Since its start in 2012, Silver City International Festival—or Silver City Fest, as it’s now being called—has celebrated the numerous cultures that help make Silver City the most diverse neighborhood in Milwaukee through food, the arts, and music that all take place on few blocks of National Avenue (between 32nd and 35th Street) every September.
The fun will continue this year when another edition of Silver City Fest takes place on Saturday, September 6. From noon to 5 p.m., the annual festival will offer live music performances, an eclectic blend of local dining options, work from area artists, goods from retail vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Here’s what to expect in terms of the live entertainment offerings.
12 p.m. — Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance
1:15 p.m. — The Hungry Williams
2:15 p.m. — MKE Flyers
3:15 p.m. — Salsabrositas
4 p.m. — De La Buena
This year’s Silver City Fest also doubles as a 30th anniversary celebration for VIA Community Development Corporation, an organization that promotes growth and development in the Silver City, Burnham Park, and Layton Park neighborhoods. VIA CDC Executive Director JoAnna Bautch tells Milwaukee Record the dual festival and anniversary event offers an opportunity to celebrate the organization’s past while also looking ahead to the future.
“For 30 years, VIA CDC has been rooted in the heart of Milwaukee’s South Side—growing community leadership, building vibrant neighborhoods, and advancing equity alongside our neighbors. I can’t think of a better place to celebrate three decades of impact than at our annual Silver City Festival, where the energy, culture, and love of community come to life. We’re beyond excited to welcome De La Buena to the Silver City Fest stage for the very first time! Their Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz fusion is the perfect soundtrack for this milestone moment. And of course, we’re thrilled to welcome back neighborhood favorites like Salsabrositas, who always bring the sabor. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of our past, it’s a joyful look toward our future together.”
To help mark the occasion, VIA CDC is planning to create a photo display of people’s “favorite neighborhood snapshots or VIA CDC memories.” You can submit photos here. Additionally, the organization is looking for donations of $30 (or more) to help them continue to serve and support these neighborhoods for years to come. And most importantly, make sure to show some love to Silver City by coming to National Ave. (between 32nd and 35th) on Saturday, September 6.