The Local Color Festival in Roanoke, Virginia is the largest free multicultural festival in the area, celebrating its 32nd edition on May 20th at Elmwood Park. The festival features parades representing cultures from around the world, performance acts, and booths offering cuisine, artisan crafts, educational and cultural exhibits, and community partner information. There are also spaces dedicated to children to explore and learn with interactive activities, face painting, and more.
One unique feature of the festival is an international beer truck where visitors can sample various spirits from around the world. Performances are scheduled throughout the day, including by the Southwest Virginia Ballet, World of Festivals, Dance Community Arts Reach, and Dream Dance Fitness. The festival’s executive director, Lisa Spencer, highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse cultures present in Southwest Virginia.
Visitors can sample a variety of foods from vendors such as Kona Coffee House, Suda’s Kitchen, Lynchburg’s Caribbean Jerk Pot, Empanadas Nirvana Roanoke, and more with an empty stomach. The festival runs from 11am to 5pm and is organized by Local Colors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and understanding in the region.
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