Your Guide to the World of Nations Celebration in Jacksonville

World of Nations Celebration is a multicultural festival highlighting countries from around the world through cultural exhibits, live entertainment, interactive experiences and delicious cuisine. The participating nations are represented by local cultural organizations and community members who share their traditions, stories and heritage.

This year, World of Nations is 10 am to 7 pm Saturday, February 28 and 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, March 1 at Ford on Bay (288 E Bay St.), which is directly behind the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Downtown Jacksonville.

Countries represented this year include Argentina, Bahamas, Bosnia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Republic of Panama, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela.

Buy your ticket now!

Buy your ticket in advance to save
Advance tickets are available for $9 plus tax and fees. Tickets purchased at the gate on the day of the event are $13 plus tax for school-age children ages 4 to 17 and $15 plus tax for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

Know where to park
Street parking and public parking garages are available Downtown. Click here for more information.

Arrive early
The first half of the day is ideal for exploring booths, meeting representatives and watching cultural demonstrations before peak crowds arrive.

Build your own “world tour”
Pick a few countries you’re most excited about and explore them intentionally. Watch a performance and sample something new from each.

Leave time for shows
The entertainment stages are where the festival really comes alive. Traditional dances, drumming, fashion and music performances happen throughout the day and are worth planning around.

Take breaks
With so much to see, stepping away for a riverfront walk or shaded rest makes the day more enjoyable.

World of Nations is the perfect starting point for exploring Jacksonville’s international side. You can easily turn the weekend into a full cultural getaway by experiencing more of what the city has to offer.

Explore Jacksonville’s cultural spaces
Visit Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville or the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to see rotating exhibitions and global influences in art and design.

Discover historic and creative neighborhoods
Riverside Avondale and Springfield are great areas near Downtown to wander, shop local and experience Jacksonville’s creative community. These neighborhoods are full of murals, historic architecture, independent boutiques and local markets. There are many more neighborhoods beyond the Downtown area that are also worth exploring.

Experience live arts and performances
Check the schedules at the Florida Theatre and the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. International musicians, dance companies and touring productions often perform in Jacksonville and make a great addition to a World of Nations weekend.

Add global flavor to your itinerary
Rather than keeping the food experience only at the festival, explore Jacksonville’s international restaurants and markets during your trip. It’s an easy way to continue discovering new cultures between festival days.

• Wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk.
• Remember your trip by taking lots of photos and videos.
• Don’t rush. The best moments often come from conversations with country representatives and unexpected performances.
• Consider extending your trip to experience Jacksonville beyond the festival.