News: 8th Annual International CultureFest Brings Global Flavors, Music and Dance to Punta Gorda.
Parade of Nations, international cuisine, cultural vendors and nonstop performances highlight the October 10 celebration at Fishermen’s Village
Southwest Florida will come together for a celebration of cultures from around the world at the 8th Annual International CultureFest, Saturday, October 10, 2026 12-6 PM, at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Presented by the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida (CHCSWFL), the family-friendly festival invites residents and visitors to experience an international journey through food, music, dance, cultural traditions, educational activities, artisan vendors and global products.
Attendees can explore educational, cultural and artisan vendors featuring cultural displays, handcrafted items, artwork, unique gifts and products inspired by traditions from around the world. The celebration will also offer plenty to taste. International food vendors will serve delectable dishes representing Southeast Asian, Caribbean, Indonesian, Latin American and Filipino cuisines, along with additional global flavors.
PARADE OF NATIONS — 12 NOON
Guests are encouraged to dress in their cultural attire and join the Parade of Nations at 12 noon along the Fishermen’s Village breezeway. Individuals, families and groups are invited to proudly represent their heritage as the community comes together in a colorful procession celebrating the cultures and traditions that enrich Southwest Florida.
LIVE MUSIC THROUGHOUT FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE
Beginning at 1:00 PM, live international music will be featured at multiple locations throughout the Village. At Center Court by The Village Brewhouse, Maritza Cedeño will bring the rhythms of a South American and Latin vibe to the celebration with live music from 1:00–5:00 PM. In the third section of Fishermen’s Village, Renato Terôy will perform popular international favorites from around the world from 1:00–4:00 PM.
SUNSET BEACH CLUB STAGE — PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 1:00 PM The Sunset Beach Club Stage comes alive at 1:00 PM with an afternoon of cultural music and dance featuring:
Lorelie and the Belly Brothers • ACDC Asian Community Dance Crew • Albanian Eagles • Belly Dance Connection • Kellyn Celtic Arts • Ballet Folklórico de Arcadia • Danza Azteca Guadalupana • Ansuya & the Sultanas • and more
SIGNATURE INTERNATIONAL DANCE MEDLEY — 2:30 PM At 2:30 PM, CultureFest presents its Signature International Dance Medley, an exciting nonstop showcase bringing a remarkable variety of cultural traditions together on one stage. Performers will represent Colombia, Venezuela, China, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands, different regions of the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Egypt, Cuba, Ireland, Scotland, Tahiti, Albania, Laos, Turkey, the Middle East, North American Indigenous traditions, and more. Through traditional and contemporary music, dance, colorful regalia and cultural attire, the medley provides audiences with an opportunity to travel the world without leaving Punta Gorda.
AT 4:00 PM, EVERYONE GETS TO DANCE! At 4:00 PM, the celebration becomes interactive as audience members are invited to join the performers on stage for the Audience Participation portion of the program. Learn a few steps, experience different rhythms and become part of the celebration of cultures through dance. Come for the flavors. Explore the cultural marketplace. Experience the music. Enjoy the dancing. Wear your cultural attire and celebrate the traditions that connect our community to the world.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
WHAT: 8th Annual International CultureFest
WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2026 12-6 PM
WHERE: Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, Florida PARADE OF NATIONS: 12:00 Noon
LIVE MUSIC & CULTURAL PERFORMANCES: Beginning at 1:00 PM
SIGNATURE INTERNATIONAL DANCE MEDLEY: 2:30 PM
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: 4:00 PM
PRESENTED BY: Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida