Marietta College will bring the world to its campus on Saturday, Feb. 21, with the annual Multicultural Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place on Seventh Street. The festival is free and open to the public.
Sponsored and organized by the Multicultural Club, the Department of Student Connections and Outreach, and the Student Government Association, the Multicultural Festival is one of the College’s most popular annual events, drawing hundreds of attendees from campus and the surrounding community. The festival highlights the rich diversity across campus and fosters cross-cultural connections through international cuisine, live performances, and diverse traditions from more than 20 countries.
The festival features traditional international dishes prepared by Marietta College students, faculty, staff, and community members, representing cultures from around the world. Guests are encouraged to sample a wide variety of cuisines while experiencing the traditions and stories behind the dishes being served.
“The Multicultural Festival is not only one of the most exciting events at Marietta College, but also a great opportunity to connect with cultures from around the world,” said Hinata Sotsuda ’25. “In past celebrations, countless community members have learned about cultures they had never experienced before. As a member of the Multicultural Club, I hope everyone enjoys an even bigger celebration this year.”
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy a lineup of vibrant cultural performances from both returning favorites and new acts. This year’s festival will feature five to six performers, including an African drum and dance group and student performer Kanae Yoshida ’26, who will present a traditional Japanese dance. Raffles will be held between acts for chances to win donated prize baskets, with proceeds helping to support festival costs, including groceries, performers and event supplies.
“The Marietta College Multicultural Festival is a signature event that celebrates the richness of our diverse campus and surrounding communities,” said Tony Mayle, director of Student Connections and Outreach and associate dean of students. “By bringing together cultural performances, traditions, and student leadership, the festival reflects our ongoing commitment to global learning and meaningful community engagement.”
The Multicultural Club at Marietta College celebrates cultural diversity by hosting events that bring students and community members from different backgrounds together. The club’s mission is to foster an inclusive environment, promote cross-cultural understanding, and enrich the college experience for all through educational programming.
Community members interested in sharing their culture are invited to contact Tony Mayle at aam006@marietta.edu. To learn more about the Marietta College Multicultural Festival, visit marietta.edu/multicultural-festival.