Mankato Area International Festival
November 15, 2026 from 11am-3pm
Come curious. Leave inspired. Ready to celebrate the world with us?
The festival is an excellent opportunity for people from all over the state to gather, interact, learn, and celebrate! The festival is a collaborative effort by Global Education, the Centennial Student Union, students, and community members.
More information, photos and promotional videos are available on Facebook.
Food & Ticket Information
All festival purchases can only be made with festival tickets. You can purchase tickets on the main and second floors of the CSU with cash or credit card.
The first 250 attendees to purchase at least $10 in food tickets will receive a commemorative spork.
Food Booths & Menus
Food booths will open at 11:30am.
Ethiopia and Eritrea Student Association
- Minchet (beef stew) with injera
Hmong Student Association
- Hmong sausage and sticky rice
- Thai tea
Japanese International Association
- Dorayaki (Japanese fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste and whipped cream)
- Matcha latte
MavLankans
- Kottu
Native American Student Association
- Wild rice hot dish
NeStCom
- Momo
- Mango Lassi
Somali Student Association
- Barris & Suqaar (Somali Rice & Chicken Combo)
- Somali cakes
- Somali Tea (Shaax)
- Vimto (Fruit Juice)
Schwarmania will have a booth with multiple items from their menu.
Cultural & Vendor Booths
Learn about cultures from around the world! Stop by our many cultural booths sponsored by international student and community organizations and do some shopping at our unique vendor booths!
Experience a variety of entertainment and a fashion show from our very own Minnesota State University, Mankato international students! Performances will begin at noon and conclude at 3pm with the closing of the Festival. These performances will be live streamed. Stay tuned for the live stream link!
Photo Contest
The photo contest will run from 11am to 3pm. Everyone is encouraged to come check out the photos and vote for their favorite. There are over 150 photo entries from students, faculty, and staff.
Want to submit your own photo?
Main Stage (Ballroom) Schedule
- 11:15am: Official Festival Opening & Welcome by Dean Coghill-Behrends
- 11:30am: International Student Association (ISA) Flag Parade
- 12noon: Welcome from Student Emcees, Sagareeka & Sayhan!
- 12:15pm: International Student Association (ISA) Fashion Show
- 12:30pm: Nritya Kalakshetra Academy of Performing Arts
- 1:00-2:00pm: Student Performers
- MavLankans
- Laurianne Bananga
- Ethiopian Dance Group
- Phuc Vinh
- K-Pop Dance Group
- 2:15pm: Titambe Dance Ensemble
World Bazaar
Take home a treasure from around the world at this year’s International Festival! Explore our vibrant "Grab 'n' Go" global market for authentic trinkets and gifts, or place your bids in our silent auction showcasing collectible, original international artwork. All proceeds directly benefit the International Student Emergency Fund, supporting students when unexpected hardships arise.
