If you’re hunting for Festival of Nations dates, daily schedule, and ticket info in Minnesota for 2025, here’s the straight truth up front:
- There is no Minnesota “Festival of Nations” taking place in 2025. The long-running event formerly produced by the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) has concluded.
- What’s coming instead is a reimagined event: the International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN) at Saint Paul RiverCentre, confirmed for April 10–11, 2026. Ticket sales are slated to open in mid-October 2025 (pricing TBD).
Because search results still show older pages and unofficial blog posts, it’s easy to get mixed signals. This guide clears it up and gives you actionable planning steps, alternatives in 2025, and what to expect in 2026—all in one place.
Quick Take: What Happened to Minnesota’s Festival of Nations?
The International Institute of Minnesota publicly announced the conclusion of its Festival of Nations—the Midwest’s oldest, longest-running multicultural celebration—citing the need to prioritize core services for New Americans. That means the historic “Festival of Nations” brand as Minnesotans knew it isn’t being staged in 2025.
However, the spirit of the event is being reborn through IFest-MN at the same familiar venue, Saint Paul RiverCentre. The RiverCentre has already published dates and hours for the public days (April 10–11, 2026) and noted tickets will be available starting mid-October 2025, with prices to be announced.
2025 Reality Check: Schedule & Tickets for “Festival of Nations” in MN
- Schedule (2025): There is no official Festival of Nations MN schedule for 2025. The legacy event has ended.
- Tickets (2025): There are no tickets on sale for a Minnesota “Festival of Nations” in 2025 because the event isn’t scheduled.
If your goal is to experience that same multicultural energy in Minnesota, mark your calendar for 2026 at Saint Paul RiverCentre, where the newly christened International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN) will run Friday–Saturday, April 10–11, 2026. Public hours are already listed, and student hours are planned for Friday daytime. Ticket sales begin mid-October 2025 (again, pricing TBD).
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What to Expect from the Reimagined Event (2026)
Dates, Hours & Venue
- When: April 10–11, 2026 (public hours: Fri 3–9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; student experience Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, a central, transit-friendly convention facility in downtown Saint Paul.
RiverCentre has long hosted Minnesota’s premier multicultural gatherings; its parking ramp (with skyway access) and downtown location make day-planning straightforward for families and groups.
Ticketing
- On-sale: Mid-October 2025 via official channels (pricing to be announced).
Tip: In past years (when the legacy festival ran), advance vs. at-door pricing and youth/free-under-5 structures were common. Those historic figures (e.g., advance adult ~$11, door ~$13.50) are for context only and do not apply to 2026 unless the new organizers say so. Always follow the official IFest-MN ticket page for the current year.
Programming Vibe (Based on the Tradition)
The tradition behind Minnesota’s multicultural festival featured cultural performances, food, exhibits, and marketplaces—a showcase of community organizations and heritage groups. While IFest-MN is new leadership and branding, the official materials suggest a return to large-scale, many-nations programming akin to what Minnesotans loved. Expect stages, food, demos, and community showcases, updated for today. (This expectation is based on the long history documented by MNopedia and RiverCentre’s 2026 overview.)
How to Plan Like a Pro (Even Though It’s Not Until 2026)
1) Lock the Dates, Then Set Up Price Alerts
- Add April 10–11, 2026, to your calendar now.
- In mid-October 2025, check the RiverCentre event page and the IFest-MN site for tickets. Pricing will be posted there first.
2) Build a Day Plan Around Public Hours
- Friday (after work): 3–9 p.m. is perfect for locals—catch an evening show and early food lines.
- Saturday (full day): 9 a.m.–9 p.m. gives you time to see multiple stages and exhibits without rushing.
3) Transit, Parking & Access
- Target RiverCentre Parking Ramp (Kellogg Blvd.) for the easiest access and covered skyway. Arrive earlier on Saturday to avoid peak congestion.
- Consider transit or rideshare if you plan to stay the entire day.
4) Budgeting for Food & Souvenirs
- Legacy festivals drew serious food lines. Budget extra for global cuisines and marketplace finds. (This is a reasonable expectation given decades of festival history.)
5) Families & Groups
- Strollers: The venue accommodates families; off-peak hours (Friday early evening, Saturday late afternoon) are usually more navigable.
- Group tickets: Watch for official guidance; the RiverCentre page notes ticketing details will be posted as they’re finalized.
2025 Alternatives in Minnesota (Similar Spirit, Different Organizer)
If you wanted multicultural celebration in 2025 specifically, consider community-scale “Festival of Nations” or diversity events around Minnesota that are independently organized (not the historic Saint Paul event). For example, the St. Peter Festival of Nations was scheduled for May 3, 2025 at Johnson Hall (Nicollet County Fairgrounds). It’s a smaller, local event—but it scratches the cultural-showcase itch for 2025. Always confirm current details with organizers as these are community-run.
Heads-up: You may also see “Festival of Nations” news or pages for St. Louis, Missouri (Tower Grove Park). That’s a different event in a different state. Don’t confuse it with Minnesota planning.
Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Ticket Types (What to Watch For in 2026)
While IFest-MN has not announced pricing or specific ticket types as of now, here’s how to decode ticket pages quickly when they go live (based on how major cultural festivals typically structure access):
- General Admission (GA): Entry to all public areas and stages during the hours listed. Look for single-day vs multi-day options.
- Discounts: Watch for youth, student, senior, and free under a certain age policies (historically common, but not guaranteed).
- Group Tickets: Often available for school groups or community groups; RiverCentre already hints at student/daytime programming.
- Add-ons: Some festivals sell workshop passes, reserved seating, or fast-entry options. Check the official page for anything beyond base GA.
- Refunds/Transfers: Read the fine print—many festivals use third-party ticketing platforms with specific policies.
Schedule Strategy: How to See the Most in One Day
- Arrive at opening (Saturday 9 a.m.) to survey the layout, note stage times, and snag low-wait food.
- Pick a theme (dance, music, food, crafts) and anchor your day around those headliners to avoid FOMO.
- Alternate indoor stages and exhibit halls to keep energy balanced (and to rest your feet).
- Shop the marketplace mid-afternoon when stage crowds peak.
- Return for evening finales—big ensembles often close out the night.
This approach mirrors best practices for large cultural festivals at the RiverCentre and similar venues.
For First-Timers: The Culture-Lover’s Packing List
- Small daypack (hands-free for tasting and shopping)
- Refillable water bottle (confirm venue policy)
- Card + some cash (not every small vendor takes cards at community events)
- Layered clothing (indoor venues can vary in temperature)
- Lightweight stroller or baby carrier (families)
- Backup phone battery (you’ll take more photos than you think)
Accessibility & Comfort
Saint Paul RiverCentre provides accessible routes and facilities common to modern convention venues (elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms). If you or a family member have specific needs, contact the venue or festival organizers ahead of time and build buffer time into your day.
Safety, Etiquette & Cultural Respect
- Ask before photographing individuals in traditional attire or at community booths.
- Try the unfamiliar—food lines are part of the fun; bring an open palate.
- Learn & listen: Many booths are staffed by cultural organizations—ask questions, pick up literature, and consider donating.
Planning Lodging & Neighborhood Time
Downtown Saint Paul offers easy proximity to the RiverCentre (walkable hotels, restaurants, and the Mississippi riverfront). If you’re pairing IFest-MN with a weekend getaway, consider Lowertown for dining or a quick hop over to downtown Minneapolis via I-94 for museums and nightlife. (Check hotel availability early once tickets are announced.)
The Legacy: Why the “Festival of Nations” Mattered
The original Minnesota Festival of Nations began in 1936, reflecting the state’s deep immigrant histories and evolving communities. Decades of programming introduced Minnesotans to Hmong, Oromo, Somali, Karen, and many more cultures through exhibits, performances, and cuisine. That legacy is why the 2026 IFest-MN announcement generated excitement: it suggests a renewed, forward-looking platform for cultural exchange in the Twin Cities.
2025 Action Plan (If You’re Set on a Cultural Festival This Year)
- Seek community-run “Festival of Nations” or diversity days in Minnesota towns and colleges (e.g., St. Peter in May 2025). Confirm dates and details with local organizers.
- Support cultural centers and institutes (classes, food events, fundraisers). The International Institute of Minnesota continues its core mission year-round—even without producing the old festival.
- Sample Twin Cities cultural events (dance, music, food fairs) hosted by parks, libraries, and neighborhood associations—many are free or low-cost.
2026 Watchlist: Pages Worth Bookmarking
- International Festival of Minnesota on RiverCentre’s event site (dates, hours, ticketing windows).
- IFest-MN official site for ticket links and programming once live.
- RiverCentre news page for official announcements (the 2026 return article is already up).
FAQ: Minnesota “Festival of Nations” in 2025 & the 2026 Return
Q1) Is there a Minnesota “Festival of Nations” in 2025?
A: No. The historic event concluded; there’s no 2025 edition in Saint Paul.
Q2) So what’s happening instead?
A: A reimagined celebration, the International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN), at Saint Paul RiverCentre on April 10–11, 2026.
Q3) When do 2026 tickets go on sale, and how much will they cost?
A: Tickets will be available starting mid-October 2025; pricing is to be announced by organizers.
Q4) Where can I see the 2026 schedule?
A: The RiverCentre event page will update public hours and key info; detailed stage schedules typically publish closer to the event on the official festival site and social channels.
Q5) Can I rely on the older pricing I see online?
A: Treat any older pricing as historical context only (e.g., prior adult advance ~$11). The 2026 event is new and will set its own pricing.
Q6) Is this the same as the St. Louis “Festival of Nations”?
A: No—that’s a different event (Missouri). Don’t confuse those pages with Minnesota planning.
Q7) Are there any “Festival of Nations”-style events in Minnesota during 2025?
A: Yes, on a local/community scale. For instance, the St. Peter Festival of Nations (May 3, 2025). Always verify details with organizers.
Q8) What about school field trips or student hours?
A: The 2026 listing includes a Student Experience window on Friday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)—perfect for school groups.
Q9) How family-friendly is the event?
A: Historically, very family-friendly with a wide age range on site. Expect accessible facilities at River Centre and programming suitable for kids and teens.
Q10) Where should I park?
A: The RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Blvd. offers skyway access—arrive early for easier parking.
Q11) Will there be international food and a marketplace?
A: That’s been a hallmark of Minnesota’s multicultural festivals for decades; expect similar features with IFest-MN’s updated format. (Final vendor lists will come from organizers.)
Q12) Who is organizing the new event?
A: The 2026 festival is presented as the International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN), with RiverCentre carrying official event information and timing.
Q13) Why was the original Festival of Nations concluded?
A: The International Institute of Minnesota cited the need to focus on its core mission of serving New Americans.
Q14) Where can I learn more about the festival’s history?
A: MNopedia hosts a valuable overview and archival images of past festivals.
Q15) I’m a performer or vendor—how do I participate in 2026?
A: Watch the official IFest-MN and RiverCentre pages for calls for performers, vendors, and volunteers as those details are publish.
Conclusion
If you were aiming for “Festival of Nations” in Minnesota in 2025, the event isn’t happening this year. Instead, circle April 10–11, 2026 for the International Festival of Minnesota at Saint Paul RiverCentre. Return to the RiverCentre event listing and IFest-MN site in mid-October 2025 to buy tickets and see official pricing and programming. In the meantime, check out smaller community “Festival of Nations”-style events across Minnesota to keep the cultural exploration going.