From October 26 to 29, St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. (SPIFFS) and its ethnic member groups present the 43rd Annual International Folk Fair at Vinoy Park on St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront, transforming it into a microcosm of the world.
In addition to ethnic foods and cultural displays, the Folk Fair offers a multitude of special entertainment in the form of dancing, singing, and drumming by more than thirty ethnic groups. On the two school days (October 26 and 27), Giving Tree Music will engage groups of students in drum circles, and various student groups will be performing on the main stage. On Saturday, October 28, the general public will enjoy cooking demonstrations, breathtaking music from Mongolia featuring a beautiful instrument called Horse Head Violin (Morin Khuur), Polynesian dancers plus folk music and dancing from around the world. Be sure not to miss the Grand Parade of Nations at 2:00pm, when members of the many SPIFFS ethnic groups will parade around the park, led by colorful bands, pipers, and drummers.
The parade will be followed by a swearing-in ceremony of new citizens. In addition to SPIFFS member groups, the entertainment schedule includes Urban Gypsies, New Horizon Band of Gulfport, The Porch Dogs, The Islanders Greek Band, and more, who will be performing in the SPIFFS Beer Garden. Folk dancing and music will be performed throughout the festival on two stages. From one end of the globe to the other, you will find outstanding performances and demonstrations from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, not to mention food, cultural arts and crafts, art displays and more.
SPIFFS is Tampa Bay’s own United Nations and is the only independent non-profit, multi-cultural folk fair organization in the entire country. Folk Fair is your chance to travel the world in a day without leaving the country. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to take part in the magic of song, dance, and foods from around the world.
October 26 & 27 9am-3pm (schools only)
Saturday, October 28 10am-8pm (general public)
Sunday, October 29 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: $10.00 Students: $6.00
Children under 6 with an adult: FREE