Ethnic Expo

About the Event

Step into a world of global flavors, rhythms, and traditions at Ethnic Expo, Columbus, Indiana's premier celebration of cultural diversity. This two-day festival transforms the heart of downtown into a lively global village, where over 35,000 visitors gather to savor international cuisines, browse artisan marketplaces, groove to live music and dance, and create joyful memories with family-friendly fun. What makes it special is its heartfelt embrace of Columbus's cosmopolitan spirit—home to people from every corner of the earth—fostering connections through shared stories, dances, and bites of home. The atmosphere buzzes with infectious energy: laughter echoes amid sizzling street food aromas, colorful booths brim with handmade treasures, and stages pulse with performances that span continents. Whether you're a local proud of your heritage or a visitor craving authentic cultural immersion, Ethnic Expo feels like a warm hug from the world, inviting everyone to celebrate unity in diversity. ## The Surrounding Area
Nestled in the rolling hills of Bartholomew County, Columbus shines as one of Indiana's architectural gems, often called the "Athens of Indiana" for its stunning modern landmarks designed by world-renowned architects like I.M. Pei and Eero Saarinen. The festival unfolds right around Columbus City Hall at 123 Washington Street in the vibrant downtown core, where tree-lined streets buzz with indie shops, cozy cafes, and galleries. Nearby, explore architectural icons like the Irwin Union Bank (now a museum) or the sculptural Cleveland Junior High—perfect for a pre- or post-festival stroll. Dining options abound beyond the expo: grab farm-to-table bites at local favorites or unwind at craft breweries. This corner of Indiana blends small-town charm with big-city sophistication, making it an ideal weekend escape just an hour south of Indianapolis, where history, innovation, and hospitality converge. ## Activities & Attractions
Ethnic Expo brims with delights for every sense and age. International food booths line the streets, offering tantalizing tastes from Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and beyond—think spicy tacos, aromatic curries, fresh gyros, and sweet empanadas from local and global vendors. Wander the marketplace bazaar, where artisans showcase handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, clothing, and unique cultural keepsakes perfect for souvenirs. Live entertainment captivates on dual stages: catch mariachi bands, taiko drummers, belly dancers, percussion ensembles, choirs, and DJ sets spinning world beats. Highlights include the Cummins Diversity Choir, Southern Indiana Taiko workshops, Liah Mazz's mesmerizing belly dancing, and headliners like Brett Wiscons and Uprizin The Band. Children's activities in the activity tent, hosted by kidscommons, spark creativity with interactive games, crafts, and cultural play zones open all day. Don't miss art displays featuring diverse visual arts, plus a biergarten for relaxed vibes with live music—pure family fun under the autumn sun. ## Schedule & Logistics
Mark your calendars for October 9-10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, surrounding Columbus City Hall. Friday kicks off at 11 a.m. with food and marketplace openings; kids' activities run until 7 p.m., while main stage performances heat up from 4 p.m. with Mariachi Sol Jalisciense, followed by choirs, taiko drums, workshops, and DJ Smooth G closing the night. The biergarten stage features DJ sets and Bruce Humphries. Saturday mirrors the energy: main stage from 11 a.m. with Bartholomew Reads Council, CGM Percussion, bands, belly dancing performances and workshops, Brett Wiscons, and more DJ action; biergarten hosts Hi Rise, DJs, and Marissa Fullenkamp; kids' tent buzzes all afternoon. The event is free, handicapped accessible, and family-friendly. Parking is plentiful in nearby downtown lots and garages—arrive early for prime spots. Easy access via major highways makes it a breeze to join the festivities. ## History & Heritage
Since its founding in 1984, Ethnic Expo has been a cornerstone of Columbus's cultural heartbeat, born from the city's commitment to honoring its ethnic mosaic and welcoming residents from around the globe. Organized by the City of Columbus with longtime title sponsor First Financial Bank, it started as a modest gathering to spotlight local diversity and has blossomed into one of the area's largest festivals, drawing 30,000-35,000 attendees annually. Now approaching its 42nd year in 2026, it has evolved from simple heritage showcases into a dynamic platform for music, food, and exchange, strengthening community bonds and pride. This enduring tradition underscores Columbus's identity as a vibrant, inclusive hub, where every expo weaves new threads into the city's rich tapestry of togetherness.