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 7, 300+ guests joined us for a vibrant display of live performances, delicious food and beverages, and fellowship at The Factory on Barclay, in the Harbor District of Milwaukee’s Historic Walker’s Point.
This year’s event included food from 22 diverse-owned food businesses (view the menu!), live music by De La Buena, dancing by Salsabrositas, drumming from Samba da Vida, a raffle, interactive photo booth by Pixelbooth, and great company in celebration of the work we do to support thriving urban communities.
View the 2025 Event Booklet and our Event Recap email for more details!
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 for our 18th Annual Carnival Milwaukee: Friday, March 6, 2026!
Check out our local, live entertainment partners!
Check out this flier of all Carnival Milwaukee Food Tasting Participants since 2009.
Check out this year’s Raffle donors!
| Anodyne Coffee
Bethany Sanchez Catherine Tanner Daniel Adams David Glenn Gary White |
Hue Asian Kitchen
Jona Moore Marjorie Rucker Nikki Payne |
Our Memories
Sherri Jordan SQ Chocolates |
We encourage you to support these local businesses, restaurants, and food vendors throughout the year!
2025 Bill Johnson Bridge Builder Award
Every year we present a Bridge Builder Award 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. We are happy to announce United Community Center as our 2025 awardee!
United Community Center (UCC) was founded as a youth center nearly 55 years ago and has grown into an intergenerational safe haven that serves more than 15,000 people each year. UCC serves individuals six weeks to 103 years old through educational services, senior support, homebuyer counseling, and more. They are a longtime UEDA partner and Take Root Milwaukee member.
Their vision of ensuring Milwaukee has a thriving Hispanic community is exemplified through investments in high quality educational and intergenerational programming, developments in the surrounding neighborhood in housing, homeownership and schools, and the lifting up of culture through partnerships with Latino Arts and Café el Sol.
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 2026.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, check out our 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.
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.
