The International Festival of Burnsville was established in 2006 to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. The Festival takes place at Nicollet Commons Park each summer and features a range of music and dance groups representing cultures around the globe. In addition to music, guests and their families can purchase food, admire culture displays, and engage in kid-friendly activities.
Our festival takes place on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the Dakota. The International Festival of Burnsville acknowledges this place has a complex and layered history. This land acknowledgement is one of the ways in which we work to educate our community about this land and our relationships with it and each other. The International Festival of Burnsville is committed to ongoing efforts to recognize, support, and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the International Festival of Burnsville?
We have a great lineup of performers! To see the schedule, visit the “Main Stage” page on the website.
Are there activities for kids?
Yes! The entire festival is family-friendly, but we have a special “Kids’ Village” with activities and crafts for children to enjoy. The Kids’ Village is open from 3-7pm. In addition, Nicollet Commons Park has an amazing water play feature, so bring the swim suits!
In addition, inside of the Ames Center we have a dedicated sensory-inclusive space. This space welcomes you as a retreat from the excitement of our day. Feel free to relax in this space and use the provided sensory supports as you’d like. This space is open from 3-9pm.
What other activities does the Festival offer?
In addition to our live main stage, we have special space for children in the Kids’ Village, cultural exhibits inside the Ames Center from 3-6pm, a curated art exhibit inside of the Ames Center from 3-6pm, and food for purchase from local restaurants.
Myself or someone in my family has special needs. What resources does the Festival provide?
The entire facility where the Festival takes place, Nicollet Commons Park and the Ames Center, meet ADA standards.
In addition, inside of the Ames Center we have a dedicated sensory-inclusive space. This space welcomes you as a retreat from the excitement of our day. Feel free to relax in this space and use the provided sensory supports as you’d like.
Where are restrooms located?
Restrooms are located behind the stage near the Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, inside of the Ames Center, or outside on the southside of the Ames Center.
Is food and beverage available at the Festival?
Yes, we have amazing food from local restaurants available for purchase. To see the menu, visit the food and beverage page.
In addition, soda, water, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
What is The Free Book Buggie?
The Free Book Buggie (TFBB) provides books to children and ignites a passion for reading. TFBB will be visiting the festival and providing a free book to each child. If you are interested in donating books to TFBB, feel free to bring them to the Festival and TFBB will happily put them to use at future events! To learn more, visit TFBB website.