September 19 | Lake Charles Event Center

The 2026,
SWLA Int'l Culture Festival

A sophisticated gathering of global performance, traditional dress, food, music, art, and community stories in Southwest Louisiana.

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Presented by the International Club of Southwest Louisiana

Festival Experience

A richer way to experience culture.

Live performance, global cuisine, cultural competition, and community pride — the International Culture Festival turns Lake Charles into a meeting place for every tradition, all in one free, family-friendly day.

01

Live Performances

Music, dance, and traditional performance from cultures across the globe, all day on the main stage.

02

Global Food

A tasting route through world cuisines, with vendors serving dishes from their home countries.

03

Arts & Craft Display

A curated showcase of paintings, crafts, and cultural works by local and international artists celebrating heritage from around the world.

04

Competitions

A cappella singing and national-costume contests, with $2,000 in prizes on the line.

Dalia Matheus, President of the International Culture Festival

A Welcome From Our President

Every culture has a story to share.

The International Culture Festival was founded to bring Southwest Louisiana together around the traditions, food, music, and people that make our community truly global. Every culture has a story, and our festival is where those stories are shared — proudly, joyfully, and side by side.

On behalf of the International Club of Southwest Louisiana, I invite you and your family to join us in Lake Charles this September. Come as a guest, and leave as part of our family.

Dalia Matheus President, International Culture Festival

The Program

What a day on the floor looks like.

See the full program →

Folk Dance

Skirts, ribbons, marigolds.

Ballet folklórico troupes bring generations of Latin American movement to the main floor.

Ceremonial Dance

Parasols in motion.

Southeast Asian and Pacific traditions turn the room into a moving canvas of color.

The Marketplace

Many flags, one room.

Art, textiles, and family stories from every corner of the world — all in walking distance.

News & Updates

Latest from the Festival

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Participate

Choose your role in the festival.

Vendors

Vendor booth details, fees, deadlines, and application pathways will be available here.

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Sponsors

Partner with the festival and connect your brand with thousands of families, community leaders, and cultural organizations across Southwest Louisiana.

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Volunteers

Volunteer role descriptions and sign-up information will be available here.

Volunteer