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 Founded in 1975, the International Festival was originally made to highlight the growing international student population on campus, but now continues to recognize the region’s growing cultural richness.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, 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 Charlotte Global 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, and University Communications.

The International Festival is held annually in the fall term, generally in the month of September or early October. The 2026 International Festival will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

New this year:

1. Charlotte FC Fan Activation area: Join us at the Charlotte FC Fan Activation area for non-stop action! Step inside the eSports Mobile Truck to play FIFA, test your aim at the goal challenge, and grab free Charlotte FC swag while supplies last. Don’t forget to sign up at the booth for your chance to win free match tickets! See you at I-Fest!
2. CMS Library Activity Zone: Celebrate your local public library with a day full of stories, creativity, and fun! Stop by to enjoy international storytimes with library staff at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors can also create crafts, play international board games, and explore all the ways the library connects our community.

For more information, contact Charlotte Global at UNC Charlotte at 704‑687‑7755 or send us a message.