The Cultural Festival will hit the Brown Ballroom on Saturday, August 2.

The festival will open at 11 a.m., with performances throughout the day that include a Kendo Japanese sword demonstration, the Sugar Creek Cloggers, a gospel showcase, dancers from FATA: From Africa to America, the Bloomington-Normal Philippines Dance Troupe and Dexter O’ Neal & the Funk Yard. A full schedule is available online.

This is the 35th year of the festival designed to promote and foster appreciation of cultures through entertainment and educational activities.  The day also provides a forum for community organizations to promote positive activities for civic, educational and social purposes.

The festival is free and open to all ages. The Children’s Village features a special kid zone filled with activities and crafts, a bounce house, face painting and information about Reggie’s Kids Club, which allows children 12 and under to receive free admission to Illinois State athletic events.

Illinois State is one of the sponsors of the event, along with State Farm Insurance Cos., COUNTRY Financial, Ameren, the City of Bloomington Human Relations Commission and the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau.