Culture Encounters

CultureFest Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
2025-12-19 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York), 2025-11-21 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York), 2025-10-17 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Halifax), 2025-09-19 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Halifax) | Children’s Museum of Richmond Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr., Midlothian, VA, 23112, United States
Discover the richness of global cultures with CultureFest Fridays, a signature initiative in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Richmond! Each month showcases a new culture, providing a fun and family-friendly way to expand kids’ horizons and connect with the world.
Happening on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month, this fun and educational experience is designed for families and children to explore the world through performance and interactive activities.
What to Expect:

Live Cultural Performances: Enjoy engaging performances that showcase the music, dance, and traditions of the featured culture.
Interactive Sessions: Dive deeper into each culture through hands-on, interactive experiences that bring global traditions to life.

When & Where:

1st Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm: Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown Location
3rd Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm: Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield Location

Check out upcoming performers: https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/events/

CultureFest Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
2025-12-05 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York), 2025-11-07 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York), 2025-10-03 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Halifax), 2025-09-05 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Halifax) | Children’s Museum of Richmond Downtown, 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA, 23220, United States

Eat. Talk. Connect : The Annual Mantu Dinner Experience in partnership with BeFriend
2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Mantu, 10 S Thompson St, Richmond, VA, United States
Eat.Talk.Connect: The Mantu Experience
Hosted by Culture Encounters in partnership with our friends at Befriend
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Afghan culture through food, storytelling, and community connection. This Eat.Talk.Connect: The Mantu Experience features an exquisite multi-course meal prepared by Chef Noori, who will share the rich history behind his dishes, the story of his restaurant, and his inspiring work supporting women and children in Afghanistan.
Over the course of the evening, you will savor authentic Afghan flavors, learn about the traditions and resilience of a vibrant culture, and connect with others through meaningful conversation.
Come curious, come hungry, and leave inspired!
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Richmond International Dance Festival​
2025-09-20 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Deep Run Park & Recreational Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Richmond,, VA, 23233, United States
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind celebration of global rhythm, color, and connection! Hosted by Culture Encounters, this is Richmond’s only multicultural dance festival—and it’s free and open to all.
Enjoy free outdoor dance workshops for all ages, led by master instructors from Ghana, China, the Philippines, and more. Catch mini performances throughout the day, explore international flavors, and shop from a vibrant mix of cultural vendors.
Then step inside the Recreation Center to experience cultural exhibits, music videos, and short films that offer a deeper look into traditions from around the world.
The day ends in spectacular fashion with a Parade of Cultures—a joyful procession that honors heritage, identity, and the beauty of diversity.
Come curious. Leave inspired.
Dance, taste, and discover the world at Deep Run Park!

Conversations that Connect: Parenting in a Foreign Culture
2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | 23 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 United States, 23 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Raising children is never easy—and doing it in a culture that’s not your own brings unique joys, challenges, and questions.
Join us for Conversations that Connect: Parenting in a Foreign Culture, a community dialogue led by immigrant parents from various cultural backgrounds who are navigating parenthood in America.
This is a real, honest, cross-cultural exchange where stories, struggles, and strategies are shared. Whether you’re an immigrant parent, an educator, or simply curious about the lived experiences of others, this conversation is for you.
What to Expect:

A panel of diverse immigrant parents
Lively, respectful discussion
A welcoming space for shared learning and connection

Come early at 6:00 PM for light refreshments and a chance to mingle before we begin.
Let’s talk. Let’s connect.

CultureFest Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
2025-07-04 15:30 - 16:30 UTC | The Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA, United States
Discover the richness of global cultures with CultureFest Fridays, a signature initiative in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Richmond! Each month showcases a new culture, providing a fun and family-friendly way to expand kids’ horizons and connect with the world.
Happening on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month, this fun and educational experience is designed for families and children to explore the world through performance and interactive activities.

✨ What to Expect:

Live Cultural Performances: Enjoy engaging performances that showcase the music, dance, and traditions of the featured culture.
Interactive Sessions: Dive deeper into each culture through hands-on, interactive experiences that bring global traditions to life.

📅 When & Where:

1st Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm: Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown Location
3rd Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm: Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield Location

Check out upcoming performers: https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/events/

Eat.Talk.Connect. : A Jamaican Experience
2025-06-25 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Irie Ting Jamaican Grill, 100 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Culture Encounters invites you to Eat.Talk.Connect.: A Jamaican Culinary Experience—an evening of island flavors, community conversation, and cultural celebration.
This special edition honors Caribbean Heritage Month by spotlighting the bold and beloved traditions of Jamaica. Join us to explore the vibrant spirit, stories, and tastes of the island.
✨ What to Expect:
🍽 Authentic Jamaican Cuisine: Enjoy a family-style meal, featuring savory favorites like Curry Goat, Oxtail Stew, and Jerk Chicken, along with classic sides—Rice & Peas, Fried Plantains, Dumplings, and Cabbage. Starters include Saltfish Fritters and Callaloo Bites, and we’ll end on a sweet note with Jamaican Rum Cake.
💬 Island Vibes & Cultural Conversations: Learn about the roots of Jamaican food and how it brings people together. Engage in fun cultural trivia and share stories around the table.
🥤 Traditional Jamaican Beverages: Sip on refreshing Carrot & Ginger Juice and Sorrel Juice, staples of Jamaican hospitality.
🎶 Live Reggae & Dancehall Performance: Feel the pulse of the island with a dynamic live performance showcasing the infectious rhythms of Jamaican music and dance. From reggae grooves to energetic dancehall moves, this cultural showcase brings the heartbeat of Jamaica to life.
Why Attend? This isn’t just dinner—it’s a journey. A chance to celebrate Jamaican heritage, connect with community, and taste the soul of the Caribbean.
Bring your appetite, your friends, and your love of culture. Let’s Eat. Talk. Connect!!!
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