The 35th International Festival In Full Effect Today

Celebrate the beauty of cultural unity at the Arts Council's 35th International Folk Festival this weekend.

The festival kicked off during 4th Friday with cultural performances throughout downtown Fayetteville. The Downtown Alliance will distribute 4th Friday International Passports at 222 Hay Street on 4th Friday. Visitors can "travel" through downtown Fayetteville and collect stamps from restaurants and businesses represented on the passport, and then register to win a grand prize. 

The celebration of cultural diversity continues on Saturday, Sept. 28, with the Parade of Nations at 10:30 a.m. on Hay Street. The pageantry and customs of our diverse community are demonstrated by representatives of more than 30 nations. In an effort to make the parade information more accessible, the Arts Council will have an interpreter on the stage at the corner of Hay Street and Ray Avenue to interpret the parade announcements through sign language for those with hearing challenges. The parade will be led by members of the Army Ground Forces Band, who will also perform on the main stage in Festival Park on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Festival Park is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29, with music and dance, international food, arts and crafts vendors and two interactive kids’ areas.

Throughout the festival, visitors can learn about other cultures – from Latin and Celtic bands, to Native American and Hispanic foods, to Peruvian and Japanese crafts. "The International Folk Festival fulfills one of the Arts Council’s main missions – to educate our community through arts and culture," says Deborah Martin Mintz, executive director of the Arts Council. "One of the performance areas features teaching artists, such as Anthony Morrison and Hobey Ford, who have participated in our year-long Artists in Schools program," Mintz says. Children are invited to explore Native American customs by creating turtle rattles in another kids’ area near the Native American Cultural Showcase in Festival Park.

In the "Kindness Corner," people of all ages will be invited to participate in a progressive art project, as well as create a craft that will be distributed to members of our community who would benefit from a kind gesture.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, the International Stage goes completely global with dancing and music from many cultures represented by our friends and neighbors. Where else can you experience the Philippines, South Korea, Panama, India, Greece and the Ukraine all in one afternoon? And the performances are all free!