Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan. 18, as the City of Chandler, in partnership with the Chandler International Film Festival and Cultura Communications, hosts the 25th annual Multicultural Festival in Downtown Chandler, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. From noon to –6 p.m. attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances, face painting, games, arts & crafts for children, purchase items from cultural vendors and receive information from a variety of local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.
New to the event is an Asian Village and tickets are available for purchase for adult beverages featuring drinks around the world tasting stations. The Asian Village will be located at the Chandler Community Center, adjacent to the Downtown Stage, at 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.
It is recommended eventgoers arrive with empty stomachs as several types of ethnic foods will be available for purchase, including Korean, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Philipino, Indian and more.
Performance groups providing entertainment on two different stages include Chuck E. Baby and the Allstars; Indigenous Enterprise; Jemel Marquez; Sampradaya Dance of India; NXT; K POP Dance; Kûliaikapono Hula Studio; Sparkles Bollywood School of Dance and many more. A complete entertainment schedule with performer bios is available online at chandleraz.gov/
In honor of its 25th year, Councilmember Sam Huang sponsored a budget amendment to provide additional financial support towards the festival. “Chandler’s commitment to sustaining an exceptional quality of life is something I valued when I moved to this community 12 years ago,” said Councilmember Huang. “In moving from Taiwan to the United States and experiencing life in other cities, I have learned that the most successful cities are the ones that focus on building a strong sense of community. This can be accomplished by adding more diverse programming, amenities, and events designed to bring people together.”
Also, in celebration of the spirit and ideals of Martin Luther King Jr., the City has partnered with the Chandler International Film Festival for a film showing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. After the Multicultural Festival, head to Harkins Theatres at Chandler Fashion Square, 3159 W. Chandler Blvd., to preview “The Nomads”. “The Nomads” movie is based on a true story about a new teacher who introduces a men’s rugby team to an inner-city North Philadelphia high school amidst the chaos of massive budget cuts and school closures. Tickets are $5 with all of the proceeds to benefit South Chandler Self Help Foundation.
For more information on the free event, visit chandleraz.gov/
