All the World's a Stage at UMW's 36th Annual Multicultural Fair

All the World’s a Stage at UMW’s 36th Annual Multicultural Fair

April 15, 2026

Lisa Chinn Marvashti

Photo of people strolling along Campus Walk where vendors have set up tents — The University of Mary Washington’s 36th annual Multicultural Fair welcomed thousands of visitors from the campus, local and regional communities last weekend. Each year, the event brings cultures from across the globe to UMW, with ethnic food, crafts vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Bright handmade bags swayed in the breeze, the plucky sound of Irish tunes drifted through the crowd, and the sweet scent of funnel cake filled the air Saturday at the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair.

Making its way across Campus Walk from the bell tower to Monroe Hall, and stretching onto Ball Circle, the 36th annual event is a mainstay at UMW, drawing thousands of visitors each year. It’s an eclectic cultural collection of music, dance, food, wares and more from across the globe – from the reggae sounds of Jamaica to the kung fu artistry of China. The free event is presented by the University’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), in close collaboration with Mary Washington student organizations, campus partners, faculty and staff, and the Fredericksburg community.

“It’s just a fun day,” said Cameron Rico, a UMW junior and geography major who looked forward to sampling local honey and shopping for colorful clothes, but not as much as watching her roommates perform with their campus dance group.

Dancers carry a long fabric dragon above their heads — UMW’s 36th annual Multicultural Fair included colorful acts on stages across campus. Photos by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Two women look at baskets to purchase — UMW’s 36th annual Multicultural Fair welcomed thousands to campus this past weekend. Photos by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Several dancers in pastel shades reach their arms upward during a performance — UMW’s 36th annual Multicultural Fair featured dance troupes, including a group from Umbiance Center for the Performing Arts. Photos by Parker Michels-Boyce.

About 20 acts delivered musical, dance and other entertainment throughout the day – including UMW’s Belly Dance Club, Voices of Praise and Indian Music Ensemble – on stages set up at Monroe, Lee and George Washington Halls. More than 30 crafters displayed items for sale – clothing, jewelry, candles, skincare products, pet supplies, home goods and a rainbow of tchotchkes.

But Blake Bauer, who made the short walk to the event from his Mason Hall room, was in search of something else – a vinyl record by the English rock band Bauhaus. “I really enjoy seeing the people and the cultural aspect you don’t get to see every day,” Bauer, a senior majoring in historic preservation, said of the fair.

Children play on a large inflatable object set up on the lawn

A girl kisses a boy on the cheek while some other people shop for trinkets

Carly Collins, a sophomore double majoring in political science and religious studies, carried a bouquet of white, pink and purple flowers purchased from an onsite merchant. “I love to see all the vendors,” said Collins, who was attending the Multicultural Fair for the fifth time. “I think it’s cool when people are selling unique things made by hand.”

Inflatables and an array of children’s activities brought Ball Circle to life, with food trucks serving drunken noodles and pad Thai, pupusas and tacos, curry and kabob, and other ethnic entrees. University Dining added to the day’s menu, offering pork and chicken sandwiches, sides and spritzers.

“We’re excited to continue our long tradition of bringing a global experience close to home,” said JFMC Director Marion Sanford. “It’s wonderful each year to welcome such amazing international talent and craftsmanship to the beautiful UMW campus. Saturday’s weather was perfect, with the campus and regional community showing up in full force. This event certainly achieved our goal of exemplifying UMW’s commitment to inclusive excellence.”