Save the date
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 12 PM-6 PM
Gibson Park, 17 First St. W., Elmira, ON
HOPE’s Multicultural Festival of Elmira (MFE) was created to broaden our knowledge and awareness of the diverse cultures around us, welcome newcomers to the Waterloo Region, celebrate various ethnic groups, raise awareness of diversity and inclusion through performances, workshops, services and vendors, and establish a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Take a look at a recap of MFE 2025.
Rooted Here. Growing Together.
This year’s theme, “Rooted Here. Growing Together,” shows how shared presence and care create vibrant, connected communities. No matter where we come from, we all contribute to what’s growing here. We learn from each other, celebrate diverse cultures, and build a future based on respect, inclusion, and belonging on the land we share.
The Lineup is Set!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey of sound, movement, and tradition. We have travelled the globe to bring the absolute best world-class performers straight to our stage.
John Somosi with Terre Chartrand
The Performance: Deeply moving storytelling through song and the steady, grounding beat of the hand drum. John’s performance is an intimate, powerful experience that connects the audience to the land and the stories of the past.
The Culture: Indigenous (Métis) musical storytelling and drumming traditions, honouring heritage, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Bahamas Junkanoo Legends
The Performance: An absolute explosion of colour, rhythm, and pure carnival energy! This high-octane performance features thunderous goatskin drums, roaring cowbells, brass, and dancers moving at an exhilarating pace.
The Culture: The spirit of the Bahamas! Junkanoo is a spectacular Caribbean street festival with roots tracing back centuries, symbolizing freedom, community, and pure celebration.
The Beautiful Wahinis
The Performance: A mesmerizing display of storytelling through movement. Expect graceful hand gestures, hypnotic hip swaying, and a beautiful, flowing narrative that brings ancient legends to life.
The Culture: Authentic Polynesian and Hawaiian Hula, celebrating the deep connection between people, nature, and ancestral spirits.
Nagata Shachu
The Performance: A thunderous, physically demanding, and visually stunning drumming spectacle. Nagata Shachu treats audiences to heart-pounding rhythms, meticulous choreography, and acoustic power that will vibrate right in your chest.
The Culture: Ancient Japanese Taiko drumming reimagined with a contemporary, Toronto-bred edge.
Njacko Backo
The Performance: Uplifting, soul-stirring, and deeply interactive. Njacko Backo brings the sweet, mesmerizing sounds of the kalimba (thumb piano), ngoni (African harp), and traditional percussion together to create a tapestry of joyful, danceable melodies.
The Culture: The rich musical storytelling of Cameroon, Central Africa, carries messages of peace, love, community, and togetherness.
Polky
The Performance: High-energy, infectious “Euro-Canadiana” folk. Polky pushes the boundaries of tradition with fierce fiddle playing, driving rhythms, and soaring vocal harmonies that will have the entire crowd on their feet dancing.
The Culture: A joyful celebration of Polish roots mixed with a modern Canadian folk twist, bringing Eastern European musical traditions into the 21st century.
Rhythm of Punjab
The Performance: A vibrant showcase of high-kicking, joyful, and intensely energetic dance. Featuring traditional Bhangra moves, colourful dastaars (turbans), and props like khundas (sticks), their infectious rhythm is impossible to resist.
The Culture: The rich, celebratory folk traditions of Punjab, India, are traditionally performed to celebrate the harvest and the joy of life.
Confirmed Vendors
A Sneak Peek at Our 2026 Lineup!
The applications are rolling in, the spots are filling fast, and our first round of amazing vendors is officially locked in! Get ready to taste, shop, and support some incredible local businesses.
Here is a first look at our confirmed vendors so far:
AFRO
Amigurumika
Arnold Hearing Centres
ChefNavie and KCI Hospitality
Elmira Pet Products
Keetup Publishing House
KO Yoga
MCC Thrift & Gift
MT Space
Region of Waterloo Library
Run4OfficeWR
SOSANE
The Ripple Effect Education (TREE)
Toytopia
Woolwich Counselling Centre
Psst… vendor? Don’t see your name here yet? Make sure to finalize your spot so we can add you to the next reveal!
The MFE Global Quest (Youth Challenge)
Calling all youth! Ready to explore the world right here in Elmira? If you are between the ages of 14 and 24, we challenge you to complete the MFE Global Quest on Saturday, September 19th.
It’s completely free to play. Just head directly to the Welcome Booth when you arrive at the festival, pick up your official Quest Log Stamp Card, and complete three epic challenges across the festival grounds to unlock serious rewards.
Your 3 Quests:
- Quest 1: The Global Games Challenge
- The Objective: Head over to the Global Games Zone, choose a traditional game to play, and get your Quest Log stamped by the activity leader after you finish.
- Quest 2: The World Languages Hunt
- The Objective: Find three different Activity, Cultures United, or Community Info booths. Meet the cultural exhibitors and learn how to say “Welcome” or “Community” in three different languages. Write them down in your log, or record a quick video repeating them (you can share on social media and tag us at @heartsopenforeveryone) to earn your stamp!
- Quest 3: The “Secret Menu” Culinary Quest
- The Objective: Explore the Food Vendor Area. Talk to a vendor or food truck crew, find out their absolute favourite unique item on their menu, and write down the dish name to lock in your final stamp.
The Tiered Rewards System
The more you complete, the more you win. Bring your stamped card back to the Welcome Booth to claim your loot:
| Level Completed | Reward Earned | Availability Details |
| Complete 1 Quest | Free Local Treat Voucher | Strictly limited to the first 20 players to finish! |
| Complete 3 Quests | Exclusive MFE Tote Bag or T-Shirt | While supplies last (sizes cannot be guaranteed, so hurry!) |
| 100% Completion (All 3) | Entry to the Grand Prize Draw | The winner from the draw will get a brand-new pair of premium Sony Wireless Headphones! |
Pro-Tip: The festival kicks off at 12:00 PM. Show up early to grab your stamp card at the Welcome Booth to be one of the first 20 to score a free food truck voucher!
MFE Ultimate Weekend Tourism/Staycation Package
Coming from out of town, or looking for the perfect autumn staycation? We’ve partnered with the premium Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs and Shuh Orchards to bring you an exclusive, all-in-one festival weekend experience at an unbeatable price!
MASSIVE SAVINGS: While standard rooms for this peak weekend are valued at $409.00+, our exclusive festival package locks in your stay for just $229.00+ / night!
What’s Included in Your Stay ($229/night):
- Your Choice of Room: Standard room with either 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed.
- Shuh Orchards VIP Experience: Includes 2 admission tickets to the orchard and 3 fresh local ciders waiting for you! (The hotel handles booking your tickets automatically!)
- Complimentary Hot Breakfast: Full buffet-style hot breakfast to start your morning right.
- Hotel Amenities: Full access to the fitness center, high-speed Wi-Fi, free parking, and the heated indoor salt-water pool.
- Dining Discount: 10% OFF food at the delicious onsite restaurant, B55.
- Flexible Planning: Rest easy with a stress-free 72-hour cancellation policy.
How to Secure Your Special $229 Rate:
Rooms at this deeply discounted rate are limited and will sell out quickly for the Sept 18th–20th weekend. Secure yours using one of the two easy methods below:
- Option 1: Book Online Directly with Hilton
- Click the official booking link: Book Online at Hampton Inn & Suites Waterloo St. Jacobs
- Go to Special Rates > Corporate Account field.
- Enter Corporate ID: 0003007945 to instantly unlock the $229 rate.
- Option 2: Book via Phone
- Call the local front desk directly at (519) 514-0090 and mention Corporate ID 0003007945 or the MFE Festival Package to lock in your discount with the agent.
Secret Bonus Quest: Free Shuh Orchards Day Passes!
Thanks to our amazing partners at Shuh Orchards, we have 30 Day Passes up for grabs completely free!
Want one? Here is how to claim yours:
- Be an Early Bird: Head to the MFE Welcome Booth early on Saturday, September 19th and ask for the Shuh Orchards Pass.
- Show the Love: Pull out your phone and show our booth volunteers that you follow both Shuh Farms and HOPE on social media!
First Come, First Served: We only have 30 passes available, so make the Welcome Booth your absolute first stop when you arrive at the festival!
Catch Us in the Community!
We love hitting the road to connect with the community and celebrate diversity across the region! The MFE Planning Committee attended these summer events to promote the festival.
Woolwich Pride
📅 Date: Saturday, June 13
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🔗 Learn more about Woolwich Pride
Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Festival
📅 Date: Saturday, June 20
🕐 Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🔗 Learn more about the KW Multicultural Festival
Highlights
The festival would not be possible without our Sponsors and Funders.
Become a Festival Volunteer and Join the Celebration!
Volunteering at the Multicultural Festival of Elmira isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about being part of something truly special. You’ll help create an event that celebrates our community’s rich diversity, fosters inclusivity, and brings people together in meaningful ways.
Why Volunteer?
- Warm & Welcoming Team: Join a supportive group of volunteer MFE committee members who are here to make your volunteering experience smooth and enjoyable. We’re all about making things easy for you, so you can focus on having fun and making an impact.
- Positive Energy: We’re looking for bright, friendly individuals with a positive outlook who are excited to be part of something amazing. Your enthusiasm will help make this festival an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
- Make a Difference: Your efforts will help showcase the beauty of different cultures, creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere for the whole community.
- Connect & Grow: Meet new people, build connections and gain valuable experience while contributing to a cause that’s making a real difference in our community.
What to Expect
As a volunteer, you’ll have the flexibility to choose a time frame that works for you while assisting with various festival activities. Whether it’s helping with set-up, welcoming guests, or supporting cultural performances and workshops, your positive energy and friendly attitude will be key to the festival’s success.
Applications are NOW OPEN!
If you have any questions, send us an email at volunteers@heartsopenforeveryone.ca.
The People Behind the Festival
Our team is made up of local Elmira residents who have kindly volunteered their time to help organize MFE. Each of them brings passion and positive energy to every aspect of this event because they truly care about our community. That’s why our community can be assured that it will be an amazing festival to remember.
AmyBeth Brubacher ~ Vendor Coordinator
Amrita Maharaj-Dube ~ Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Ashley Waerea ~ Cultures United Coordinator
Brittney Emslie ~ Operations Support
Christine Cole ~ Vendor Coordinator
Denise Dickieson ~ Sponsorship and Volunteer Coordinator
Karen Lebold ~ Volunteer and Vendor Coordinator
Kim Barfoot
Meltem Aydin Smith
Olabode Fashina
Robyn Beckett ~ Grant Writer
Valentina Naranjo ~ Performance Coordinator
Activity Team
Kaia Lebold
Savannah Waerea
Our event is accessible. Learn more here.
Need Support to Attend? We’re Here to Help.
We want everyone to feel welcome and included at the festival. If transportation, food, or other needs might prevent you from attending, please reach out. We’ll do our best to help. We have a limited budget to provide support, but we’ll work with you wherever we can.
Contact us at info@heartsopenforeveryone.ca.