On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Overture Center on State Street in Madison held the 44th annual International Festival, where performers, market and food vendors, speakers and leaders from various cultures came together for a nearly all-encompassing afternoon of festivities.
This large-scale event. now a Madison tradition, begins its planning process in the fall of the previous year. Karra Beach, a member of the Overture Center’s staff, who helps organize programs and events at the venue, shares how she gets the ball rolling for each year’s festival.
“Invitations go out to performing groups to see if they’re interested and available to perform usually in September or October […] shortly thereafter, to the vendors who are in our International Map Market and the International Café,” Beach said.
The team behind the festival aims to invite both returning groups and new faces to shine a light on what everyone has to offer. They also set up an interest form for any groups that are interested in joining the festivities.
After the invitation and initiation process, this year’s festival featured nearly 30 different live shows for visitors to enjoy.
Nested on the lower floors of The Overture, the four main performance halls hosted live dances and panels that shined light on various cultural traditions. From a multi-act dance by Žaibas Lithuanian Dancers to a solo performance by Sadira, an expert at Middle Eastern choreography, these venues allowed free access for any audience member to appreciate the work put into multicultural festivities.
Bustling with hungry visitors, a food stand was set up within the main lobby of the space. Behind the lines for food, were several different live musical numbers which evoked joyful dancing and an atmosphere full of spirit.
On the second floor of the main lobby, an exhibit featured many stands, including organizations that allocate resources and teams for international projects. Traditional activities are led by experienced hosts, and small businesses run by passionate crafters.
With a wide range of opportunities offered to experience within the festival each year, The Overture seeks to provide every individual visitor with something that piques their interest.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of performance you like to see best […] somebody is bound to find somebody that they like to watch, whether that’s in dance, or drumming, or bands […] or some market vendor, or even the food vendors, and it’ll make the day enjoyable,” Beach said.
The festival doesn’t disappoint, since Beach also shares visitors’ numerous enjoyable experiences and confirms that there truly is an opportunity for all audiences.
The tradition of The Overature’s International Festival looks towards the future and will continue in the coming years, offering new celebrations of world cultures for everyone who visits.
