Global Fest

Global Fest is a celebrated one-day festival in West Lafayette, Indiana, that honors world cultures through music, dance, crafts, cultural displays, and international food. The 2025 event will take place on September 20th along Northwestern Avenue, Chauncey Avenue, Columbia Street, and near the West Lafayette Public Library with continuous stage entertainment and family-friendly cultural activities. It is handicapped accessible and free to the public.

The event was established in 1995 to recognize and showcase the diverse community and global cultures present in West Lafayette. It has grown to include multiple stages with international music performances, dozens of booths offering cultural merchandise and craft beer, and children’s activities. Global Fest is jointly presented by the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department, Purdue Convocations, and the International Center of West Lafayette. It is supported by corporate sponsors, donations, volunteers, and community organizations that promote culture and diversity.

In 2025, the festival features a diverse lineup of internationally renowned performers such as Pahua, a Mexican producer, vocalist, and DJ who blends electronic and Latin rhythms. This and other musical acts provide continuous entertainment throughout the day. The festival also includes cultural exhibits, crafts, and an international food bazaar with global cuisines represented by many booths.

The atmosphere of Global Fest is vibrant and celebratory, filled with colorful cultural displays, the scent of international foods, and energetic live performances that create an inclusive, educational, and festive vibe. It invites the community to experience the richness of global traditions without leaving West Lafayette.

A rough schedule overview includes:

• Continuous stage entertainment featuring international musicians and dance performances along Northwestern Avenue and Columbia Street.
• A Food Bazaar occurring in the afternoon and evening, offering tastes from dozens of world cuisines.
• Cultural booths and displays interspersed throughout the festival area.
• Children’s activities and interactive cultural crafts, available throughout the day.

The festival's location along key streets and the public library creates a walkable, open-air setting that fosters community engagement and cultural exchange.

Overall, Global Fest is a long-standing, cherished event in West Lafayette that champions cultural diversity with immersive music, food, art, and hands-on experiences celebrating the global community.