The International Festival of Raleigh is celebrating its 25th anniversary. A key Raleigh celebration, the Festival offers 3 days of international performances, food, games and cultural exhibits. Over 50 different groups from around the world participate to showcase their cuisine, traditional dance and music; to share traditions and to celebrate their unique differences. Enjoy an entertaining, informative, and delicious event and Discover the World in Raleigh!

Festival Venues:
A Naturalization Ceremony is the traditional kick-off to each year’s Festival. Raleigh Mayor, Charles Meeker, and Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Chairperson, Sepi Asefina, will speak as new Americans take their oath of citizenship.

Main Stage features authentic global dances performed in traditional dress. This extremely popular venue features children, teen and adult performers.

The Biergarten Stage is a live music venue that features international bands and soloists. Attendees can sit and enjoy the music or dance to styles from samba to polka.

The World Bazaar is a shopping area in the style of markets around the globe where Festival attendees can shop booths from different countries for art, crafts, jewelry and other items.

The Festival’s Cultural Exhibits represent multicultural viewpoints through interpretation of an annual theme. This year’s theme is World Celebrations, and 40 countries will create exhibits of that subject through the prism of their culture.

Demonstration Booths offer attendees opportunity to participate in different cultures actively through cooking, craft and dance lessons.

Sophia’s Corner provides activities and games for young attendees. Toddlers and young kids enjoy the bouncy castle, face-painting, hula hoop, juggling, limbo and bean bag tosses, and express themselves through paint and crafts.

Sidewalk Cafes offer visitors a taste of different foods from around the world, and feature cuisines from Bangladesh to Yemen at affordable prices. A true gourmet feast!