The festival showcased the town’s growing multicultural spirit, drawing 1,300 for an evening of food, music, and cultural performances.
The town of Fairfield welcomed its first-ever International Food Fest on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC), drawing more than 1,000 attendees for an evening of food, music, and cultural performances. Presented by Fairfield University’s Center for Arts & Minds and organized by ConnectFairfield, the festival showcased the town’s growing multicultural spirit.
Attendees sampled a wide array of international dishes, from Korean bulgogi and Thai dumplings to Greek gyros and Mexican ceviche, alongside sweet treats like gelato and Italian ice. Local chefs prepared each dish, offering authentic tastes from around the world in a lively outdoor setting.
Entertainment throughout the evening highlighted global traditions. Festivalgoers enjoyed Latin dance by Bachata Dance Studios, Irish step dance from the Lenihan School of Irish Dance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, belly dancing by Joy Herbst & the Joy Dancers, Sandžak dance, and Israeli dance performances. Live music featured Pangea WorldBeat and Otis and the Hurricanes adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Interactive activities brought a hands-on cultural experience. Visitors enjoyed free henna tattoos, creating jewelry, face painting, posing at an “Around the World” selfie gallery, and contributing to a giant heritage chalk mural, as well as exploring educational exhibits from the Fairfield Museum & History Center, and viewing short cultural films presented by the Bridgeport Film Fest.
The festival also supported the community. A portion of ticket proceeds benefited Operation Hope, a local nonprofit addressing hunger and homelessness in Fairfield County.
The first Fairfield International Food Fest combined global cuisine, cultural performances, and community engagement, creating an inclusive celebration for families and food lovers alike. Organizers hope the festival will become a cherished annual tradition, reflecting Fairfield’s vibrant multicultural identity while fostering connections across cultures through shared experiences.
