IFest-MN is a 501 (c)3 Non-profit Organization.

The International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN) will take place April 9–10, 2027 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, gathering more than 70 nations and ethnic communities to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Minnesota and the world.

Formerly known as the Festival of Nations, IFest-MN marks a bold new chapter as an independent nonprofit organization. With an expected 20,000 attendees, including 7,000 students, the festival will offer immersive experiences in global cuisine, music, dance, artisan crafts, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations. From hands-on activities to dynamic performances, IFest-MN is designed to spark joy, foster understanding, and honor the rich heritage woven into our communities.

IFest-MN is an invitation to reconnect, rediscover, and reimagine. It’s a space where elders, youth, families, and neighbors gather—not just to witness culture, but to live it.

IFest-MN Board

Basil Ajuo – CEO – Minnesota Africans United.

Kevin Barton- Land O’ Lakes

Carolina Maranon-Cobos – Programming manager for the Institute of Advanced Study,  U of M.

John Bennett  – 21st Century Bank

Liz Raimann – Fox Tax Services.

Mark Ritchie- Global Minnesota (Retired)

Christine Noonan – MN State Fair

Marvin Martin

Sung Ja Shin – Minnesota Humanities Center

Dr Darling Yaj – Hmong Council 18

IFest Staff

Steve Heckler, Executive Director. Manages and oversees the Legacy-funded project.   CONTACT ifestmn at gmail.com

Courtney Silvan – Director of Operations

BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE A FESTIVAL LIKE THIS

IFest -MN is intentionally designed to be an interactive experience.  Don’t just do a quick look and walk by the vendors or you’ll miss out.  Stop.  Say hello.  Start a conversation. Ask a question. Find out for yourself who your Minnesota neighbors are. Give our vendors the opportunity to know about you. If you do this our community becomes a better place to live. That’s the point of this festival.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 

“Our kids have grown attending the festival and learned so much about different cultures appreciating each other. This festival has been the highlight of our events for sure and we are looking forward to being part of it again!”

“Dear Festival of Nations/IFest-MN Team,   This is the best news I’ve ever received! You have no idea how much this festival has been missed. It provides such a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about other countries and cultures in a direct and meaningful way.”   Teacher in Iowa

“I will definitely bring my students in April! I am so glad that this festival is happening again. Thank you for all your hard work in making this revival possible!”  LK – Minnesota

“We went 5 times to the Festival of Nations and were sad it ended. SO HAPPY we can give our students the opportunity again.”

“We are SO GLAD this event is back on! Thank you for your leadership.”