International Festival Week 2026
Every February, the International Student Council (ISC), in collaboration with the SIU Student Center and international registered student organizations, hosts International Festival Week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. For more than five decades, this signature event has provided an invaluable platform for international students to share their cultures, traditions, and heritage with the SIU and Carbondale communities.
International Festival Week continues to attract a wide audience, including SIU faculty and staff, domestic and international students, university leadership, and community members. The festival plays a vital role in fostering global awareness, intercultural learning, and meaningful connections across campus and beyond.
Festival Highlights
The International Parade of Flags serves as the official opening ceremony of International Festival Week each year. Alongside the parade, the International Food Fair and International Cultural Night are among the most anticipated events on campus during the month of February, celebrating the diversity and creativity of SIU’s global community.
Agenda for International Festival 2026
The theme for International Festival 2026 is “Threads of the World: Weaving Cultures Together.” Created by international students at SIU, the theme reflects how diverse cultural identities come together to form a connected and inclusive campus community.
Throughout the week of February 9–13, 2026, attendees are invited to experience the intercultural richness of SIU and engage with cultures represented by international students and their organizations.
International Parade of Flags and Proclamation Ceremony
Monday, February 9, 2026
Parade of Flags: 10:00 a.m.
Proclamation Ceremony: 10:30 a.m.
Participants carrying flags from around the world will process from the Center for International Education to the Student Center. Many participants wear traditional attire, making the parade a vibrant and symbolic celebration of global unity. Immediately following the parade, the Proclamation Ceremony will be held in the Student Center International Lounge to formally open International Festival Week.
International Food Fair
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student Center Ballrooms
The International Food Fair features authentic dishes prepared by international student organizations representing regions such as Africa, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Latin America, Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan, and more. Food tickets will be available for purchase at the Student Center during designated times prior to the event. Dish prices typically range from $1 to $5. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as popular items may sell out. You can also find the menu’s of each RSO below.
Global Soundscape
A new addition to International Festival Week 2026, Global Soundscape offers an immersive experience highlighting music, rhythm, and sound traditions from around the world, providing another unique way to engage with global cultures.
International Cultural Night
Friday, February 13, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballrooms
International Cultural Night brings the festival to a close with an evening of performances showcasing traditional dances, music, attire, and cultural storytelling by international students. This event is free and open to the public.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
• Division of Student Affairs
• Graduate School
• Student Programming Council
• Center for International Education
• Office of the Provost
• Graduate and Professional Student Council
• Undergraduate Student Government
• Student Multicultural Resource Center
• Office of Student Engagement
• SIU Communications
• Regions Bank
• First Mid Bank and Trust
• Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics
For updates and announcements, follow @ISCSIUC on Instagram and visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ISCSIUC.
For additional information, please contact global.salukis@siu.edu.
