The International Festival at Overture Center is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, showcasing music, dance, and performances from around the globe. This annual event, held in Madison, Wisconsin, invites attendees to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, featuring over 30 ensembles that represent various cultures and traditions. From the energetic Chinese lion dance performed by the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association to the lively Cuban rhythms of Rebulú, the festival promises a day filled with captivating performances and engaging activities.
Mark your calendars for **Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.** This year’s festival is set to be a spectacular gathering that highlights the cultural heritage of the Madison community. With more than 30 **FREE performances** scheduled throughout the Overture Center, attendees can enjoy a diverse array of artistic expressions from local artists who call Dane County home. In addition to the performances, the festival will feature a food and vendor market, offering a taste of global cuisines and a chance to purchase unique arts and crafts.
For those unable to attend in person, select performances will be livestreamed on **[Overture’s Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/overturecenter/)**, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cultural celebration.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE – 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Festival-goers can look forward to a dynamic lineup of performances, including:
- Atimevu – Traditional music from Ghana
- Beni Daiko – Japanese Taiko drumming
- Breckenridge School of Highland Dance – Scottish dance featuring swirling kilts
- Charanga Agozá – Cuban dance music in the charanga tradition
- Cris & Ann Plata – Mexican/American music with European influences
- Guitar House of Madison – Passionate Spanish guitar music
- Hmong Institute’s Heritage Club – Fashion show showcasing Southeast Asian and Nepalese customs
- Last Gaspe – A blend of Canadian, Irish, and American fiddle music
- NEW! Lochanside – Modern Scottish music and renditions of popular hits
- LuLu Quintet – French/Romany jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt
- NEW! Madison Area Argentine Tango – Social tango dancers of all levels
- Mad Craic Irish Dance – Traditional and modern Irish dance
- Madison Chinese Culture Association – Promoting Chinese culture within the community
- Madison Männerchor – Wisconsin’s oldest German chorus
- Madison Pipes & Drums – Celebrating Celtic heritage through music
- Meenakshi Ganesan & the Kalaanjali Dance Company – Bharatanatyam classical Indian dance
- Mona Augustin – Award-winning Haitian American musician
- NEW! Mukala – A fusion of classical, semi-classical, and folk dance
- Raizes do Brasil – A martial art that combines self-defense, dance, music, and acrobatics
- Rebulu Group – Classic Cuban conjunto music
- Sadira Middle Eastern Dance – Joyful classical women’s dance of the Middle East
- Sergio El Vacilon – Cuban son guajira and cha cha cha
- SNV Dance School – Bharatanatyam Indian dance
- Son Del Atlantico – Latin fusion band with Colombian music
- Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance – Fiery Spanish dances
- The Nepali Nach – Maruni dance, a vibrant folk dance of Nepal
- Tri Bratovchedki – A cappella songs from Eastern Europe
- UW Russian Folk Orchestra – Authentic Russian/Eastern European music
- Yid Vicious – A festive blend of Klezmer music
- Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association – Traditional Lion Dance with drums and gongs
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
In addition to the performances, the festival will host a variety of special activities:
- Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Hands-on activities and art demonstrations by various artists.
- UW-Madison International Reach (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Explore new cultures with student ambassadors.
- Quartz Passport to Health Hub (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Engaging activities for the whole family.
FOOD VENDORS
Festival attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious cuisines from:
- Afghan Kabul Cuisine
- Café Costa Rica
- Italian Workmen’s Club – Madison
- Jakarta Cafe
- Madame Chu Delicacies
- Rolling Pin Bake Shop
- The Sam’s Elegant Team
INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Explore the International Market featuring:
- Akarim African Enterprise
- Chi World & Health LLC
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Friendship Force of Wisconsin-Madison
- German School of Madison
- Hope Institute of Uganda
- Inti Fair Trade
- Madison Area Chinese Community Organization
- Polish Heritage Club of Madison-Wisconsin
- Thai Village Inc.
For the latest updates on performers and vendors, visit **[overture.org/if](http://overture.org/if)**.
The International Festival 2026 is presented in partnership with Quartz.
OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Madison, Wisconsin, is a nonprofit arts organization that features state-of-the-art performance spaces and galleries. It engages the community through over 500,000 educational and artistic experiences each year, supporting the creative culture and economy of the region. For more information, visit **[overture.org](http://www.overture.org/)**.
