On May 23, 2026, Emerald Hills Institute (EHI), in partnership with Herriman City and Friends of
Herriman, proudly hosted the 23rd Multicultural Dance & Arts Festival at J. Lynn Crane Park in
Herriman, Utah. The event brought together community members from across the Salt Lake
Valley to celebrate cultural diversity, creativity, and community through music, dance, art, food,
and interactive cultural experiences.
Volunteers, performers, artists, local businesses, community organizations, and families
gathered throughout the day to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that honored
traditions from around the world. The festival provided opportunities for individuals of all ages
and backgrounds to learn about different cultures while building meaningful connections within
the community.
The main focus of the festival was highlighting multicultural artistic expression and creating a
platform for cultural organizations and performers to share their heritage. Throughout the
evening, attendees enjoyed performances representing cultures from Korea, Bulgaria,
Hawaii, Bolivia, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, Native American communities, India,
Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. These performances showcased traditional
dance, music, martial arts, and cultural storytelling, giving audiences a unique opportunity to
experience global traditions firsthand.
In addition to the performing arts program, the festival featured a vibrant multicultural village
filled with international food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and community organizations. Visitors explored handmade goods, cultural demonstrations, and interactive activities such as Japanese kite making and Turkish water marbling (Ebru), allowing participants to engage directly with cultural traditions and artistic practices.
The purpose of the event was to promote cultural understanding, celebrate diversity, and
strengthen community connections through shared experiences. By bringing together people
from different backgrounds in a welcoming space, the festival encouraged learning,
appreciation, and dialogue across cultures. The event also provided opportunities for local
artists, small businesses, and cultural organizations to share their work with the broader
Community.
The 23rd Multicultural Dance & Arts Festival was a successful celebration of heritage, creativity,
and unity. The event highlighted the power of the arts to bring people together while fostering a
greater appreciation for the many cultures that enrich Utah’s communities. Emerald Hills
Institute is grateful to all volunteers, performers, vendors, sponsors, and attendees who made
the festival possible and looks forward to continuing programs that inspire connection,
understanding, and belonging throughout the community.
