Nov. 15: Minnesota State Mankato to host 2026 Mankato Area International Festival
Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato is celebrating 50 years of the Mankato Area International Festival on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Centennial Student Union.
Admission and parking are free for the family-friendly festival, which according to organizers is one of Minnesota’s largest international events. A sampling of international cuisines from five continents will be available for purchase, with most entrees priced at around $6.
To celebrate the 50th festival, the first 250 individuals to purchase 10 food tickets will receive a commemorative spork.
Ballroom doors will open at 11 a.m. An opening ceremony will begin at 11:15 a.m. with a flag parade throughout the Centennial Student Union and a short welcome from Minnesota State Mankato Dean of Global Education Will Coghill-Behrends.
The Mankato Area International Festival is a showcase for the foods, music, dance and cultures of dozens of nations, all in one place on one day. This year’s main interactive performance of the day will be with Titambe West African Dance.
Minnesota State Mankato international students produce most of the festival’s food and performances, but other local and regional vendors, restaurants and performance groups also participate.
Minnesota State Mankato, the Kearney International Center and members of the University’s International Student Association sponsor, coordinate and implement the festival. The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council is an event sponsor.
For more information, including a complete schedule and list of activities, visit the Mankato Area International Festival website or call the Kearney International Center at 507-389-1281.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,958 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
