What to know about Mexican Fiesta, Milwaukee's celebration of Mexican food and culture returning Aug. 26-28
Get ready to enjoy food, music and culture at one of the largest Mexican festivals in the Midwest, Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta, which returns to the Summerfest grounds for its 48th year Aug. 26-28.
Enjoy freshly baked bread Pan de Feria and classic favorites like tacos, carnitas, tostadas and margaritas. Purchase art and handcrafted products from over 150 vendors at the festival's Cultural Pavilion.
You can experience mariachi music, folkloric dance performances, a jalapeño-eating contest and more.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. WHSF provides scholarships to Hispanic students enrolled in Wisconsin colleges and universities who provided volunteer service for WHSF events, including Mexican Fiesta.
Since its founding in 1987, WHSF has provided over $1.8 million in scholarships to Hispanic Wisconsin residents.
When is Mexican Fiesta?
Mexican Fiesta takes places Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28. The festival runs from noon until midnight all three days.
Where is Mexican Fiesta located?
Mexican Fiesta is located at Maier Festival Park — otherwise known as the Summerfest grounds, at 200 N. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee.
How do I get tickets?
General admission pre-sale tickets are available online at mexicanfiesta.org for $18 each.
Tickets can also be purchased at the gate for $22 each.
Tickets for children under age 8 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
How can I get free or discounted admission?
Friday only, admission is free for the general public from noon until 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, admission is free from noon until 1 p.m. for senior citizens age 65 and older, people with disabilities, active duty military and veterans with current identification.
Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. only, general admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for a reduced price of $14.
You can also purchase the Mexican Fiesta Package online or at the box office. For $60, this promotional ticket package includes four tickets.
Music and entertainment
Mexican Fiesta features an extensive lineup of live contemporary, traditional and mariachi music throughout the weekend.
Highlights include a performances by "Híbrido" singer Virlán García, pop duo Jesse & Joy and salsa artist Jerry Rivera on Friday, singer-songwriter Lila Downs on Saturday and a variety of local groups each day.
A complete list of performers can be found on mexicanfiesta.org.
Food and drinks
According to the festival website, vendors from many local restaurants and food stands will sell food and beverages throughout the festival grounds.
Tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, gorditas, carnitas, pinchos, burritos, pizza, corn in the cup and a large selection of desserts will be some of the foods available for purchase at the festival.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be purchased with a beverage ticket, which will be available at the ticket booths on the festival grounds.
Car and motorcycle show
A large lineup of vintage and custom vehicles, including low riders, will be on display on the festival grounds Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
The popular car and motorcycle show is open to all festival-goers.
Fiesta Run & Walk
The Fiesta Run & Walk for Diabetes and Obesity Awareness takes place Sunday morning at the South Gate of the Summerfest grounds. The gates open at 7 a.m.
It costs $12 to participate or $40 for a team of four. Children under 8 can register for free. Participants can register online on the festival website.
Celebrate Mass
Catholic Mass will be celebrated Sunday morning at the South Gate by Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez with music from Mariachi Jalisco es México. The gates will be open for Mass from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
A lakefront procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe will take place following Mass at 12:30 p.m.
Parking information
The Summerfest general parking lot is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
According to the festival website, parking prices have been determined by Summerfest, not Mexican Fiesta.
Learn more
Get more details online at mexicanfiesta.org or by calling the Mexican Fiesta office at (414) 383-7066.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta
