Ethnic Enrichment Fest 2025 in Midwest

Being one of the largest events of its kind in America, ​the Ethnic Enrichment Festival is held annually in Kansas City on the third weekend of August. Founded in 1978, the three-day event now features more than 66 cultures of the world that demonstrate their performing skills, dances, music, native foods, and crafts. The festival promotes appreciation of cultural diversity in the greater Kansas City Area.

Cultural Performances

Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival showcases the whole world in one weekend: from Iranian dances to Indian performers, Serbian choir, and Scottish pipes. Thousands of visitors can hear the beats of global music in historic Swope Park. Each day of the festival features dozens of performances by ensembles representing their countries with national dances and songs. The participants wear their country's traditional clothing, making the festival a great opportunity to learn more about the world.

On the second day of the festival, representatives of various countries showcase the beauty of their national flags in the Parade of Flags, which is followed by the scholarship ceremony. On Sunday, attendees have a chance to witness the beauty of national and cultural attire at a Native Fashion Show.

Food & Beverages

Food has always been one of the integral parts of the Ethnic Enrichment Fest and is one of the main reasons why people attend the event. You'll have an opportunity to taste many delicious goods, including Japanese teriyaki chicken bowl, Inari sushi, Italian sausage sandwiches, Ethiopian Key Siga Wot, Malaysian chicken satay meal, Serbian moussaka, Ukrainian baked goods and much more. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also sold at the venue, including fresh-squeezed lemonade, Guinness stouts, and Cayman Jack Cuban mojito.

Festival Schedule

The festival is held from 6 pm until 10 pm on August 16th, from noon until 10 pm on August 17th, and from noon until 6 pm on August 18th. Musical and dance performances of the countries usually last half an hour. The parade of flags takes place at 4 pm on August 17th, while the Native Fashion Show unfolds at 2 pm on August 18th.

Location

The festivities take place at Swope Park, one of the largest green spaces in Kansas City, boasting a massive area of 1,805 acres (7,30 sq km). The park is home to the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, so consider visiting it while you're in the area.

Admission & Parking

Admission to the festival costs $5. Children aged 12 years old and under can attend the event for free. Parking is available near the venue and is completely free of charge.