The International Festival is centered around booths arranged in marketplace style representing the cultures of over 35 nations. The booths are staffed by UNC Charlotte students and members of the Charlotte area community. The International Festival also includes dance performances, a Parade of Nations and much more! The International Festival is open to the public with FREE entry and parking.

The International Festival has been one of UNC Charlotte’s longest standing and most prized traditions. Founded in 1975, the International Festival was originally made to highlight the growing international student population on campus, but now continues to recognize the region’s growing cultural richness.  Attendance at the International Festival in previous years has been estimated at over 20,000.

Festival goers can expect a day full of cultural enrichment and fun! There are scheduled performances on indoor and outdoor stages, a game zone with games from around the world, booths decorated to represent different countries/ cultures, tasty food from all corners of the earth, a giant 30ft inflatable earth balloon you can get inside of and explore and so much more. Look at our videos tab or Flickr page for highlights from past years. 

The International Festival is organized and primarily sponsored by the Office of International Programs but could not be made possible without the support from several campus and community partners including Chartwells and University Dining Services, Cone University Center, the Office of Business Affairs, Parking and Transportation Office, University Communications and Student Union Activities & Recreation.

Since 2024 we have been a proud cultural partner of the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF). This partnership helps to promote cultural awareness and appreciation within the Charlotte community that we are so grateful to be a part of.

The International Festival is held annually in the fall term, generally in the month of September or early October. The 2025 date will be announced following the approval of the University calendar.

For more information, contact the Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte at 704‑687‑7755 or send us a message.