Downtown Orlando’s annual FusionFest will return on Thanksgiving weekend; Saturday, November 27 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, November 28 from noon-6 p.m. 

Cultures from all across the world will gather on the front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a free, two-day, multicultural festival, which draws people from more than 100 different cultures to share music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games, and interactive activities. The event features over 1,000 local artists, who will perform and showcase their work on the stages, gallery, and via interactive installations.

Guests this year will experience an all-new “Opening Spectacle,” which will feature a fully staged presentation under the direction of Joshian Morales taking place not only on the OUC/Massey Stage in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, but all around the audience. 

A specially commissioned fanfare by composer Keith Lay will feature brass and musical “sounders” made from train horns from surrounding rooftops that FusionFest is open for a day of fun and fascinating cultural exchange.  Dancers representing Orlando’s multitude of cultures will celebrate with music and song provided by drummers, trumpeters, and flags from around the globe.  

“We’re excited that our new Opening Spectacle is going to represent what FusionFest is all about from the very first minute. What we’re planning will really show the excitement and innovation that can happen when a diverse community like Orlando comes together. FusionFest has become a mainstay of Orlando’s Thanksgiving calendar.”

– TERRY OLSON, DIRECTOR OF ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

FusionFest is a nonprofit organization operating with support from Orange County Government, the Orlando Downtown Development Board, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

FusionFest is free to attend.  VIP Passports can be ordered in advance online or at the festival for a donation of $25 or more. Click HERE for more information or to purchase a passport.

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