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Experience Global Culture at Downtown Lynchburg’s 7th Annual International Festival this Saturday, M

Member News

Lynchburg, VA – Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) invites the community to celebrate the 7th Annual International Festival, taking place this Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Main Street (between 9th and 12th Streets). This free, family-friendly event will feature a vibrant showcase of international food, music, dance, art, and activities, offering attendees a chance to experience the world without leaving Lynchburg.
 
“We are proud and honored to carry on the tradition that the City of Lynchburg started with the International Festival,” said Ashley Kershner, Executive Director of Downtown Lynchburg Association. “This event is a beautiful reflection of the many cultures that make up our community and offers a meaningful opportunity for connection, celebration, and shared experience.”
Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of actitivies, including:

  • Parade of Nations: Celebrate cultural pride during the Parade of Nations, featuring colorful flags and traditional clothing from participants representing a variety of countries. This begins at 11:00 AM.
  • International Food Vendors: Savor authentic dishes from around the globe, featuring cuisines from countries such as El Salvador, Jamaica, India, Greece, Japan and more.
  • Global Marketplace: Browse handcrafted goods, art, and specialty items that reflect cultures from all over the world.
  • Live Performances: Be captivated by dance troupes, musicians, and cultural demonstrations representing over a dozen international traditions.
  • Kids Activities: Children can participate in global crafts, games, and educational activities designed to foster cross-cultural understanding.
  • Cultural Exhibits: Explore booths hosted by local cultural organizations offering insight into diverse histories and traditions.
"The International Festival is a vibrant celebration of the many cultures that call Lynchburg home," said Marjette Upshur, Director of Lynchburg's Economic Development & Tourism. "Events like this showcase the strength and beauty of our community, and we are proud to support opportunities that bring people together, foster connections, and highlight Lynchburg as a welcoming, dynamic place to live, work, and visit."
 
The 2025 International Festival is hosted by Downtown Lynchburg Association in partnership with Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism and is made possible thanks to support from Bank of the James, ABC-13 WSET, Academy Center of the Arts, Genworth Financial, BWX Technologies, Inc., Shrader Pacific, Centra Health, Randolph College, Framatome, Spearman Artisanry, The Krise Building, and PLDR Law.
 
For more information and FAQs, please visit downtownlynchburg.com/international-fest.
 
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About Downtown Lynchburg Association
Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) is an accredited program of the Virginia Main Street and the National Main Street Center™ and a member of the International Downtown Association. DLA works to create a strong, vibrant, and welcoming downtown. Since 1997, the organization and the City of Lynchburg have worked together to sustain and develop downtown as a vital economic, cultural, recreational, residential, and historic center for our community.

Experience Global Culture at Downtown...