Milwaukee Armenians

By David Luhrssen

Several visitors to this year’s Milwaukee Armenian Fest commented on how professionally organized it was. From parking cars to ordering food, the event benefitted from many years of experience in handling an audience that has only grown in number. Most importantly, Armenian Fest gave returning visitors and first-time guests the same essentials that the festival has offered over the years—good food and hospitality.

Milwaukee Armenian Fest drew more than 1,000 visitors to the grounds and culture hall of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in suburban Greenfield on Sunday, July 21. It was a joyful get-together for Armenian families from southeast Wisconsin. However, many visitors had never been to Armenian Fest and had no knowledge of Armenia. They were drawn to the event by social and other media publicity as well as prominent signage in front of the church.

The main attraction of Milwaukee Armenian Fest has always been the food, including familiar Armenian dishes such as beef and chicken shish-kabob, pilaf, sarma, paklava and more. But this year, more than in the past, an array of activities kept attendees entertained and informed. Contemporary and traditional music were provided outdoors by Racine, Wisconsin musicians Stepan and Mid-East Beat as well as performances by Chicago’s Siragan Dance Company. There were local Armenian vendors, children’s games and artmaking, an antiquities booth, church tours explaining the history and beliefs of the Armenian Church and a flourishing business in Armenian wine, preserves, T-shirts and jewelry at the culture booth.

A journalist from VOA (Voice of America) was on hand, interviewing members of St. John about the festival’s growth and about Milwaukee, where the 2026 Assembly of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church will be held.