By Dina Bugayevskaya | Solving Sacramento
The International Kids Festival began in 2004 as a grassroots community event created to bring families together through culture, fun and creative expression. Over the past two decades, it has grown into one of the largest free family festivals in Northern California.
Supported by civic leaders, local organizations and volunteers, the festival has built a reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. What started as a small gathering has become a tradition that reflects the region’s multicultural identity and commitment to community connection. At Sacramento’s International Kids Festival, a sense of childhood wonder comes to life through music, dance and the energy of a thousand smiles.
On Saturday, May 24, Sacramento’s William Land Park amphitheater will once again turn into a vibrant cultural hub as families from across Northern California are invited to enjoy a day of performances and cultural exchange.
The 21st annual International Kids Festival is organized by the nonprofit Council for Cross Cultural Affairs and supported by Russian American Media, Community Outreach Academy and the Slavic American Chamber of Commerce.
“Our goal was to create a celebration that reminds us of childhood and brings families together,” said Sergey Ivannikov, the festival’s producer and CEO of Russian American Media, a collaborative partner of Solving Sacramento. “Seeing children laugh, play and form new friendships is the greatest reward for our efforts.”
The main stage will feature more than 40 cultural performance groups, showcasing youth dancers, singers and musicians. Each group represents different regions and ethnic communities from around the world, united by a shared love of culture and art.
The performance schedule and stage coordination will be led by Silver Dance Studio, a growing dance network with locations in Roseville, Pleasant Hill and San Jose. Known for its commitment to artistic quality and community involvement, the studio’s founder, Michelle Silver, says her studio is proud to support young performers at this year’s festival.
Silver, who is also the stage manager of the event, emphasized the importance of the festival. “We’re committed to quality and a high level of organization. Every child matters to us — their smiles are what this day is all about. We want to give them joy and lasting memories,” she said.
She also noted that the stage program offers an opportunity for parents as well, beyond being fun and free entertainment. “Parents can discover potential studios and programs where their kids may want to get involved in the future,” she said.
Hollywood actor and illusionist Will Roberts, known for his role in “Oppenheimer,” will return to host the multicultural program. A two-time Guinness World Record holder, Roberts is expected to bring his signature stage presence and magic, adding a touch of Hollywood to the day’s celebration.
Performers will take the stage in traditional costumes, presenting dances and songs that reflect their heritage. For many of these young artists, it’s their first time performing in front of such a large audience. The festival stage has become a platform where children get an opportunity to entertain and share their culture with thousands of attendees.
In addition to a vibrant mix of music styles, from folk traditions to contemporary rhythms, the festival will also include pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and a New Art Zone presented by Drawcademy.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers can take part in raffles and prize drawings, including giveaways of bicycles, scooters, games and gift cards to use at local restaurants and businesses.
While children enjoy the festival, parents can connect with over 150 organizations and businesses offering resources in education, health care, social services and small business development. High school students are invited to volunteer and earn community service hours for college applications.
Admission, attractions, parking and public transportation to the event are free. Guests can download a free RT ride coupon on the event website. Food trucks will serve international cuisine like Caravan Restaurant’s Uzbek halal dishes.
“It’s more than entertainment,” said Alisa Yurchenko, president of the Council For Cross Cultural Affairs. “It’s about connection — families learning, children performing and communities growing stronger together.”
The International Kids Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at the William Land Park Amphitheater, 3901 Land Park Dr. in Sacramento.
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
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