us 

Carnival Milwaukee is also a great opportunity to volunteer & enjoy the fun. Volunteers help with set-up, food serving, raffle, and more. Reach out to Debbie Knepke at debbie@uedawi.org if you are interested in joining us in 2027.

Not able to join us this year? 

Consider making a contribution to support UEDA!

Your support will not only provide direct investment into local businesses, but will also help fund UEDA’s work in sustainable homeownership and affordable housing, financial empowerment, small business growth, workforce mobility, and community investment.