Milwaukee’s lakefront is getting a massive new food-and-culture festival this summer, with more than 70 vendors headed to Veterans Park for two days of Asian street food, performances and family activities. The free event will run Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23, giving local diners a chance to chase down everything from pho and Korean corn dogs to candy-coated fruit skewers.
The Asian Street Food Night Market Festival is making its Milwaukee debut at Veterans Park, where it will combine food, beverages, handmade art and cultural performances. Urban Milwaukee reports that the Minnesota-based festival was drawn to Milwaukee because of its proximity to several Asian communities.
The event is also listed on the Milwaukee County event calendar, which confirms the Aug. 22-23 dates and Veterans Park location. Saturday’s festival hours are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., followed by an 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. run Sunday.
From A Small Minnesota Event To A Major Festival
Organizer Ka Vang launched the festival in Minnesota in 2022 with just 14 vendors in a restaurant parking lot. The event’s official website describes its growth into a gathering built around Asian food, cultural performances, family activities and small businesses.
At the Milwaukee festival, vendors are expected to serve pho, Korean corn dogs, baked goods and tanghulu, the crunchy fruit treats coated in hardened sugar. Urban Milwaukee reports that recent Minnesota festivals have drawn crowds of up to 30,000, while many Milwaukee vendors will travel from out of state.
The food will share the spotlight with live music, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, retail booths and activities for kids. Organizers also plan a Pattaya-inspired thatched village with shaded seating and a tropical atmosphere, according to the festival’s official site.
Free Admission But Parking May Cost
Admission is free, although drivers may have to pay for parking at the park. Urban Milwaukee reports that organizers may extend the festival’s hours in future years if the Milwaukee debut proves successful.
Prospective vendors still have time to apply, but the deadline is next Wednesday. Applications should be sent to [email protected], with additional festival information available through the event’s website.
