Organizers roll out summer plans for the City of Festivals

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Festival organizers rolled out their summer plans ahead of a much-anticipated festival season on Wednesday, May 8.

The City of Festivals is set to welcome thousands of people to Henry Maier Festival Park for its ethnic and cultural festivities.

It’s a tradition that dates back more than forty years.

The stage is nearly set for thousands of people to soak in the summer sun while celebrating culture and heritage from around the world.

This summer, dozens of cultures will be on full display at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Festa Italiana will kick off the cultural festivities at the end of May.

"To be the very first festival leading off the entire summer City of Festivals, I'm thrilled," said Sandy Winard, Executive Director, Festa Italiana.

Sandy Winard, executive director of Festa Italiana said this year the Italian festival will focus on food and wine, highlighting James Beard and Bravo's Top Chef contestant Dan Jacobs.

"Dan's going to be down there cooking, talking, meeting people so we are extremely excited about having him," said Winard.

The fun doesn’t stop there, with a celebration of pride taking over the festival grounds in June.

"This year we are really excited to welcome Mia, Icona pop, Dixon Dallas," said Wes Shaver, President & CEO, Milwaukee Pride.

Shaver went on to say the pride celebration has grown overtime.

"More people want to live authentically and themselves, and PrideFest is the place that they are guaranteed to do that in a safe way," said Shaver.

In 2023, according to Milwaukee World Festival Inc. the cultural festivals had an economic impact on the cream city of $263 million, providing more than 43,000 jobs.

"They help fill our weekend with business, and they help all of different business that surround downtown to make money," said Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO, VISIT Milwaukee.

For a full list of all festivals coming to Henry Maier Festival Park this year, click here.