Can't choose? No problem! Multicultural festivals, museums and permanent exhibitions let you experience the art, cuisine, music and dance of several different cultures at once. Here are some of the best:
New to the U.S. this year, the World Culture Festival (no relation to this website) will feature food, music and culture from 180 countries. Last held in New Delhi, India in 2016, the festival is billed as a "cultural extravaganza," with an astonishing 17,000 artists expected to participate. Its first ever U.S. celebration will be held September 29 - October 1, 2023 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
An annual tradition held on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates the regions and cultures of the U.S., with an added focus on extraordinary cultures worldwide. It brings traditional artists, musicians and dancers (some of whom have never travelled before), to share their cultures with an amazing array of performances, exhibits, and hands-on activities. Next scheduled for June-July 2024, it's well worth planning ahead.
Museum of International Folk Art
Art lovers of the world will adore the Museum of International Folk Art, located in Santa Fe, NM. Boasting the world's largest collection of international folk art, this fantastical museum features more than 130,000 objects from over 100 countries, yet somehow manages to stay approachable and family-friendly. When you can tear yourself away from the amazing art, you can explore American Indian artistry just steps away at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
