5th Annual Hmong New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Hmong New Year with us.

Our annual celebration of Hmong heritage, culture and traditions is free, open to the public and features fun for all ages:

• Live music and dance performances (traditional and modern).
• Food vendors serving authentic Hmong cuisine.
• Marketplace with Hmong arts and crafts.
• Children’s activities for fun and learning.
• Community resource table.
• NEW for 2025: Singing Competition and Cornhole Tournament.
• Doors open at 10 am, which is also when the Cornhole Tournament begins.
• The celebration begins at 11 am. 

What is the Hmong New Year?

The Hmong New Year is a centuries-old tradition marking the end of the harvest season, when families and neighbors gather to give thanks, share food and celebrate. Historically, the event has included colorful clothing, ball-tossing, music, dancing and rituals that honor ancestors and the future. 

This year's event carries special meaning as we recognize 50 years of the Hmong people making their home in the United States. The journey of these Hmong Americans is one of resilience, leadership and cultural pride, balancing traditions with new opportunities for educational leadership and community life. 

We celebrate Hmong New Year not only to honor that journey, but to create space for learning, cultural exchange and connection among the entire campus community. 

Singing Competition — Room D1630

• Contestants to gather by 11:30 am.
• Open to all high school and college students.
• Contestants may compete in one category only: Hmong or English.
• Winners in each category will be awarded $500 for first place and $250 for second place.
• Register early—only 5 spots are available in each category, and are first-come, first-served upon payment of the $20 registration fee.

Register for Singing Competition

Cornhole Tournament — Redsten Gymnasium

• Check-in opens at 8 am. Tournament begins at 10 am.
• Open to amateur players only, ages 12 and up.
• Contestants must register as a two-person team via the Scorholio app.
• A registration fee of $40 per team (cash only, please) is due upon check-in.
• 100% of the registration fees go toward the prize pool, with cash prizes awarded to the first, second and third place teams.

Register for Cornhole Tournament

RSVP Today!

All are welcome to attend; tickets are not required. However, we ask that you register online to assist with our planning and headcount.

Truax Campus
Cafeteria Atrium, Room D1630 and Redsten Gymnasium
1701 Wright St.
Madison, WI 53704
[Google Map]