Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Dauphin County Cultural Fest to return to City Island, highlighting the region’s diversity

Festival attendees watch a performance at last year’s Cultural Fest.

For one special event, Harrisburg’s City Island will become a hub for cultural food, music and dance from around the world.

Dauphin County once again will host its 14th annual Cultural Fest on Aug. 20 on City Island to showcase the wide-ranging cultural backgrounds of the county’s residents.

“Cultural Fest is a celebration of diversity and the ability to realize that our diversity is our county’s greatest strength,” said county Commissioner George Hartwick. 

The event is free and will take place from 3 to 10 p.m.

Festival attendees can expect to see performances from Irish, Latino, Chinese and African dancers and singers, among others from across the globe. To conclude the night, R&B group Dru Hill will perform as part of their 25th anniversary tour. 

“Music unifies us,” Hartwick said of the scheduled performances. 

Various ethnic food trucks will set up shop at the festival, selling dishes from across the globe, as well as other vendors and a kid’s corner sponsored by UPMC. Hartwick added that there will be resources for community members struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, as well. 

In previous years, the festival has drawn crowds of around 25,000 people.

Hartwick summarized his goal for the festival in one word–love.

“We do not have to agree but we are diverse,” said Hartwick. “There is an opportunity to learn. We want to plant seeds and build relationships.” 

More information on Cultural Fest can be found on the county’s website

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