On Sunday, Sept. 15th, 2026 the 17th Annual World Cultural Festival will transform Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza into a center for cultural diversity from 12 noon to 5 pm. Sponsored by The Valparaiso International Center (The VIC), this family-friendly event will feature music and dance from around the world, international art and handicrafts for sale, ethnic cuisine, and children’s activities. The festival is open to everyone, and admission is free of charge.
“The World Cultural Festival is the yearly climax of our efforts to promote better global awareness and connections among the many cultures that make up our local community,” says Duane Davison, founding chair of The VIC. “The event provides an opportunity for people to learn about each other, enjoy music and dance, sample food, and make friends. The festival has earned a national reputation as a guaranteed good time.”
The sound of Christopher McQuillin’s Scottish bagpipe will open the event at the Northwest Health Amphitheater, followed by a variety of dance and music performers. “We’ve got a terrific lineup of performers this year representing the cultures of Bulgaria, India, Mexico, Greece, China, and the USA, says Peter Martin, entertainment co-director for the festival.
“A highlight of the festival is the Parade of Nations.” says Hugh McGuigan, chair of the VIC’s Board of Directors. “We encourage attendees to wear traditional attire and carry the flag of their birthplace or ancestral homeland. We look forward to a good turnout from Valparaiso University international students and the local immigrant community.”
During the event, Festival goers can also purchase ethnic cuisine prepared by local restaurants, including Don Quijote Restaurant (Spanish), Biruh’s Kitchen (Ethiopian), Kate’s Kitchen (pan-African), Enamele (soul food), Kin Khao Thai (Thai), Veleros (Mexican), and Bao’s Pastry (French).
Non-profit organizations and educational institutions will be in attendance too, with information booths and representatives to engage with festival goers. International products and fair-trade items will be available for sale.
Programing will include a children’s tent with internationally themed activities for youngsters and a display of artwork from students. “We’re especially interested in teaching our youngsters about diversity and the importance of communication and interaction between cultures,” says Davison.
“We would be unable to hold this great event without our sponsors,” says McGuigan. “We’re delighted to have NITCO as our lead sponsor again this year, and we welcome Thorgren Tool & Molding as a major sponsor. Among other sponsors are Valparaiso University, First Source Bank, Boulder Bay Realty, Apex Physical Therapy, and Minakshi Ghuman. We also wish to thank Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Bionic Prosthetics & Orthotics, Country Inn & Suites of Valparaiso, and RE/MAX Lifestyles for their generous support.”
Past PERFORMERS AND VOLUNTEERS:
• Chris McQuillan – Piper (Scotland)
• Hellenic Cathedral Dancers (Greece)
• Indian Dancers – Hema Preethaa
• Indian Dancers (Jignesha & Rupal) – Barso Re
• Indian Dancers (Rupal’s group) – Deepavali Aayi Re & Jai Jai Shiv Shankar
• Jasmin Dancers (China) – Chi Boa 1 & 2
• Jasmin Dancers (China) – Tribal Dance 1
• Jasmin Dancers (China) – Tribal Dance 2
• Mei Feng – Chinese Traditional Music Ensemble
• Pancho & Caroline Rodea (Latin America)
• Parade of Nations (40 min)
• Peter Kaiafas & Friends, Oud, Percussion (Greece)
• Shan Punjab Di (India)
• South Shore Dance Alliance (USA)
• South Shore Dance Alliance (USA)
• South Shore Dance Alliance (USA)
• Steve Kowalczyk – Accordion music from around the world
• Tiger Kumar – guzhung (Chinese zither)
• Valparaiso High School Indian Dance Club (India/USA)
• Vivanov Bulgarian Dance
“The World Cultural Festival is the yearly climax of our efforts to promote better global awareness and connections among the many cultures that make up our local community,” says Duane Davison, founding chair of The VIC. “The event provides an opportunity for people to learn about each other, enjoy their music and dance, sample their food, and make friends. The festival has earned a national reputation as a guaranteed good time. Last year’s festival was named by the international travel website Expedia as the best thing to do in Indiana.”
A variety of entertainment will be provided on stage at the Porter Health Amphitheater.
Many non-profit organizations and educational institutions will have information booths, and a variety of international products and fair-trade items will be available for sale at the World Bazaar. For the youngsters, there will be numerous activities with an international angle at the children’s tent and a display of artwork from local middle schoolers.
For more information about the World Cultural Festival and other programs of the Valparaiso International Center, visit its website at www.valpovic.org or call (219) 464-1122.
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