Festival of Cultures returns this weekend with new additions, delicious menus

This paid event listing is sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls.

Celebrate diversity in Sioux Falls in a way that’s more interactive and fun than ever at this weekend’s Festival of Cultures.

The annual event will be from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Falls Park.

“Our goal is provide a space for people to learn more about cultures different than their own — to meet and learn more about all the diverse neighbors we have here in Sioux Falls,” said Carla Thielbar, development director for the Multi-Cultural Center.

This year’s event will include 21 vendors, from retailers to informational booths, plus delicious food.

This is a totally multicultural lineup: Gyros & More, Sabores 502, Chubby’s, Polynesian Hawaiian BBQ and MaDoris Liberian Food.

“And we have a great lineup of entertainment, from performers who have been popular in years past to new entertainers joining us this year we’re very excited for,” Thielbar said.

Returning favorites include Ecuador Manta, an Andean fusion band, and Dallas Chief Eagle, who is a Native American hoop dancer.

New entertainers include local reggae band Tuff Roots, the Sioux Falls Chinese Lion Dance Association, speed painting by DelStarr Arts as well as Zumba.

“New this year, we have interactive workshops. We’re so excited to present this opportunity for people to learn about other cultures,” Thielbar said.

“Some of the workshops we’ll have available are introduction to Irish dance with Celtic Steps, a Henna tutorial, a Kunama culture workshop, Native American beadwork and a music workshop for children presented by Kindermusik.”

The Festival of Cultures is a free, family-friendly event. To see more, click here for the Facebook event.