Festival of Nations, powered by the International Institute of St. Louis, announces its 2026 performance lineup and a new single-day VIP ticket option ahead of the festival’s return to Tower Grove Park on Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30. The free two-day festival brings together 100,000+ attendees and features dozens of performances from all local talent.
Performances will take place throughout the festival grounds on two stages: the Main Stage and the Whitaker Foundation stage, bringing together musicians, dancers, poets, Djs and cultural organizations for one of St. Louis’ most expansive weekends of live cultural programming.
Nyara (Nyara Williams), a prominent St. Louis-based DJ, multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and creative director known for her dynamic DJ sets and visual storytelling exploring Black culture, will serve as the Main Stage DJ host throughout the weekend.
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Saturday’s Main Stage lineup includes Spirit of Angela West African Dance and Drum, Joia: World Percussion, Nando STL, American Raga Band, Gateway Science Academy and Eldraco+FreeNation.
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Sunday’s Main Stage features Ryan Marquez, Ballet Ollin USA, Enoch Raavi and the Indigenous Groove, Aska Maret, Orchestra Chevre and Blvck Spvde.
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The Whitaker Foundation Stage, hosted by St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine, will feature performances and appearances from St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society, Mexicanos en St Louis, Debsuta Roy, Sumak Kamari, STL Irish Arts, St. Louis Okinawa Eisa Yui, Ayati Rara Dance, Raw Style Kollective + Amara Arts and others.
The complete lineup and performance schedule are available at festofnations.com/lineup.
New this year, guests can purchase a single-day VIP pass, offering a more flexible and affordable way to enjoy the Festival’s upgraded experience without committing to the full weekend. Passholders receive access to the VIP Oasis at the Piper Palm House, including a dedicated entrance, air-conditioned lounge, indoor restrooms, a shaded patio, yard games, a dedicated Main Stage viewing area, complimentary beverages in limited quantities and in-and-out access throughout their selected day for $150 per person.
VIP Passholders receive air-conditioned lounge access, indoor restrooms and other perks at Piper Palm House. Courtesy of the International Institute of St. Louis
VIP Passholders receive air-conditioned lounge access, indoor restrooms and other perks at Piper Palm House (above, link here)
Each single-day VIP pass also includes early access to Festival of Nations Summer Series events and exclusive festival playlists, along with five entries into drawings for a Wanderlust vacation for two and two tickets to a St. Louis CITY SC home match.
Weekend VIP passes remain available and include single-day benefits along with designated parking, additional merchandise, a discount on Festival merchandise, and access to exclusive performances and meet and greet opportunities with performers throughout the weekend. VIP tickets can be purchased at festofnations.com/vip-
As the region’s largest multicultural celebration, Festival of Nations has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors annually to explore global traditions through food, dance, music, and storytelling. This year, the festival returns, centered around the vibrant immigrant communities of St. Louis and the local vendors, performers, and families who carry their cultures forward every day.
Festival of Nations is an extension of the International Institute of St. Louis’ nonprofit mission to help immigrants and refugees thrive throughout the region. While the Institute does not produce events as a source of revenue, the festival creates an opportunity to generate critical funding for its year-round services, including helping stock its food pantry for immigrant and refugee families in times of need.
For more information about the Festival of Nations, visit festofnations.com. Follow along on social media at @festofnations on Instagram, Facebook. You can learn about the International Institute of St. Louis and the services it provides the community through its website at www.iistl.org.
WHEN:
Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE:
Tower Grove Park
4257 Northeast Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Public parking is available throughout the park and surrounding areas
