St. Louis welcomes the world at Festival of Nations! Gather with our community to celebrate multiculturalism through music, dance and fashion at the official Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Festival of Nations. Meet us at the Global Artist Stage at 12:30pm on Saturday, August 24 to kick off the weekend with impact!
The opening ceremony includes a live performance of the Festival of Nations theme song, "Welcome Home," multicultural dance and musical performances and—for the first time ever—an international fashion show.
Saturday August 24, 12:30 - 1:45PM at the Global Artist Stage
We express our culture and personal identity in many ways. While Festival of Nations is filled with the tastes and sounds, we are bringing international fashion to the stage for the first time.
Produced by local fashion designer Brandin Vaughn, the fashion show will feature more than 60 models showcasing fashion from five different designers. While Brandin Vaughn focuses on his Bantu roots of West Africa, Maxine Roeder represents Shangai, China, Moraa Nyambe Nyaribo represents Kenya, Yasi Fayal represents Iran, and Hairan Zuchelli represents Brazil.
Saturday, August 24, 12:30 - 1:45PM at the Global Artist Stage (during opening ceremony)
Sunday, August 25, 12:00 - 12:35PM at the Global Artist Stage
Learn new traditions at the Global Experiences area at the Festival of Nations this year!
Throughout the weekend, vendors and performers will host free workshops and demonstrations for the whole family.
Join us for free skating lessons with Skate Culture, bachata and salsa with Almas del Ritmo Dance, traditional steel drumming, samba rhythm lesson with JOIA: World Percussion, and an intro to cigar culture with Iconika.
Saturday, August 24
11:00–11:45 am: Bachata and Salsa Lesson by Almas Del Ritmo
1:00-1:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: Quad and Inline
1:00 pm: Cigar Presentation by Ikonika (Booth #GG12)
2:00-3:00 pm: Samba Rhythm Lesson and Parade with JOIA: World Percussion
3:00-3:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: Skate Basics
4:00-4:30 pm: Beyond Measure Dance Theater Workshop
4:00 pm: Cigar Presentation by Ikonika (Booth #GG12)
5:00–5:30 pm: Steel Drum Class Experience
5:00–5:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: Beginner Hula
Sunday, August 25
1:00-1:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: 1PM: Let's Line Dance
1:00 pm: Cigar Presentation by Ikonika
3:00-3:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: Balance
3:00 pm: Bachata and Salsa Lesson by Almas Del Ritmo
4:00 pm: Cigar Presentation by Ikonika
5:00–5:30 pm: Skate Culture Workshop: Stretch Those...
For the first time ever, we’re hosting a color party at the Festival of Nations!
During DjK’s set on Saturday at 6pm, head to the Global Artist Stage for a Bollywood and EDM takeover and a kaleidoscope of colors.
We’ll have color packets and ponchos available for purchase at the Grand & Magnolia entrance + the FoN Merchandise booths at the Global Artist Stage.
Saturday, August 24, 6:00 - 6:20PM at the Global Artist Stage