All roads lead to Croatian Park in Wisconsin for the 91st Croatian Fest

Croatian Park (Photo: Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

The Croatian community in Wisconsin is gearing up for one of its most anticipated cultural events of the year – the 91st Annual Croatian Fest, set to take place on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the expansive 30-acre Croatian Park in Franklin, a suburb of Milwaukee.

This year’s festival will mark a historic milestone with the official grand opening of the newly constructed Buco Pavilion, a significant addition to the park’s cultural facilities.

The pavilion is being dedicated in memory of Boris “Buco” Kuzmanović, who tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of 48. The project was made possible through generous support from Mike and Branka Dudaš, owners of Len Dudas Motors in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Branka is Buco’s sister, and their contribution helped bring this long-envisioned pavilion to life.

The gates to Croatian Park, located at 9100 S. 76th Street, will open at 10am, with festivities continuing until 10pm. Admission is free, and this year’s celebration is expected to attract a record number of visitors, as it will be the first time the festival is held inside the newly completed pavilion.

The day will begin with a traditional Croatian Mass at 10am, followed by a wide selection of authentic food and refreshments. Guests can look forward to rotisserie barbecued lamb, pork, chicken, sausage and ćevapčići, all prepared in classic Croatian style.

A variety of homemade Croatian pastries will also be available. Advance orders for the barbecue are encouraged and can be placed by calling American European Foods at 414-444-2121.

Honouring Croatian Heritage

The new, modern bar, dedicated to Michael and Anne Stivorić with the backing of Catholic Financial Life, will offer a range of beverages including beers from Croatia, a locally brewed Croatian Park Ale, and a selection of imported Croatian wines and spirits.

At 2pm, the spotlight will shift to the cultural programme, which will be held on the new pavilion stage. Performances by the Milwaukee Croatian Tamburitzans, Graničari, and Bura will showcase traditional music and dance.

The stage is being dedicated to the memory of Patsy Lucas, a renowned Croatian-American musician and vocalist. Her husband, Paul, played a key role in fundraising efforts for the pavilion and contributed significantly to its construction.

Thanks to widespread community support, the project has raised nearly $1.5 million to date.

Following the cultural programme, the festival will keep spirits high with a performance by the Bravo Band from Chicago, widely recognised as North America’s kings of Croatian music. Known for their vibrant energy and crowd-pleasing performances, they will keep the festivities going into the evening.

Bravo Band

Organisers have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this year’s event, particularly in preparation for the grand unveiling of the Buco Pavilion. The project is a true testament to the unity and dedication of the Croatian community in the Midwest, with leadership from President Tomislav Kuzmanović, the construction committee, the Federation of Croatian Societies, and the many volunteers and donors who turned vision into reality.

Designed as a cultural landmark, the pavilion is adorned with a traditional red-tiled roof, echoing architectural styles found across Croatia. Efforts are also underway to import white stone from Zadar to complete the bar, stage backdrop and supporting pillars.

All are welcome to attend and witness first-hand what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause.

Save the date: Saturday, 19 July 2025 – when all roads lead to Croatian Park, Franklin, Wisconsin.