February 9, 2026
Cuisine, activities available at Ferris State’s International Festival of Cultures on Feb. 15
The International Festival of Cultures is set to return for the 36th time at Ferris State University, filled with cuisine, demonstrations, and other fun opportunities during the Global Market theme.
The event is set for 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms, 805 Campus Drive.
Those interested are encourage to purchase food tickets prior to the event date, which cost 50 cents for Ferris students and $1 for other attendees, with tickets available for purchase individually, or in books of five, 10, and 20.
Dr. Tara Braun is the executive director of the Office of International Education and recognizes just how important the annual event is to promote diversity and community at Ferris State and surrounding areas.
“The festival is in its 36th year and has been a long standing, exciting and diverse event on campus. It highlights the diversity on campus and provides an opportunity to learn more about the world through performances, demonstrations, games, and international cuisine,” she said.
Remaining steadfast about expanding outreach with each passing year of the International Festival of Cultures has been critical for the OEI. Braun noted that’s why the group decided to make the event part of the Big Rapids Festival of Arts.
She believes the partnership has done an excellent job of more outreach, as students are also tasked with coordinating a unique them each year.
This year’s Global Market theme will not only include similar opportunities seen in years past but also feature displayed textiles and clothing from around the world to share the vast cultural backgrounds among Ferris State Bulldogs.
“This event focuses on the diversity on campus but also in the greater community, including off campus. It brings together students, faculty, staff, and volunteers from the community,” Braun said. “It also focuses on and demonstrates the uniqueness of each of our cultures but also how we are one world (greater community). All volunteers come together to work on preparing the food, serving the food, and assisting throughout the event.”
Other opportunities include an interactive geography game and similar international games, and henna tattoos. Community members Chris Jane and Voca Lyrica are also expected to perform drumming and singing acts.
With an array of things going on during the International Festival of Cultures, Braun always looks forward to cooking the food with students and other preparation tasks. However, she appreciates the joy students and attendees have, most of all.
“It is a fun time, and students are excited to show the dining staff and volunteers how to make food from their countries. I also enjoy the students' faces when we first open the doors and they see how many people have arrived to learn from them. They are exhausted at the end of the event but really enjoy every hour of sharing their culture,” she said.
Those requiring accommodation to attend the International Festival of Cultures should contact the Office of International Education at (231) 591-2450 or by email.