The Festival of Nations is one of the largest multicultural gatherings in the Midwest.
For almost a century , St. Louis has keep the last of summer with theFestival of Nations , a two - Nox company featuring the sights , sounds , and flavors from various country and civilisation around the Earth . host by theInternational Institute of St. Louis , the fete provoke funds for wraparound services IISL leave to newly go far individuals and family ( they ’re the largest service supplier and recruiter of immigrants to the area ) .
With more than 100,000 people in attendance and 80 food and retail vendors ( the majority of which are immigrant owned and operate ) , the Festival of Nations is one of the largest multicultural gather in the Midwest .
“ This is a community consequence where everyone is welcome , ” allege Lauren Shelley , spokesperson for the fete . “ During this two - twenty-four hours celebration , mass partake their own culture and heritage with the residential area . Everyone has the opportunity to experience the sounds , flavors , nontextual matter and custom from a various range of countries , all present here in St. Louis . We have intentionally make infinite for fresh folk to join the event , while welcoming annual favorites who will continue to rotate in and out in the fare year . ”
Photo by Alex Fish, Courtesy of Festival of Nations
The goal of the festival is a public expression of the Institute ’s work in cover multiculturalism in St. Louis . It ’s design to reinforce the idea that multitude ’s difference lead in firm , healthier communities .
” This year , we are convey more experiential vendors like roller skating withSkate Cultureand unfastened mic withPoetic Justiceto allow masses to interact with culture rather than just watch , ” says Arrey Obenson , chairwoman and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis in a press spill .
The festival includes two leg . await international acts such asMai LeeandMannywellz , alongside local favorites . accession is free with all food , beverage , and products available for purchase through the vendors . AVIP choice is also availableand offers access to agiotage vendor , complimentary food and drinks and admittance to a VIP Lounge . Festival hours are : Saturday , August 24 from 10 am - 8 pm on and Sunday , August 25 from 10 am - 7 postmortem examination on . For more information including vendors and performer assembly line - up visit : https://festofnations.com/
Make your way through the festival and leave enough room to explore the city ’s other immigrant ( and immigrant - conterminous ) restaurateur .
Drive time:
4 hour 30 minute from Chicago5 hr 35 minutes from Milwaukee3 hr 45 minutes from Indianapolis
More things to do in St. Louis
No sojourn to St. Louis is complete without a visit to “ Bob ’s Brain , ” a computer address to Bob Cassilly , the founder ofCity Museum . A sprawl building that ’s more playable architecture than quiet observations . The Pulitzeris a must for its community - centric work and engagement . And a sojourn to the city’snew soccer parkfeatures all small - business vendors in - stadium ( a charge head by James Beard Award acquire ChefGerard Craft , chief operating officer of Niche Food Group ) .
Where to eat in St. Louis
Morning : There ’s a reasonBowood by Nicheis always pack . The breakfast brunch spot features a computer menu that modify with the time of year and is conform by what ’s available fresh each day ( hopefully the waffle with Vermont Armerican cheddar bake never pass out ) . select from their sun - drenched dining elbow room or the garden , overflowing with English ivy covered wall and colourful flowers , to dine - in .
Lunch : With more than 60,000 Bosnians in the metropolis , St. Louis represents the largest Bosnian universe outside of their homeland . Loryn and Edo ( a Bosnian refugee ) Nalic are owners of Balkan Treat Box , a profligate - casual eating place ( where it ’s not rare to see the business wrapped around the quoin ) , specializing in Balkan staples such as pide , lahmacun , döner and ćevapi .
Do n’t have clock time to hold back in line ? snap up and go fromNeon Greens . The salad bar grows its William Green on - site in a hydroponic , erect farm that is a throwback to the city ’s farming roots .
Photo by Alex Fish, Courtesy of Festival of Nations
Dinner : The strawberry mark tiramisu atMadrinais worth the cause to St. Louis alone .
For a repast you ca n’t get anywhere out of doors of Mexico ’s Yucatan Peninsula , foreland toEl Molino del Sureste . Alex and Jeff , Mexican immigrant and brother , draw the alone construct that have Mayan meals . beauty such ascayó de hacha en mole blanco , scollop in a white burnt umber mole with Florence fennel in herbs , are rare in Mexico and almost impossible to find in the US .
KeepExpat BBQby Niche on your radar . Opening in September , the massive , three story concept pays court to barbecue tradition and flavors from around the world . Expect detail like braise black - eyed peas , smoked pork shoulder , wassail gari , crispy collards , serve over a bag of Fritos for a Senegal - inspired Frito Pie .
Courtesy of El Molino del Sureste
Where to stay in St. Louis
For historical opulence and art lovers:21c Museum Hotelis put up in a restored YMCA shading opulence and culture together at an affordable cost point . The magical property features a splay exhibit of art . For Festival of Nations fan : Angad Arts Hotelis located just two miles from the festival in Tower Grove Park and said to be a favorite of the event ’s headliners . Stay here if you ’re looking to scratch elbows with its musical performing artist and be immersed in a design - forward belongings .
Courtesy of Angad Arts Hotel
