Courtesy of the International Institute of St. Louis
Festival of Nations
In 2021, the Festival of Nations’ 20th anniversary was downsized to accommodate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. The year before that, the event had to be canceled completely. Now, after a two-year hiatus, the festival—termed “the largest multicultural event of the year”—is staging its triumphant return to Tower Grove Park.
The event, hosted annually by the International Institute of St. Louis, will take place on August 27 and 28 at the park’s center drive. Its multicultural array of food stands, performances, and artisan demos have historically drawn crowds of more than 100,000 people. This year, patrons can expect to find around 80 food stands lining the festival’s main stretch. Between its Main Stage and World Music Stage, about 60 performance groups will provide entertainment throughout the two-day affair.
The festival isn’t just about the food and music, though. According to International Institute President and CEO Arrey Obenson, the organization’s goal is to celebrate St. Louis’ diversity while inspiring ongoing action.
“The Festival of Nations is really designed to showcase the cultural diversity of the St. Louis community,” Obenson says. “Our mission at the International Institute is to create opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive within this community because, by doing so, we build a more prosperous, welcoming, and healthy region for all.”
Courtesy of the International Institute of St. Louis
Festival of Nations
To center that pursuit, Obenson says organizers are “trying to give the festival a facelift.” Guests will have the opportunity to speak directly with advocates at the International Institute’s engagement center, stationed at the entrance of the event. Further, scannable QR codes throughout the venue will allow visitors to donate directly to the organization.
Changes are also being made to lessen the festival’s environmental impact. Event programs will be exclusively digital, and patrons with reusable water bottles can fill up at a number of stations along the route. Obenson is looking forward to a greener event that will allow the International Institute to fully engage with the community.
“The most gratifying thing will be that people show up, that people get a full-feeling experience, and that people take action after the Festival of Nations. The theme for this year is ‘bridging cultures and inspiring action’—that we do not only celebrate our cultural diversity on one weekend a year, but we carry that experience with us and make every day in St. Louis a celebration of cultural diversity,” Obenson says.
This year, it seems, marks a new chapter in the festival’s storied history. In the future, the International Institute’s goal is to attract visitors from across the country—something like “the Coachella of cultural festivals,” quips Obenson.
“In the next few years, we want to see people traveling from across America to come to this festival,” Obenson says. “We want to send a message to immigrants across this country that St. Louis is a place where you can come and call home.”
Festival of Nations will be held on August 27 & 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but VIP Oasis tickets are available for $60-100. For more information, visit festivalofnationsstl.org.
