Welcome to the Richmond International Dance Festival!
The Richmond International Dance Festival is an annual celebration of dance from cultures around the world, bringing together groups representing their culture from all over the world for a full day of workshops, live performances, global foods, kids’ activities, and the colorful Parade of Cultures. Together, we showcase how dance truly unites the world — crossing boundaries, sparking joy, and connecting us through rhythm.
Call for Performers
Saturday, August 14, 2027 | 11 AM–5 PM
Three years of music, movement, and culture from around the world.
2026 Richmond International Dance Festival Recap
Now in its third successful year, the festival has grown into one of Richmond’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, recently hosted at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Each year brings more performers, more flavors, and more ways to move, taste, connect, and celebrate the world right here in Richmond. With more than 18 groups participating, you can look forward to a full day of workshops, live performances, delicious global foods, kids’ activities, and the colorful Parade of Cultures to close it all out.
2025 Richmond International Dance Festival Recap
Our second year was an unforgettable celebration held on National Dance Day, bringing together over 15 groups for workshops, live performances, global foods, kids’ activities, and the colorful Parade of Cultures.
Through dance, we crossed boundaries, shared joy, and connected as one community.
2024 Richmond International Dance Festival Recap
Richmond International Dance Festival is hosted by Culture Encounters, is Richmond’s only multicultural dance festival. This event highlights the power of dance as a universal language, offering youth and adult workshops led by instructors from diverse cultures, including India, the Philippines, Ghana, and around the world. The festival aims to unite attendees of all backgrounds, fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. The inaugural festival on September 7, 2024, featured dance performances, a food fair, and community vendors, promoting cultural appreciation through the arts
Richmond International Dance Festival in the news
Richmond International Dance Festival - Aug. 15, 2026
Vivid colors and performances were on full display Aug. 15 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, which hosted the Richmond International Dance Festival, presented by Culture Encounters.
The event spotlighted and featured performers and exhibitors from 18 cultures, including Ghanaian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Peruvian, Irish, and Indian traditions, among others. In addition to live performances, the festival offered free dance classes, food, vendors and a kids’ station.
The Richmond International Dance Festival Unites Communities, One Step at a Time
For the third year, Culture Encounters has hosted the Richmond International Dance Festival. In just a few short years the festival has grown considerably from just a few dance organizations to 17 performing at this festivall held on August 15, 2026 at their new location, .
2025 Richmond International
Dance Festival
On Sept. 20, Deep Run Park hosted the second Richmond International Dance Festival, featuring diverse performances and interactive workshops. The event thrived despite a storm that ended the day early.
Dance festival to celebrate Richmond’s cultural diversity
The Richmond International Dance Festival returned to Deep Run Park for its second year, featuring 16 dance troupes from around the world, global food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Organized by Culture Encounters and Henrico’s Outreach & Engagement Agency, the festival celebrated diversity and community through music, movement, and cultural exchange.
Richmond’s only multicultural dance festival returns to Deep Run Park Saturday
The 2nd Annual Richmond International Dance Festival returned to Deep Run Park with an expanded lineup of global dance troupes, food vendors, and cultural activities. Presented by Culture Encounters in partnership with Henrico Outreach & Engagement Agency and BLK RVA, the festival celebrated Richmond’s diversity while building connections through music, movement, and community spirit.
Put on your dancing shoes for the first ever Richmond International Dance Festival
Richmond International Dance Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration presented by Culture Encounters that brings communities together through global dance, music, and culture. Hosted in Henrico County, the festival features live performances, hands-on dance workshops for all ages, cultural vendors, and international cuisine. Attendees will be able to learn dance from several dance groups throughout the day, including Nrityageet USA, the Belly Dance School of Richmond, the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance, Panamanian Traditional Dance Group and Sayaw Diversity. No dance experience is needed.
2025 Richmond International Dance Festival celebrates region's 'beautiful diversity'
Organizations partnered to showcase global dance traditions and cusines. Creating opportuniteis for community connection and cultural appreciation.