Global Roots Festival Saturday
Grand Island, NE — Community members from across Central Nebraska and beyond are invited to experience the world without leaving home at the Global Roots Festival - a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of culture, unity, and shared experiences.
Taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the 4th Street Banquet Hall in Grand Island, this free event will bring together cultures from around the globe through live performances, international cuisine, artisan vendors, and interactive activities for all ages.
Hosted by the Grand Island Welcoming Initiative and the Grand Island Creative District, the festival reflects the growing diversity of the region and aims to create meaningful connections across cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
The Global Roots Festival builds on the legacy of Grand Island’s former Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival, a long-standing community event that brought people together through cultural celebration. After nearly a decade without the festival, Global Roots reimagines this tradition with a renewed focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and community connection—creating space for both long-time residents and newer communities to share their cultures and stories.
“This festival is a celebration of the many cultures that shape our community—shared through food, performances, and interactive experiences. Our goal is for every person to leave having experienced a glimpse of someone else’s home, culture, and story.” said Laura Gamboa Urrego, lead organizer.
Our goal for the event is to bring people together to celebrate the cultures that make our community what it is. Grand Island has always had global roots since its founding by immigrants over 150 years ago, and we hope the festival can provide a glimpse at some of the roots that make us who we are today,” said Carly Harroun, co-organizer.
Performance Lineup
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Talent Showcase
➔ Multicultural Fashion Show - Hosted by Grand Island Senior High students featuring traditional attire from countries around the world
➔ Flaki Dance - Led by Dei Flaki Flow, a local Cuban dance instructor working with both youth and adults
➔ Los Hermanos Esparza - Siblings performing traditional Mexican dance.
➔ Nuestros Pies Grupo de Danza - Lincoln Elementary students performing traditional Mexican folklórico
➔ Anni Nguyen - Student from Grand Island Senior High, singing to a John Legend song.
➔ The Cloggers Connections - A group performing traditional clogging, a rhythmic dance style with roots in Appalachian culture, reflecting a blend of cultural influences brought to the United States through European traditions.
➔ Nusantara - Indonesian performance
12:00 PM – Filipino American Federation of South Central Nebraska
12:30 PM – Sudanese Assimilation Group of Grand Island
1:00 PM – Asian Community & Cultural Center Lion Dance and Martial Arts Team
1:30 PM – Raíces de Mi Pueblo Hastings
3:00 PM – Daniel Martinez
5:00 PM – Kokyo Taiko
7:00 PM – Leo Lonnie Orchestra Polka Band
8:00 PM – Festival Concludes
(4th Street Banquet Hall remains open until 1:00 AM for a public after party)
Interactive Cultural Experiences
In addition to performances and food, the festival will feature a dedicated kids’ and family activity area designed to encourage learning through play.
Families can explore traditional and modern games that have roots in cultures around the world.
While some activities may feel familiar, many are inspired by or adapted from games played across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe—highlighting how cultures influence one another across generations.
These activities include:
● International lawn and hand games
● Cultural play experiences adapted for all ages
● A community “Welcome Wall” where attendees can share messages of belonging
This space is designed to help young attendees (and adults!) connect with global traditions in a fun, interactive way.
Event Details
Location: 4th Street Banquet Hall, 108 E 4th St, Grand Island, NE
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Admission: Free and open to the public