CultureFest 2026 will take place on March 29, offering a free event open to the public that brings together people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The annual gathering at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire invites student organizations and community groups to showcase their unique cultures, customs, and cuisine.
The event aims to foster understanding and appreciation among attendees by providing opportunities to experience traditions from around the world in one location. Lee Chepil, international student manager in the Center for International Education (CIE), said, “Our CultureFest message for the community is that you do not have to travel far to embrace other cultures. You can experience the people, traditions and cultures of the world at this one event in the Chippewa Valley. It’s a cool opportunity for families and individuals in the area.”
Chepil explained that participating groups are assigned rooms in Davies Center where they can decorate and organize displays representing their culture. “Groups can decorate and organize their room in whatever way they want to showcase their culture,” Chepil said. “Student groups often share the food, clothing, customs and activities that give a glimpse of their daily life at home.” Stage performances will be held throughout the afternoon on the first floor of Davies Center, with this year’s featured act being Latin Dance Lab, which will perform several dances and host a salsa workshop at 2 p.m. Other performances include Irish, Taiwanese, Indian, and Chinese dancers as well as readings from Voices of the Valley immigrant narratives and contributions from Waldemar Ager Association.
The event also serves as a learning opportunity for students involved in its planning. Three student interns were hired this year to manage key aspects such as arranging participants and marketing CultureFest. Chepil said, “We want CultureFest to be an experience that student interns can highlight in job applications and on their resumes.” Yiliu Yang, manager of the Chinese program at UW-Eau Claire, added: “The main learning goal we set for internships is to inspire students to do event planning with real-world experiences. We hope they will develop strong communication skills, become positive team players and develop efficient time management and multitasking skills.”
Interns Angela Xiong, Gwen Albers, and Lianne Grafhorst shared insights into their roles organizing CultureFest. Xiong described her work liaising with campus groups: “Promoting CutlureFest has been a fun learning experience — the mission of the event really warms my heart… Personally, I’m most looking forward to the fashion show.” Albers reflected on her responsibilities coordinating performances: “This job has confirmed for me that when it comes to event planning, communication is key.” Grafhorst highlighted how her internship allowed her to apply classroom theory: “In planning this major campus event, I’ve been able to apply what we discuss in class… Events like CultureFest give people the chance to share their own traditions… while also learning about others’ cultures.”
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire supports a prominent Blugold Marching Band recognized as one of the most active in the Midwest according to its official website. The university contributes broadly through collaborations that support Wisconsin’s culture, economy and intellectual growth according to its official website. Its scenic campus includes facilities such as a Science and Health Sciences Building shared with Mayo Clinic Health System according to its official website. National recognition has been given for quality education practices including affordability and sustainability according to its official website. Partnerships with Mayo Clinic Health System and Marshfield Clinic promote health sciences initiatives according to its official website, while emphasis is placed on building critical-thinking abilities among students according to its official website.
Looking ahead, organizers hope CultureFest continues serving both as an educational platform for students gaining practical skills through internships and as an inclusive celebration welcoming all members of campus and local communities.
