46th International Festival set for Sept. 21

UNC Charlotte’s International Festival, the University’s longest-running cultural event is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Admission and parking are free; attendees are encouraged to take the Lynx Blue Line light rail to the UNC Charlotte Main Station.

This year the International Festival is part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival as a cultural partner; the Dutch group, “the Birdmen,” larger-than-life Dutch puppets, will perform at 3 p.m.

“The International Festival is an excellent opportunity for Niner Nation to come together with the greater Charlotte community to experience cultural traditions and foods from around the world,” said Joe Hoff, director of the Office of Global Education and Engagement.

The festival features booths arranged in colorful marketplace style representing the cultures of more than 35 nations. The booths are staffed by UNC Charlotte international students and members of Charlotte’s international community and feature art, crafts and costumes from each participating country. Many booths also offer international food for sale.

In addition to music and dance representing a variety of nations throughout the day, the festival will highlight international games for attendees of all ages to participate in and learn about their cultural significance. An earth balloon will be on display, and there will be African folk tales designed especially for children.

The 46th International Festival will feature a Parade of Nations highlighting traditional dress at 2 p.m. in Halton Arena. A full schedule of events for the day is available on the International Festival website.

First held in 1975, the International Festival continues to recognize the Charlotte region’s growing cultural richness. Attendance at the International Festival in previous years has topped 20,000.

The UNC Charlotte Office of International Programs coordinates the International Festival with support from several campus and community partners including Chartwells College and University Dining Services, Cone University Center, Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Student Involvement and Student Organizations and Police and Public Safety.