- April 30, 2026
The Daytona Beach International Festival will be held at Manatee Island Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16.
Presented by Cultural Awareness Fund. Inc, an Ormond Beach-based nonprofit, the festival is free and is designed as a family-friendly cultural experience that integrates entertainment, education and community engagement, according to a press release.
This year's theme is "American Exceptionalism and the Spirit of ’76."
"The 2026 festival is built around the theme of American Exceptionalism, framed not as isolationism, but as the result of the aggregation of global ideas, traditions, and cultural contributions that have shaped the United States," the press release states. "The festival explores how the nation’s founding principles were influenced by philosophies and practices from around the world.
"Within this context, the Spirit of ’76 is presented as a natural outcome of that global exchange—representing unity, independence, and innovation born from diverse influences," the press release continues. "The festival is structured to demonstrate that American identity is not singular, but rather an evolving synthesis of international cultures."
This is the second year the festival is being held. The inaugural festival was held in Ormond Beach and had 18 nations represented. Over 1,000 people attended.
Cultural Awareness Fund expects to see 27 nations represented at this year's festival, along with over 60 vendors and more than 150 performers and cultural participants. The festival is made possible thanks to the help of over 60 volunteers.
Additionally, local artist Natasha Aziri will lead a community unity mural, encouraging participation from attendees of all ages.
This year's festival is also adding a Student Global Passport Program, an educational experience for elementary school students. They will receive a physical passport and are encouraged to visit countries' booths; engage with cultural representatives; learn about language, food, customs and geography; complete interactive cultural activities; and collect stamps for each nation.
Classroom participation is encouraged. The winning classroom will win a $100 prize and a pizza party.
Manatee Island Park is located at 357 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.
