Critic's Pick: Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival

If you want to experience firsthand how diverse Nashville really is, spend a Saturday at the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival. Returning to Centennial Park on Oct. 3 for its 30th anniversary, the free festival brings more than 50 cultural communities together for a packed day of music, dancing, food, shopping and community. The festival kicks off with a parade at 9 a.m. before the grounds fill with performances across multiple stages. The Global Village will showcase music, dance and visual arts from around the world, while the World Bazaar will offer handcrafted and imported goods, demonstrations and local organizations to explore. The food area is filled to the brim, with more than 30 vendors serving everything from arepas and empanadas to bubble tea and mochi doughnuts. There will be plenty of activities for families as well, with Kidsville, Teens United and interactive activities throughout the festival. Centennial Park becomes a place where Nashville’s many cultures are not just represented, but actively celebrated — and there is no admission fee to join in.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Centennial Park

2500 West End Ave.