The International Culture Festival of SWLA is a free, family-friendly celebration of global heritage, culture, and community — presented by the International Club of Southwest Louisiana at the Lake Charles Event Center.
Who We Are
The International Culture Festival of SWLA connects local and global communities through food, dance, music, and cultural storytelling at the Lake Charles Event Center.
Read Our MissionOur Mission
We give every culture a stage — its music, dress, cuisine, and craft — shared proudly and passed forward to the next generation.
Rooted in partnership with our faith communities, the festival honors the spiritual heritage that has long bound Southwest Louisiana together.
One free, welcoming day where families of every origin meet as neighbors — come as a guest, leave as part of the family.
Our mission is to celebrate and promote the beauty of cultural traditions, faith, and unity while creating an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can come together to connect, learn, and celebrate.
Our Story
Southwest Louisiana has long gathered to celebrate the many nations that call it home. That earlier spirit of the Festival of Nations — neighbors sharing the food, dress, and music of their heritage — laid the groundwork for what the festival is today.
On September 20, 2025, the International Culture Festival of SWLA debuted at the Lake Charles Event Center, drawing thousands of attendees. The City of Lake Charles officially proclaimed the day “International Culture Festival Day.”
Returning to Lake Charles in September 2026, the festival is growing in reach, sponsorship, and cultural representation — carrying the same mission forward for the communities of the I-10 corridor and beyond.
Why It Matters
The International Culture Festival represents a renewed commitment to celebrating the global heritage woven into the fabric of Southwest Louisiana. As the second installment of the growing Festival of Nations tradition, this expanded event brings together neighbors, families, and community partners to experience the beauty of diverse cultures through music, cuisine, faith, and storytelling. This celebration fosters a spirit of inclusion, understanding, and connection — values that strengthen our region and inspire future generations.
Your sponsorship or participation will directly support these efforts, and you’ll be recognized on-site, in press releases, social media, and other promotional materials.
Our Impact
Leadership
The International Culture Festival is produced under the International Club of Southwest Louisiana. Each is led independently — the Club as the presenting organization, the Festival as the event it brings to life.
The community organization that founds, governs, and presents the festival.
President, International Club of Southwest Louisiana
As President of the International Club of Southwest Louisiana, Erin Morales sets the strategic direction for the organization and the festival it presents. She leads partner and community relations, guides the board through its annual priorities, and champions the cultural exchange the festival was created to celebrate.
The annual celebration produced under the Club, with its own executive leadership.
President
As President of the International Culture Festival, Dalia R. Matheus carries the festival from vision to celebration. She stewards the programming, partnerships, and on-the-ground experience that bring thousands of neighbors together each September, ensuring every culture has a place at the table and a story to share.
Coordinator, 2026 Event
As Coordinator of the 2026 International Culture Festival, Diana Guileaux Ross leads the festival’s vision, programming, and partnerships for the year ahead. She brings the communities of Southwest Louisiana together around a shared celebration of culture — ensuring every tradition has a place at the table and every guest leaves as part of the family.
Get Involved
We are currently seeking community members, cultural groups, and local businesses to join us in making this celebration possible.
Set up a cultural booth or food stand and share your heritage with thousands of attendees.
Bring your culture to the stage through music or traditional dance.
Contribute goods or services that help make the festival possible for everyone.
Support the event financially and be recognized on-site, in press releases, and on social media.
Lend your time and energy to help promote and run the festival.
Our Community
CITGO
Lotte Chemical
Phillips 66
Townsley Law Firm
Shamieh Law Firm
Whether you sponsor, vend, volunteer, or simply join us as a guest — there’s a place for you in Lake Charles this September.