ALEXANDRIA, VA – Old Town’s waterfront will once again become a global gathering place on Saturday, August 23, as the 9th annual Around the World Cultural Food Festival takes over Oronoco Bay Park. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., festival-goers can eat, shop, and dance their way across more than two dozen countries without ever leaving Alexandria. Admission is free, and organizers say this year’s celebration will be the biggest yet.
Food First: 24 Countries, 150+ Dishes
The festival is best known for its food, and for good reason. With more than 150 authentic dishes representing 24 nations, the event delivers a true tasting tour of the world. In a distinctive twist, only one food vendor is invited to represent each country, ensuring authenticity and variety. Guests will be able to savor Lebanese shawarma, Turkish kebabs, Peruvian ceviche, Jamaican jerk chicken, Greek souvlaki, Japanese ramen, and Vietnamese banh mi. Empanadas will appear in multiple regional styles, with Argentina, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and India each showcasing their own interpretation of the beloved dish. For dessert, festival-goers can look forward to pastries and sweets from France, Japan, Vietnam, and more…