In a city where one in six residents is foreign-born, the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival is not only Nashville’s favorite and most vibrant cultural festival, but a timely reminder of what makes Nashville a great place to live. The Festival provides an opportunity for Intercultural Dialogue through a Nashville Festival Experience and brings together over 50 cultures living in Nashville and surrounding communities.  The day encourages understanding, appreciation and respect and features performances all day on multiple stages, food vendors offering exotic tastes from around the world, a Children’s Area, a Teens area, a marketplace with hand-crafted and imported items available for purchase, educational and interactive exhibits, and so much more!

The Asurion Stage

This stage features traditional song and dance from performers that have brought their musical traditions to Middle Tennessee from around the world. The Asurion is circled by the Global Village, where area cultural communities share more about their countries or origin, their customs, and traditions. This stage provides nonstop entertainment throughout the day, between sets on the stage, intimate performances take place in front of the stage.

The Global Village

Be transported around the world… right here in Nashville!  Presented by Nashville Metro Human Relations Commission, The Global Village offers an authentic look at the customs and traditions of the participating cultures that are present within the Nashville community. The Global Village is located in the ellipse surrounding the Asurion Stage and is facilitated by Nashville Area Cultural Communities and organizations. Attendees can visit the booths and learn about traditions and customs, talents, and traditions from representatives of these communities.­­­­­­­­

METRO PARKS PERFORMS

Join Nashville Metro Parks Community Center leaders and members as they showcase dancing, sports, arts & crafts and more! Learn about all the unique and amazing opportunities that are available in the 19 Community Centers located in the Greater Nashville Area. More than just gyms, swimming pools, and playgrounds, Metro Parks Neighborhood Community Centers are a family resource for surrounding communities and offer something for all ages throughout the year. These facilities provide a wide range of programs and services to all members of the community. Programs and activities include music and dance lessons, competitive adult and youth sports, arts and crafts, theatre productions, after school programs, walking clubs, scouting programs, organized games, social events, and many more. Also present will be representatives from Nashville Nature Centers, Sportsplex, and the Parthenon. Enjoy two stages with multiple performance by community center participants, arts and crafts station, interactive sports demos and games on the International Sports Field.

The Walmart World Bazaar

You will find the World Bazaar filled with booths selling unique hand-crafted and imported items from around the world.  Here you can get a henna tattoo, learn how to say a phrase in another language, try on a handmade hat from Mexico, buy an ornate handmade bag from India, handmade jewelry from Japan. Walking through you may also see how some of these items are made and learn more about various nonprofits and service organizations that support and benefit the diversity in our community. (Located in the Parthenon Parking Lot.)

The Cafe Stage and Food Area

The Café Stage is an intimate stage located in the middle of one of the most popular areas at the Festival…the Food Area. Here you can listen to fusion bands from immigrants and Nashville natives while you try cuisines you have never sampled before or indulge in our favorite global treats…some of which are only available at our Festival each year. Previous menu items have included Empanadillas, Alcapurrias, Baklava, Bird’s Nest, Tandoori Chicken, Bourma, Nazouk, Baozi, Char Siu, Hot Wings, Masala Chai, Fried Plantain, Naan, Fajitas, Green Curry, Lemonades, Grilled Corn, Pad Thai, Pulled Pork, Falafel, Tamales, Stuffed Cabbage, Samosas, Gibanica, Candy Apples, Griyo, Hot Chicken, Basil Stir Fry, Italian Ice, Gyros, Sorbet, Tabouleh, Turkey Legs, Burritos, Cajun Fish, Tasso Kabrit, Nam Vanh, Spanakopita, Lentil Soup, Papaya Salad, Sticky Rice, Spiced Brisket, Red Curry…and more.

Kidsville Area & Stage

The Children’s Area is coordinated by the Conservancy’s Kidsville, which utilizes the arts and play to help educate children and enhance the development of healthy and successful futures for Nashville’s youngest residents by connecting families to enriching opportunities for growth through education, experience, and exploration. Local organizations will be present offering activities. Participating organizations  have included Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, Family Center of Tennessee, The Hermitage, Country Music Hall of Fame, Turnip Green Creative Reuse, Family and Children’s Services, WNPT, Nashville Ballet, African American Cultural Alliance, Sound Start Music Lessons, Frist Art Museum, Metro Nashville Parks, Vanderbilt Child Studies Group, Construct Nashville Dance, Rhythm & Revue Dance Theatre, Nashville After Zone Alliance, the Bengali Association of Greater Nashville, and the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee. (Located near the Sunken Garden.)

TEENS UNITED!

Teens United (TU) is an area organized by members of Oasis Center’s International Teen Outreach Program (ITOP), which is made up of immigrant, refugee, and New American youth from Nashville. The TU planning committee is indicative of the wide range of diversity in Nashville, with students representing many different backgrounds. The TU Area offers a variety of performances, demonstrations, and youth centered activities, as well as cultural games for the whole family. At TU you can participate in activities such as Origami making, Bracelet making, Henna tattoos, Worry Dolls, a Language Wall, Paint Your Flag, and Potholder making. (Located on the east side of the Great Lawn.)