A tribute to tasty traditions

As Northeast Wisconsin continues to recover from recent widespread flooding, community organizers are looking ahead with optimism—hoping for clear skies and a strong turnout for and annual downtown Green Bay celebration.

The Washington Street Block Party returns on April 25, transforming the 100 block of South Washington Street into a lively showcase of local culture, food, and entertainment. Running from noon to 7 p.m., the event highlights everything that makes Wisconsin unique, from its iconic cuisine to its festive spirit.

At the heart of the celebration are two signature attractions: the “Booyah Bash” and the “Kringle Combine.” These crowd favorites pay tribute to classic Wisconsin staples—booyah, a hearty stew often cooked in large kettles for community gatherings, and kringle, the state’s beloved pastry. The best part? You can vote for the best of the best of each!

Ten local booyah chefs with battle it out for the best booyah recipe with visitors sampling and voting on their favorite.

Uncle Mike’s Kringle Combine invites attendees to sample an assortment of limited edition, never before made flavors of Kringle. 

According to Kennedy Corpus of Downtown Green Bay, these traditions are more than just food—they’re a way of sharing regional identity.

“Nobody does it like this,” Corpus said during a recent appearance on WGBW’s morning show. Reflecting on time spent living in the South, she noted how unfamiliar these staples are outside the region. “Nobody could tell me what booyah is. Nobody could tell me what kringle is.”

That sense of local pride has only grown in recent years, especially following the influx of visitors during the NFL Draft. Organizers see events like the block party as an opportunity to continue showcasing Wisconsin culture to both visitors and residents alike.

In addition to food and festivities, this year’s event introduces a new feature: the Bike Bash, hosted by the Green Bay Bicycle Collective. The addition brings a fresh, family-friendly element to the lineup, including a specialty bike show, swap meet, hourly games, and even a Flatland BMX demonstration.

Families are especially encouraged to attend, with activities designed for younger guests such as free youth helmets and a creative tie-dye station.

With polka music, local beer, and a strong sense of community, the Washington Street Block Party promises to be a welcome moment of celebration and connection for Green Bay—an opportunity to embrace tradition while looking ahead to brighter days.