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3rd Annual Multicultural Festival of Elmira
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11AM-6PM
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 2024 here!
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.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Feel the Rhythm. Celebrate the Culture.
We’re bringing the world to Elmira! This year’s Multicultural Festival features an incredible lineup of artists who will have you dancing, clapping, and soaking in the beauty of global traditions.
Here’s a Sneak Peek of Who’s Taking the Stage So Far:
Christin Dennis, Knowledge Carrier & Artist ~ Opening Ceremony with Traditional Drumming & Flute
El Ceibo ~ Soulful Rhythms from Argentina
KOREXION ~ Juno Award-Winning Reggae Vibes from Jamaica
Los Hijos de Tuta ~ Lively Colombian Cumbia Beats
Two Families Band ~ Ukrainian Folk Meets Modern Flair
And that’s just the beginning! More artists and cultural performances are being confirmed. Stay tuned as the full lineup unfolds.
CULTURAL FOOD
Dishes That Tell a Story
Delicious meals and treats from many cultures will be available throughout the day. Everything from savoury bites to sweet desserts! Each dish brings a taste of tradition, made with love by local food booth vendors.
Butter & Creme Bakery and BBQ ~ Brining the Breeze N’ Freeze Lemonade Bar offering Jamaican-style flavoured frozen lemonade, Jamaican snacks, pop and water
Canada Waterloo Chinese Traders Federation ~ Taiwanese organization serving up spring onion pancakes
Flame House Grill ~ Local Indian restaurant selling popular dishes, including Himalayan momo, samosa, Indian masala tea, mango lassi, butter chicken, rice/naan bread, biryani, and noodles
Kitchen Bride Catering and Events Management ~ Nigerian catering company offering snacks and finger foods like peppered gizzard, mears, beef patties, egg roll, spring roll, samosa, fish roll, puffpuff, and ice cream
Our food trucks are serving up delicious meals and snacks from a variety of cultures. From quick bites to full plates, there’s something for everyone. Each dish is made fresh and packed with flavour, perfect for grabbing on the go while you explore the festival.
Las Mexicanas ~ Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas, quesabirrias, gringas, suizas and enchiladas.
Lola Liza Foods Inc. ~ Flavours of the Philippines, including pork and chicken BBQ, lumpiang Shanghai (pork or veggie spring rolls), kwek kwek (fried quail eggs), embutido (pork meat loaf), leche flan, siu mai, pancit and more.
Community Info Booths
Community Services and Groups in Action
Explore local organizations working to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities. Learn how you can be part of the change.
– SPONSORS –
Region of Waterloo ~ Delivers services region-wide, with the booth’s focus on the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and the Upstream Fund.
Woolwich Community Health Centre ~ A registered, non-profit charitable organization that offers counselling services in Woolwich and Wellesley Township.
Woolwich Counselling Centre
Engage Rural ~ Collaborative of 8 health and social service agencies shaping the future of rural services
Centre for Indigegogy ~ A self-sustaining, Indigenous-led, holistic professional development organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge, learning, and pedagogy, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and community organizations.
ClimateActionWR ~ A collaboration between local organizations and community members focused on reducing GHG emissions in Waterloo Region.
Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley & Wilmot ~ A home support agency providing in-home practical supports and community programs for seniors and adults with unique needs and/or disabilities.
Hmong Association of Canada ~ A non-profit organization supporting the Hmong community.
MT Space ~ Dedicated to theatre that centralizes marginalized and racialized voices, stories and artists.
YMCA of Three Rivers ~ Delivers programs, outreach and services, such as Early Learning and Child Care Navigators, Youth, Immigrant Services and Employment Services.
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 good energy 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.
Volunteer Registration is Now Open. Apply by July 20, 2025
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
Amanda Wease ~ Kids Entertainment
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
Laura Cortes ~ MC and Performance Support
Mary Dowhaniuk ~ Volunteer Coordinator
Robyn Beckett ~ Grant Writer
Rosa Maria de Ramos Wanklyn
Valentina Naranjo ~ Entertainment Coordinator
Get Ready for MFE!
MFE T-Shirt Orders
We will be selling our popular “We All Belong” t-shirts during the festival. Visit our tent during the festival or purchase one here for pickup in Elmira.
Available sizes: Adults – XS, S, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Youth – XS, S, M, L, XL
MFE Site Map
Gibson Park will be packed with lots of fun the whole family will enjoy. Site Map Coming Soon!
Colouring Contest
Stay tuned for more information about our Colouring Contest!
We do not want barriers to get in the way of anyone’s participation at the event. We have a limited budget to provide transportation and food support. If you need support with transportation, food or anything else in order to attend the event please reach out to info@heartsopenforeveryone.ca.