YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS?
WE’VE GOT ANSWERS. 🙂
Everything you need to know before your trip around the world.
FESTIVAL BASICS
When is the Around the World Cultural Food Festival?
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival takes place once a year.
In 2026, join us on Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Is admission free?
Yes! Admission to the Around the World Cultural Food Festival is completely free.
Food, beverages, artisan goods, and other items offered by participating vendors are available for individual purchase.
Can I arrive before 11:00 AM?
You’re welcome to arrive early, but the festival officially opens at 11:00 AM. Food vendors, cultural exhibits, performances, and other festival activities will not begin operating before the official opening time.
Can I leave the festival and come back?
Yes. Because the festival is free and open to the public, you’re welcome to leave and return during festival hours.
FOOD & DRINKS
What kind of food will be available?
Come hungry!
Participating food vendors bring culinary traditions from around the world to Alexandria, giving visitors the opportunity to discover authentic dishes, flavors, and specialties from many different cultures throughout the day.
Visit our Food Vendors page as festival day approaches to explore participating vendors, countries, and featured cuisines.
Why can food lines sometimes take longer?
Many of the dishes served at the festival are prepared and cooked fresh on-site, and authentic food isn’t always fast food.
Some dishes naturally require more preparation time, particularly during peak dining hours. Food safety is also a priority, and participating vendors must follow applicable food-handling requirements, including proper cooking temperatures and preparation procedures.
We appreciate your patience while our vendors prepare your food properly. Explore, discover something new, and enjoy the experience while you’re here.
Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available?
Yes. Many participating food vendors offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and available dietary options are identified on vendor menus whenever applicable.
If you have a food allergy or specific dietary restriction, please speak directly with the vendor before ordering. Each vendor prepares and handles its own food, so ingredients and preparation methods may vary.
Can I bring my own food or beverages?
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted on the festival grounds. One of the best parts of the Around the World Cultural Food Festival is discovering the dishes and beverages prepared by our participating vendors, and we encourage visitors to support them while experiencing the festival.
Reasonable exceptions may be made for medical needs, dietary necessities, baby food, and other essential personal needs.
Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Will alcohol be available at the festival?
Yes. Visitors of legal drinking age can purchase alcoholic beverages inside our designated Beer Gardens.
A valid government-issued photo ID is required, and all alcohol service and consumption must follow applicable Virginia ABC regulations and festival policies.
Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
If you’re planning to enjoy the Beer Gardens, we strongly encourage using rideshare or public transportation. Grab something delicious, enjoy a cold beer, watch the cultural performances, explore the marketplace, and enjoy the festival responsibly.
How can I pay for food, drinks, and merchandise?
Festival vendors accept a wide variety of payment methods, including cash, credit and debit cards, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Square, and other electronic payment options.
Each vendor handles its own transactions, so accepted payment methods may vary slightly. Bringing more than one payment option is always a good idea.
SEATING, SHADE & WHAT TO BRING
Will there be seating and shade?
Yes. Seating and some shaded areas will be available throughout the festival grounds. However, Oronoco Bay Park has limited natural shade, and festival seating cannot accommodate everyone at the same time.
We strongly encourage visitors planning to spend the day with us to bring their own portable chairs, blankets, and personal umbrellas.
Find a comfortable spot, grab something delicious, enjoy a cold drink, watch the performances, explore the artisans and cultural exhibits, and make a day of it.
Can I bring my own chair, blanket, or umbrella?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it.
Portable chairs, blankets, and personal umbrellas are welcome in appropriate areas of the festival grounds.
Please keep walkways, emergency access routes, vendor areas, and performance spaces clear.
Can I bring a tent or canopy?
No. Personal tents, pop-up canopies, and similar structures are not permitted on the festival grounds.
If you would like portable shade, please bring a personal umbrella instead.
What should I bring?
August in Virginia can be hot, so come prepared for an outdoor day.
We recommend comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a portable chair or blanket, and a personal umbrella if you would like additional shade.
And perhaps most importantly:
Bring your appetite and your curiosity.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES & ENTERTAINMENT
When will the cultural performance lineup be announced?
Performers are announced throughout the months leading up to the festival as participation is confirmed.
Visit our Performers page and follow our festival updates as we introduce the cultural performers and groups joining us in 2026.
When will performance times be available?
The performance schedule is finalized closer to festival day once the lineup has been confirmed.
A preliminary schedule may be published beforehand, but performance times are subject to change. We recommend checking the latest schedule shortly before arriving and again on festival day.
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL
Where can I park?
Metered street parking and public parking garages are available throughout Old Town Alexandria, but parking near the waterfront can become very busy on festival day.
We strongly encourage visitors to consider rideshare, Metro, bus service, biking, or other public transportation whenever possible.
If you’re planning to visit the Beer Garden, rideshare or public transportation is an especially good choice. Come ready to eat, explore, enjoy a cold beer and the performances—and let someone else handle the drive home.
Visit our Map & Directions page before festival day for current transportation, parking, and arrival information.
Can I get to the festival by public transportation?
Yes. Old Town Alexandria is accessible by public transportation, with several options for reaching the waterfront and festival grounds.
Visit our Map & Directions page before your trip for the latest recommended routes and transportation information.
Where should rideshare vehicles drop off and pick up passengers?
Traffic patterns and street restrictions may change on festival day. Please check our Map & Directions page and the official festival Facebook Event page closer to the event for the latest recommended rideshare drop-off and pickup information.
ACCESSIBILITY & GUEST SERVICES
Is the festival accessible to visitors with disabilities?
The festival is held in a public waterfront park and welcomes guests of all abilities.
We are committed to making the festival experience as accessible as reasonably possible. Visitors with specific accessibility questions or accommodation needs are encouraged to contact the festival in advance so our team can provide the most current information about access, pathways, seating, parking, and available facilities.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restroom facilities, including accessible facilities, will be available during the festival.
Locations will be identified on the festival map and can also be confirmed at the Festival Information Booth.
Is there an Information Booth?
Yes. The Festival Information Booth will be available to assist with general questions, directions, schedules, Lost & Found, and other festival information.
Will there be a Lost & Found?
Yes. Lost & Found will be located at the Festival Information Booth.
If you lose an item during the festival, please check there before leaving the grounds.
FAMILIES & PETS
Is the festival family-friendly?
Absolutely. The Around the World Cultural Food Festival welcomes visitors of all ages.
Families can explore the world together through food, music, dance, art, performances, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions—all in one day.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are welcome provided they are properly leashed and under their owner’s control at all times.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and should carefully consider the weather, crowds, noise, and pavement temperatures before bringing an animal to the festival.
Water stations for pets will be available on the festival grounds.
WEATHER
Is the festival rain or shine?
Yes. The Around the World Cultural Food Festival is a rain-or-shine event.
A little rain won’t stop our trip around the world, so check the forecast, dress for the weather, and come prepared to enjoy the day.
The festival would only be canceled or postponed when circumstances beyond our control make it legally or safely impossible to proceed, including an official state of emergency or government directive requiring cancellation.
If the festival must be postponed, we will make every effort to reschedule the event for another date, and updates will be communicated through our official channels.
What happens if severe weather occurs during the festival?
The safety of our visitors, vendors, performers, volunteers, and staff always comes first.
Festival organizers will monitor conditions throughout the event and work with appropriate public safety officials when necessary. If severe weather requires temporary changes, delays, or other safety measures, instructions will be communicated on-site and through our official festival updates.
Unless an official cancellation or postponement is announced, the festival remains rain or shine.
VOLUNTEERING
Can I volunteer at the festival?
Absolutely. Volunteers play an important role in making the festival possible.
Volunteer assignments may take place before, during, or after the festival, depending on the role and the availability you provide. Our Volunteer Coordinator will work with selected volunteers regarding assignments and scheduling.
When you’re not working your assigned shift, you’re welcome to enjoy the festival as an attendee.
Visit our Volunteer page to submit an application and learn about current opportunities.
Can students receive community service hours?
Yes. Students who volunteer at the festival may request documentation of their completed community service hours.
Please let the Volunteer Coordinator know if verification is required.
PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL
How can I become a food vendor or cultural exhibitor?
Food vendors and cultural exhibitors interested in participating can apply through the appropriate Vendor Application.
Please review the current eligibility requirements, deadlines, fees, and application information before submitting your application.
How can I perform at the festival?
Traditional and cultural performers and groups interested in participating can apply through our Performer Application.
Please review the current participation requirements before applying.
How can artisans and crafters participate?
Artisans and crafters interested in joining our Global Marketplace can visit the Artisan & Crafter Application page for current requirements, deadlines, and availability.
How can my organization become a sponsor?
Organizations interested in supporting the festival can visit our Sponsors page or contact the festival team for current partnership opportunities.
We value sponsors who share our commitment to culture, education, community, and meaningful cultural exchange.
I’m a journalist, photographer, or member of the media. How do I request credentials?
Media professionals interested in covering the Around the World Cultural Food Festival can submit a request through our Media Pass Application.
Submitting an application does not guarantee credentials. Approved applicants will receive additional information from the festival team.
PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
Can I take photos and videos at the festival?
Personal photography and video are welcome throughout the festival, provided they do not interfere with performances, vendors, pedestrian traffic, or other guests.
Please be respectful when photographing individual performers, artisans, vendors, and festival attendees.
Professional, commercial, or media coverage may require prior authorization or festival media credentials.
FESTIVAL POLICIES
Can I distribute flyers, promote another event or business, collect donations, sell products, or solicit festival attendees?
No. Unauthorized solicitation or promotion of any kind is strictly prohibited on and around the festival grounds.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Distributing flyers, brochures, business cards, promotional materials, or samples
- Promoting another event, organization, business, product, or service
- Selling merchandise or products without authorization
- Soliciting donations or conducting unauthorized fundraising
- Collecting attendee information or signatures
- Displaying unauthorized signs, banners, or promotional materials
- Conducting unauthorized commercial, political, organizational, or promotional outreach
Only approved festival participants, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and authorized organizations may conduct promotional or commercial activities as part of the festival.
Businesses and organizations interested in having an official presence at the festival must apply or contact the festival team in advance through the appropriate participation, vendor, exhibitor, sponsor, or partnership channel.
What items are prohibited?
For the safety and comfort of everyone attending, the following items and activities are prohibited on festival grounds:
- Outside alcoholic beverages
- Personal tents, pop-up canopies, and similar structures
- Drones
- Illegal substances
- Glass bottles or containers
- Fireworks
- Explosives
- Weapons of any kind
- Balloons
- Fire poi or unauthorized fire performances
- Hammers
- Unauthorized vending, solicitation, or distribution of promotional materials
Additional items may be restricted when necessary to comply with applicable laws, venue requirements, public safety requirements, or instructions from festival and public safety personnel.
STAY UP TO DATE
Where can I find the latest festival updates?
For the most current information before and during the festival, follow the official Around the World Cultural Food Festival Facebook Event page.
This is where we will post festival announcements, performance schedules and updates, transportation information, weather-related notices, last-minute changes, and important festival-day information.
We strongly encourage everyone planning to attend to follow the Facebook Event before festival day.
For last-minute and festival-day changes, the Facebook Event page is the place to check first.