Photo by Ethan Yuan Photography, courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
One of the DMV’s most anticipated cultural celebration is back! The ninth annual Around The World Cultural Food Festival, the largest outdoor cultural food festival in the Washington D.C. metro area, returns to the scenic Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., showcasing an extraordinary lineup of 100 percent authentic, traditional dishes from more than 24 countries. Admission is free.
The weather forecast for Saturday is sunny skies with a high of 83 degrees.
This all-day, family-friendly event invites attendees on a vibrant global journey — celebrating authentic cuisine, traditional music and dance, and handmade crafts from around the world. With free admission, it's the perfect way to travel the globe without leaving the DMV!
This year’s festival features an exclusive culinary lineup with only one food vendor per country, allowing guests to enjoy a truly authentic and curated tasting experience. Attendees can explore over 150 traditional dishes from 24 participating countries, including:
Afghanistan, China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vietnam.
Plus, don’t miss a variety of empanadas from Argentina, India, Jamaica, Mexico, and Peru, along with sweet treats from France, Japan, and Vietnam — and so much more.
Enjoy traditional music and folk dance performances from a diverse lineup of countries, including: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Peru, Poland, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine.
These cultural showcases highlight the beauty of traditional dress, movement, and sound — bringing energy, color, and authenticity to the main stage.
Global Marketplace
Shop from over 110 artisans, crafters, and small businesses offering handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, jewelry, home décor, and specialty products from around the world. Artisan vendors will represent:
Angola, Armenia, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, El Salvador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, Scotland, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Turkey, the United States — and much more.
A Festival with a Mission
The mission of the Around The World Cultural Food Festival is to create a truly immersive cultural and educational experience where vendors are encouraged to share the most authentic items from their countries — whether through food, crafts, or performances.
