5 Reasons You Should Attend the Hendricks County International Festival
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You don’t have to travel far to experience food, music and traditions from around the world this fall.
The 7th annual Hendricks County International Festival returns Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a new home at Hobbs Station in Plainfield. This free, family-friendly event showcases cultures from about 20 countries for an afternoon of food, animals, live entertainment, hands-on activities and plenty of opportunities to learn something new.
Here are five reasons to put it on your fall calendar.
1. Travel the World with a Festival Passport
Start at the welcome booth and pick up a festival passport, then make your way around the cultural booths representing countries from across the globe. Collect a stamp at each stop while learning about different customs and traditions. It's the easiest way to travel the world without a plane ticket.
Countries represented vary each year, but past festivals have included India, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Japan, France, South Korea, Thailand, Switzerland, Scotland, West Africa and more.
2. Try Cuisine from Around the World
Food is an important part of the Hendricks County International Festival
Come hungry because trying new foods is one of the best parts of the festival. International food vendors will offer plenty of different flavors, with past events featuring Greek, Indian, Mexican, Italian, French and Korean cuisine.
Admission to the festival is free, but food is available for purchase, so bring some cash or a card to make lunch part of your trip around the world.
3. Meet Animals from Around the Globe
Kids will enjoy the animal displays from around the world
You don't normally find a zoo in the middle of Plainfield, but this year, the festival will feature animals from around the globe to help tell the story of different cultures from a new perspective.
It should be an especially fun stop for kids and another hands-on way for families to learn how animals play a role in communities and traditions.
4. Watch Live Music & Dance
Dancers and other acts from around the globe will perform throughout the festival
You might hear something completely different every time you walk by the performance area. Performers representing cultures from around the world will share their musical talents, stories and artistry on the main stage for the entire five-hour event
Grab a seat when you need a break from exploring the booths, or stick around and see who takes the stage next.
5. Explore Traditional Clothing, Arts & Artifacts
Take your time as you make your way through the cultural booths because there’s plenty to see beyond getting your passport stamped. Traditional clothing, artwork, artifacts and other displays offer a closer look at how people around the world celebrate their heritage and everyday traditions.
Many booths, and even some entertainers, will include hands-on activities that let everyone be part of the celebration.
Hendricks County International Festival
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Hobbs Station, Plainfield, Indiana
- Details: Held outdoors, rain or shine.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available.
- Cost: Free. While there is no cost to attend, plan to bring money to purchase food and various wares from the vendors.
- Information: Website and Facebook
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