Festival of Nations 2026: Terry Bates on St. Louis’ Biggest Cultural Celebration
Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park August 29–30, 2026, and Mostly Superheroes goes behind the scenes with Terry Bates, Director of Marketing and Communications at the International Institute of St. Louis. Terry joins Logan Janis to talk about the history of Festival of Nations, the International Institute’s work supporting immigrants and refugees, this year’s massive lineup of vendors and performers, why the festival remains free, and how sponsorships help make it possible.
With more than 215 vendors expected, multiple stages, international food, local performers and two full days of programming, Festival of Nations is one of St. Louis’ biggest annual celebrations.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro & Festival of Nations preview
01:03 Meet Terry Bates
01:40 Logan’s Festival of Nations connection
02:17 2026 festival overview
02:43 215+ vendors
03:40 The International Institute of St. Louis
05:43 The mission behind Festival of Nations
06:27 2026 music & performance lineup
08:05 The history of Festival of Nations
09:07 Food, vendors & the festival experience
09:48 Sponsors & community partners
11:14 Why keeping the festival free matters
12:48 Why Festival of Nations is cashless
14:25 The mission behind the celebration
16:06 Festival of Nations 2026
16:19 Terry’s message to St. Louis
16:55 Closing
17:32 Mostly Superheroes support message
ST. LOUIS (Aug. 7, 2026) - Festival of Nations, powered by the International Institute of St. Louis, announces its 2026 performance lineup and a new single-day VIP ticket option ahead of the festival’s return to Tower Grove Park on Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30. The free two-day festival brings together 100,000+ attendees and features dozens of performances from all local talent.
Performances will take place throughout the festival grounds on two stages: the Main Stage and the Whitaker Foundation stage, bringing together musicians, dancers, poets, Djs and cultural organizations for one of St. Louis’ most expansive weekends of live cultural programming.
Nyara (Nyara Williams), a prominent St. Louis-based DJ, multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and creative director known for her dynamic DJ sets and visual storytelling exploring Black culture, will serve as the Main Stage DJ host throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s Main Stage lineup includes Spirit of Angela West African Dance and Drum, Joia: World Percussion, Nando STL, American Raga Band, Gateway Science Academy and Eldraco+FreeNation.
Sunday’s Main Stage features Ryan Marquez, Ballet Ollin USA, Enoch Raavi and the Indigenous Groove, Aska Maret, Orchestra Chevre and Blvck Spvde.
The Whitaker Foundation Stage, hosted by St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine, will feature performances and appearances from St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society, Mexicanos en St Louis, Debsuta Roy, Sumak Kamari, STL Irish Arts, St. Louis Okinawa Eisa Yui, Ayati Rara Dance, Raw Style Kollective + Amara Arts and others.
The complete lineup and performance schedule are available at festofnations.com/lineup.
New this year, guests can purchase a single-day VIP pass, offering a more flexible and affordable way to enjoy the Festival’s upgraded experience without committing to the full weekend. Passholders receive access to the VIP Oasis at the Piper Palm House, including a dedicated entrance, air-conditioned lounge, indoor restrooms, a shaded patio, yard games, a dedicated Main Stage viewing area, complimentary beverages in limited quantities and in-and-out access throughout their selected day for $150 per person.
Festival of Nations isn't just a massive St. Louis party. Terry Bates of the International Institute of St. Louis explains the mission behind the festival, why keeping it free matters, and how the community helps make it happen.
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