Mexican Fiesta is gearing up for the 52nd edition of a celebration that started way back in 1973, making it one of the longest-running festivals in Milwaukee. This year’s installment runs from Aug. 22-24 at the Henry Maier Festival Park, which it’s called home since 1977.
What was once a block party has grown plenty in more than five decades, including a tight-knit relationship with the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, which serves as the main sponsor. That organization has been supporting education efforts since 1987 and has raised nearly $2 million in scholarship dollars.
A good chunk of that amount comes from Mexican Fiesta and the vast array of activities it brings to the lakefront every year. The 2025 edition will be no different as the event offers a soccer tournament, midway rides, commercial expo, social services pavilion, veterans resource center and the Taste of Mexico Pavilion.
Organizers call the Cultural Pavilion “the heart of the Mexican Fiesta,” highlighted by more than 150 artisans from Mexico who will lead interactive workshops while also displaying their selections of authentic arts and crafts. Renowned muralist Mauricio Ramirez will be on hand throughout the festival’s three-day run, giving attendees a chance to look on as he creates a large-scale piece.
The family-friendly event also sports a Community Park and Children’s Area presented by Children’s Wisconsin that features all-ages activities like face painting, games and workshops celebrating Mexican traditions. Then there’s the music and performance lineup. You can see the overflowing number of options in the festival poster below, and we pulled out a few of the biggest names that you’ll be able to check out across the three days.
Tickets for this year’s Mexican Fiesta are $25 at the gate, but you can save a few bucks by buying them for $20 (kids 8 years old and under get in free with an adult) at El Rey Grocery Stores and online. You can do that — and get more information about the festival — on the Mexican Fiesta website.
Mexican Fiesta 2025 lineup
Friday, Aug. 22
- Banda Corona del Rey
- Raymix
- Adolescentes Orquestra
- Julio Caesar
- Jaime de Anda
- David Farias y La Tropa F
Saturday, Aug. 23
- Lila Downs
- Los Rieleros Del Norte
- Banda La Auténtica De Jerez
- La Sonora Tropicana
- Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles
- Elida Reyna y Avante
Sunday, Aug. 24
- Luis Angel “El Flaco”
- Leonardo Aguilar
- Inspector
- Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles
- Los Pasteles Verdes
