Cultural event features food, music, dance and merchandise from around the world
 

The city of Southfield, in partnership with the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Inc., will sponsor the 95th annual International Festival Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19 from 12-6 p.m. in the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road.

The International Festival will kick-off on Friday, November 17 with a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS) swearing-in ceremony of new citizens at 10 a.m. Last year, more than 50 immigrants from 28 countries were sworn-in as new citizens. The Festival will continue on Saturday, November 18 from 12-6 p.m., and Sunday, November 19 from 12-6 p.m.

The International Festival is a fun, affordable and enriching event for the entire family. The festival will offer international music and dance performances throughout the entire weekend, including: Indian, African, Spanish, Bulgarian, Korean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Albanian and many others; children’s art and craft making workshops; and cultural exhibits and demonstrations. Guests will also be able to purchase imported products, handmade crafts, jewelry, fabrics, apparels and other unique gifts from around the world at the International Bazaar. A variety of international and ethnic food will also be available for purchase. A weekend pass is just $3 per person or $5 per family with free parking.

“The International Festival is a great cultural event for the entire family,” commented Community Relations Director Michael Manion. “It is really an opportunity to travel the world in a day with no passport required. Guests can see some of the best cultural performing groups in the area and also get a start on their holiday shopping from vendors offering unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world.”

2017 International Festival Entertainment Lineup

Friday, November 17, 2017

10:00 a.m. - Swearing-In Ceremony of New Citizens
11:30 a.m. - Exchange of Cultures. Participating schools: Southfield High School Dance Group, Lathrup High School Band, Dearborn E.S., Dearborn and Detroit Performing Arts High School
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - The Heart Beat of Michigan Award Dinner and concert featuring lead band In Transit, singers from Venezuela and Ukraine and dancers from India, the Middle-East and Thailand

Saturday, November 18, 2017

12:00 noon - Thailand Dance
12:30 p.m. - Polynesian Dance
1:00 p.m. - Egypt-Spain Dance
1:30 p.m. - Arabic-English Songs
2:00 p.m. - Hungarian Dance
2:30 p.m. - Polish Songs & Dance
3:00 p.m. - Indian Drumming
3:30 p.m. - Nadanta Indian
4:00 p.m. - African Drumming & Dance
4:30 p.m. - Korean Dance
5:00 p.m. - Hawaiian Dance
5:30 p.m. - Hindu Temple Rhythm

Sunday, November 19, 2017

12:00 noon - One Man Show
12:30 p.m. - Mexican Dance
1:00 p.m. - Haiti & Jamaican Dance
1:30 p.m. - Chinese Songs & Dance
2:00 p.m. - Mozaik Folk Dance from Turkey
2:15 p.m. - Middle Eastern Dance
2:30 p.m. - Echoes of Ukraine
3:00 p.m. - Alnur African Drumming & Dance
3:30 p.m. - Spain Flamenco Dance
4:00 p.m. - Muang of Laos Dancers
4:30 p.m. - Philippine Dance
5:00 p.m. - Hindu Temple Rhythm

* Please Note: Scheduled times and acts are subject to change without notice.
 

The 2017 International Festival is sponsored by the city of Southfield, International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Lawrence Technological University, Consumers Energy, T-Mobile, Southfield Town Center and C&G Newspapers. For more information, call Southfield Community Relations at 1-248-796-5130.