International Arts Festival

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Public Market at South Shore Harbor

September 24-27, 2026

The Largest International Festival In New Orleans

International Arts Festival is a global cultural experience rooted in the African Diaspora, bringing international music, culture, and business/community exchange together in New Orleans. The International Arts Foundation exists to create, utilize, and maintain cultural bridges helping people better understand culture, history, and opportunity through hands-on experiences and global connections.

Gallery

Why It Matters

Economics

It expands cultural understanding and strengthens real economic + cultural opportunities through global exchange.

Opportunities

The African Diaspora is one of the most culturally influential communities in the world, yet often underserved.

Connection

The festival is a living bridge: connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and global cultures with New Orleans music and spirit.

A global stage, rooted in culture

New Orleans is already a meeting point for the African Diaspora, where music, food, and culture move from the streets to the world. With 19.08M visitors and $10.4B in visitor spending in 2024, the city has the energy and infrastructure to host an international festival that connects artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders in one place

What to expect

Discover the International Arts Fest at the Public Market at South Shore Harbor—an open-air waterfront venue on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans East. Set against marina views and lake breezes, the Market transforms into a vibrant gathering space for art, culture, food, and community, with plenty of room to explore, connect, and celebrate local creativity.eeeee

International music + performances (featured acts representing global cultures)

Culture + community experiences (food, art, cultural showcases, storytelling)

Business + cultural exchange (sister-city connections, tourism and global partnership conversations)

Featured Performances

Global icons, rising voices, and hometown legends, one stage, one weekend.

FRIDAY

Peter White

United Kingdom

Vincent Ingala

United States of America

Donald Harrison

United States of America

SATURDAY

Seun Kuti

Nigeria

Irvin Mayfield

United States of America

Regina Belle

United States of America

Paul Taylor

United States of America

Michael Lington

United States of America

SUNDAY

Bushman

Jamaica

Alexi Marti

Cuba

Collie Buddz

New Orleans Born, Bermuda Resident

Corey Henry and The Treme Funktet

United States of America

All Rights Reserved International Arts Foundation 2026