The diversity of St. Louis will be on display when the Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park on August 26 and 27. Festival attendees will experience the aromas of global delicacies, music from around the world, and shimmering colors and crafts created by performers and vendors representing more than 75 countries.
A CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Powered by the International Institute of St. Louis, the festival brings the region’s wide array of traditions together, allowing participants to learn about, appreciate, and embrace shared and unique cultural attributes. Now in its 89th year and its 23rd year at Tower Grove Park, the festival is more vibrant than ever, with more than 50 vendors and exhibitors.
“This year’s edition will feature exceptional multicultural talent—a mix of artists and performers known locally, nationally, and internationally,” says Arrey Obenson, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. “We will provide an unmatched experience that attracts not only our neighbors but also community partners and visitors from nearby towns and cities.
“When people of different cultures come together to share music, food, art, and traditions, we get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level,” Obenson adds. “Every culture in our community is unique and special—no one should be truly foreign, and together we are a united, welcoming community full of rich culture.”
ENTERTAINMENT, EXHIBITORS & MORE
Among the highly anticipated performances are Shacko & Akim, twin brothers from Congo who will perform Afro-pop, a combo of rumba and pop; Ricky Kej, an Indian musician and composer who won three Grammy Awards for his soul-stirring compositions, which evoke emotions and raise awareness of environmental and social advocacy themes; and South African musician Nomcebo Zikode, known for Afro house music that gets listeners up and dancing.
Many of the food and merchandise options are unique to the festival and only available at the event. Among the tasty options are specialties from Bulgaria, Colombia, West Africa, Thailand, China, Turkey, Venezuela, Egypt, and Trinidad. Between bites, other vendors offer a wide range of beautiful handicrafts and gift items. And check out items from vendors representing Ecuador, Peru, Senegal, Guinea, Kenya, China, and Turkey.
Be sure to visit:
- Fufu ’n Sauce, representing the West African nation of Togo, which has a new food truck this year. Adjo Honsou makes fufu with plantain or yam flour that’s boiled, pounded, and shaped into starchy balls and served with such dishes as egusi (a tomato-based stew with pumpkin seeds), as well as such favorites as jollof rice and fried plantains.
- The Turkish American Society of Missouri will offer henna tattoos at its market booth, as well as baklava, gyros, and a must-have Turkish coffee at its food booth.
- The Seny Collection will offer quality items from female artisan entrepreneurs from Africa. Stop by the booth for clothing and accessories, including earrings and clay bead bracelets.
- Owned by Leticia Seitz, Arte Rojo sells authentic Mexican art, accessories, and clothing. You can’t miss the bright colors while passing her market location, and when you take a close look, you can see that items are hand-painted and hand-sewn by artisans.
NEW FEATURES & RETURNING FAVORITES
Among this year’s new festival features:
- A lineup of international music artists. This is the first year with a robust international, non-local, and local lineup.
- An exciting Olympic-style opening number on Saturday, including a mix of multicultural performance groups based in St. Louis. Be at the Global Music stage at 1 p.m. Saturday.
- Exclusive ticketed programming, including the Ohana Family Program (11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) for $75 for a family pass, which includes reserved parking in Tower Grove Park, access to the splash pad, exclusive kid-friendly activities, face painting, a puppeteer performance, and more. The Kokoro Wellness Program (8–11 a.m.) for $69 includes reserved parking in Tower Grove Park, morning yoga lessons, and more.
And among the returning festival favorites:
- As a festival with a purpose, Festival of Nations remains rooted in community and free to all, with proceeds supporting the International Institute of St. Louis, as well as local business owners and multicultural artists.
- With the most diverse group of food vendors at any event in the region, guests can sample flavors from around the world and make a note of local businesses to support the rest of the year.
- Two days full of performances from local favorites including Spirit of Angela (West African), Samba Bom (Brazilian), and Dizzy Atmosphere (French).
ADMISSION OPTIONS
The festival is free, but a $150 VIP Oasis single-day pass grants access to additional features, such as the air-conditioned VIP Oasis in the Piper Palm House, with its shaded patio, yard games, and main stage viewing area. The pass also provides a special gift, limited complimentary beverages, raffle entries, and festival playlists from Spotify and Apple Music. Those who opt for the $250 VIP Weekend Pass receive all of the single-day VIP benefits along with designated parking, swag, a digital poster download, and a 10 percent discount on festival merchandise. And by supporting the International Institute through a $50 patron ticket, attendees will receive a gift, poster download, and playlists.
Sponsors include Ameren Missouri, BJC HealthCare, Cass Information Systems Inc., Missouri Arts Council, PNC, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, RGA, and US Bank.
This post was created by the SLM Partner Studio on behalf of International Institute of St. Louis. To learn more, visit festivalofnationsstl.org.
