IndiaFest, Afrocentric music festival and Japanese Obon light up Twin Cities

The Twin Cities art scene will host three cultural festivals this weekend celebrating Indian, African and Japanese heritage.

IndiaFest marks India’s Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and dance performances at the Minnesota State Capitol. The Obon Festival honors ancestors through traditional Japanese arts and ceremonies. In Bloomington, the On The One music festival showcases local Black and African artists.

IndiaFest returns with Bollywood dance party

The Indian Association of Minnesota (IAM) will host its 39th annual IndiaFest on Saturday at the state Capitol grounds, celebrating India’s Independence Day, which is officially observed on August 15. The event includes musical performances by local community groups and a bustling bazaar offering Indian crafts, home decor and traditional clothing.

“We want to educate the broader Minnesota society about Indian culture, art, traditions and heritage. This festival is inviting to all people from all backgrounds,” said Meena Bharti, the president of IAM.

Since its establishment in 1985 as “India Day” at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, IndiaFest has significantly expanded, attracting up to 20,000 visitors annually. The festival relocated to the Capitol in 2009 to accommodate growing interest from the Indian community and general public.

One of the festival’s highlights is the flag raising ceremony with the Indian and American flags, symbolizing the dual heritage of the Indian diaspora in Minnesota.

“We acknowledge our Indian roots, but we also recognize the United States as our country,” Bharti said.

This year’s festival will feature classical and contemporary Indian dance forms from groups such as Natyakala Dance School , Utkala Odissi Dance School and Katha Dance Theatre . Singer Nazia Alam will headline the “Bollywood Nite” portion of the festival, transforming the Capitol grounds into an open dance floor.
Attendees can also enjoy a variety of activities, including sari -tying competitions, Indian food demonstrations, chess, an exhibition cricket match, face painting, henna and carrom, an Indian tabletop game. Food vendors will offer Indian-inspired vegan options , North and South Indian dishes, globally flavored pizzas , and more.

Sahan Journal and other vendors will also table at the festival, providing information about Minnesota’s diverse communities.

Date: Saturday, August 17

Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, St. Paul

Cost: Free

For more information: Visit iamn.org .

Afrocentric artists take stage at Bloomington

The Avant Garde production company will host the third annual “On The One” music festival, featuring Twin Cities artists performing R&B, neo-soul, reggae, Afrobeats, jazz, hip-hop and spoken word.

This year’s lineup includes the Afrocentric collective Ozone Creations , which expects to release their second album later this year. The group is composed of co-founder Ch!nwe , Jean-Paul Awka (Breezy2Fresh), Bakarii , Nigerian musicians Obi Original and McFortune Ibekwe (Mack OC), and soul singer Sumer, who released her solo EP, “Good Grief,” in July.

Other performers include International Reggae All-Stars , Minnesota-based hip-hop artist Carnage the Executioner , Minneapolis R&B singers Jordan Johnston and Maya Marchelle .
The festival’s food vendors include Sambusa Samosa , Soul to Soul BBQ , Pimento Jamaican Kitchen , and Flame Mobile Kitchen .

Date: Saturday, August 17

Time: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Central Station Park, 8100 33rd Ave. S., Bloomington

Cost: Free

For more information: Visit theavantgardeis.com

Japanese festival to light up Como Park

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will host the Japanese Obon Festival , offering a day of ancestral remembrance with a lantern lighting ceremony. Coinciding with Japan’s annual Obon holiday, which is observed from August 13-15, the event also celebrates Japanese culture through martial arts demonstrations, music performances and traditional cuisine.

The festival includes Taiko drumming by Taikollaborative , Enso Daiko and Harisen Daiko ; koto music by Sakura Hai, J-Pop by Nanashi, and Yosakoi; and dancing by MinnesoDance .
More than 40 exhibitors will offer Japanese crafts, anime merchandise and traditional arts like calligraphy and origami. Food options will include Japanese cuisine from 14 vendors, including Asian Invasian , Don Oishi Kitchen and Samurai Teppanyaki .

Date: Sunday, August 18

Time: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul

Cost: $5 for adults. $3 for children and seniors. Buy tickets only in advance here .

For more information: Visit comozooconservatory.org .

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