About This Festival

The Ethnic Expo in Columbus, Indiana, will be held on October 10 and 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, surrounding Columbus City Hall at 123 Washington Street. It is a two-day festival celebrating diverse cultures with a rich program of international food, marketplace booths, continuous live entertainment, and children's activities. The event is one of the largest festivals in the city, expected to draw over 30,000 visitors, and is free and handicapped accessible.

Ethnic Expo 2025 marks the 40th event of this longstanding community tradition, which began in 1984 to celebrate Columbus’s ethnic heritage and cosmopolitan population. The festival’s theme, "Celebrating Our 40s," highlights cultures from around the world through food, music, dance, art, and cultural exchange. First Financial Bank remains the presenting sponsor, supporting keeping the event free to the public.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings

The festival takes place in downtown Columbus around City Hall, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere full of cultural pride and community connection. Visitors experience a global cultural village feel with the blend of international tastes, arts, crafts, music, and family-friendly entertainment. The vibe is festive, multicultural, and celebratory, emphasizing inclusion, heritage, and togetherness.

Activities and Attractions

  • International Food Booths: A wide variety of global cuisine from local and international vendors, representing many cultures.
  • Marketplace/Bazaar Booths: Vendors selling crafts, artworks, clothing, and unique items showcasing cultural traditions.
  • Live Entertainment: Stages featuring music and dance performances from diverse cultural groups scheduled throughout both days.
  • Children’s Activities: Family-oriented fun including interactive cultural games, crafts, and performances.
  • Art Displays: Visual arts celebrating cultural diversity and local artists.

Rough Schedule (Typical for Both Days)

  • 11:00 a.m. – Event opens with food booths, marketplace, and art displays opening
  • 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Continuous live performances on stages, including music, dance, and cultural demonstrations
  • Children’s activity zones open throughout the day
  • 10:00 p.m. – Event closes

History and Founding

Ethnic Expo was founded in 1984 as a community celebration of the ethnic and cultural diversity within Columbus. The city has a rich population from various parts of the world and strong cultural traditions, and this festival was created to honor and showcase that diversity. It has grown to be one of the city's largest annual events, fostering cultural exchange and community pride over four decades.

In summary, Ethnic Expo 2025 serves as a dynamic cultural mosaic and community celebration in Columbus, offering visitors an immersive experience into global traditions through vibrant food, arts, performances, and family-friendly activities in a festive and accessible downtown setting.