After federal funding cuts earlier this year left the fate of Festival of Nations in question, the region’s largest multicultural celebration will return to Tower Grove Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24. Powered by the International Institute of St. Louis, the venerable event invites guests to experience the traditions, flavors and stories of immigrant communities that help shape the city’s identity.
Welcoming more than 100,000 attendees annually, the festival will retain its generous footprint while offering a more intimate format focused on local vendors, performers and families for its 2025 installment. This year’s two-day celebration includes more than 180 food and retail vendors representing cultures from Ghana, Thailand, Mexico, Bhutan, Egypt and beyond. Festivalgoers can expect dishes from local favorites like Majeed Mediterranean Restaurant, Himalayan Yeti, FUFU n’ Sauce and La Colombianita. Retail vendors include Gitzell Fairtrade’s African goods, Amerinkas Native Art’s Indigenous jewelry, and traditional Afghan clothing from Silk Road Boutique.
Live entertainment will showcase local artists and cultural performance groups. The full performance lineup will be announced in mid-August at festofnations.com and on Instagram at @festofnations.
“Festival of Nations is a cherished St. Louis tradition that celebrates the heritage, traditions and resilience of the many cultures that call our city home,” said Blake Hamilton, the newly appointed president and CEO of the International Institute. “It’s more than an event; it’s a vibrant expression of our city’s shared stories and connections.”
Founded in 1919, the International Institute of St. Louis supports immigrants and refugees through resettlement, workforce development, education, and social services. Since 2010, the Institute has helped more than 14,000 people begin new lives in St. Louis and continues to serve thousands annually.
“St. Louis is deeply enriched by the cultures, traditions and talents that have become part of its identity,” Hamilton added. “This event is a meaningful reminder of how these traditions strengthen our community, and it’s a privilege to come together each year to honor them.”
This article appears in July 2025.