Holiday Folk Fair International Returning as In-Person Event in 2022

After two years of being virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, producers of the annual Holiday Folk Fair International announced the event will be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis.

A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The 2022 theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Living Heritage,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to explore traditions, customs, practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills through the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.

Special attractions in 2022 include invited international performers and artisans, photographic exhibits, the Artisan corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, a bonsai exhibit, a Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation tournament on Sat., Nov. 19, and an interdenominational religious service Sun., Nov. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Coffeehouse.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the International Stage where young people perform their ethnic dances; the Tanzhaus, sponsored by Mad City Windows and Baths, where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar presented by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the Callen Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.

Hours are 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 18; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 20. In addition, some Folk Fair activities will be shared live via the event’s Facebook page.

Advance tickets can be purchased for $12 through Thursday, Nov. 17, at the International Institute of Wisconsin, 1110 N. Old World Third St., Suite 420 in Milwaukee, and from all participating ethnic groups.

Advance tickets can also be ordered by phone (414-225-6225 or 1-800-FAIR-INTL); fax (414-225-6235); or on-line at www.folkfair.org. In addition to the individual tickets, family four-packs are available for $44. Advance Sale tickets requested by phone or fax must be ordered by Nov. 14, and there are no refunds.

Admission at the gate will be $16 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; with children five and under admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $12, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.

For more information on the 2022 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.