Overture Center’s International Festival is a fun and free way to get to know your neighbors in Madison’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The annual festival takes place on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in every part of Overture Center, from the massive Overture Hall to the tiny Rotunda Stage.
The festival includes over 30 free performances from Madison organizations representing cultures all over the world. Add in a bunch of food and craft vendors, and it’s like a trip around the world without leaving the isthmus.
You can check out the full schedule here. And in the meantime, here are a few highlights, although the best way to experience the festival is to wander from place to place, constantly surprised at what you see next.
💃 What To See, From Flamenco to Taiko Drumming
In Overture Hall, Tania Tandias Flamenco and Spanish Dance (1:15 p.m.) will perform fiery flamenco dances from southern Spain, followed by Charanga Agozá (2:30 p.m.) who will get audiences out of their seats with Cuban dance music.
Percussion, dance, and martial arts combine in Japanese taiko drumming by Beni Daiko (1:15 p.m.) in the Capitol Theater. The Afro-Caribbean dance known as capoeira also incorporates elements of martial arts – catch Raízes do Brasil (3:15 p.m.) in the Capitol Theater.
Zhong Yi Martial Arts (10:15 a.m.) will celebrate the Chinese New Year with its lion dance in the Overture Lobby, while the LuLu Quintet (1:30 p.m.) will invoke the spirit of guitarist Django Reinhardt and “hot club” Romany jazz.
🍜 What To Eat, From Tacos to Curry Squash
The Hmong Institute will be serving up curry squash and five-spice chicken, while Rolling Pin Bake Shop will have Hungarian goulash and savory or sweet pirosky pastries. Jakarta Cafe’s popular food truck will have several kinds of tacos for sale, and the Italian Workmen's Club will offer classic meatball and Italian beef sandwiches.
🖌️ What To Buy and Do
The second floor of Overture’s Promenade Lobby will be devoted to market vendors and informational booths. Many of Madison’s sister cities, including Frieburg, Germany, will have booths set up. The Madison chapter of Friends of Ukraine, the Hope Institute of Uganda, and the Nepali American Friendship Association will have representatives there.
There will also be a bunch of hands-on activities for kids and grown-ups, hosted by Blue Bear Studios, Earth Jewelry, Sky Woman Beadwork, and more.
