International festival coming back to Columbia soon. Here’s what to know, how to get tickets

Are you free this weekend? The 31st annual Columbia International Festival is coming back to town, and if you’re itching to try something new, it might be worth checking out.

Since 1996, the festival has celebrated more than 100 cultures at the SC State Fairgrounds. Each festival day will bring a new set of performances and national dances from many different countries.

Dr. Raj Aluri, the founder of the Columbia International Festival, said he wants attendees to celebrate other people’s cultures and feel more connected with those who have different backgrounds.

“Sometimes we don’t get along, but this is the place to bring people together,” Aluri said. “We have so many stereotypes for people from different parts of the world, but when people meet face to face, shake each other’s hands and get to know them, those stereotypes go away.”

Aluri moved to Columbia in 1976 from his country of India, and lived in SC for 20 years before deciding to create the festival.

Even though there aren’t millions of people living in Columbia like other diverse cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, he said SC’s capital has nearly as many distinctive cultures.

“We have so much diversity in Columbia, and we need to showcase it,” he said. “I thought people need to be brought together to just see how diverse we are in our state and in our city, and to celebrate it.”

Before the festival opens to the public, students from across South Carolina will get a first look during Global Education Day on Friday, April 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More than 5,000 students, along with hundreds of educators and chaperones, are expected to attend.

This year’s festival will highlight French-speaking countries while continuing to showcase a global presence.

Performances to expect

• More than 35 cultural performance groups across two days
• An international food court featuring cuisine from more than 20 countries
• The International Bazaar with global goods and handcrafted items
• Cultural exhibits representing 120 countries

A highlight of the festival is the Olympic-style Parade of Nations, featuring national flags from participating countries. The ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the Cantey Building, surrounded by international food and performances.

“This festival is a powerful reminder that our differences are something to celebrate,” Aluri said. “In one place, you can experience the traditions, flavors, music and stories of cultures from around the world.”

There will also be a fashion show of traditional costumes and clothing from around the world. The adult fashion show is on Saturday at 4 p.m., and the children’s fashion show is on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Additional festival details

The celebration is open to the public starting this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and opens again on Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults 19 years or older and $7 for teens. Children 12 years old and under with an adult enter the festival for free. Active-duty military also receive free admission with ID, and families of Title One school students are admitted free with school ID. Parking is free for all attendees.

The address is 1200 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. They have a clear bag and cash-only policy.

Click here to get tickets.