LORAIN — The 57th Annual Lorain International Festival kicks off Friday, June 27, bringing three days of music, dance, and international flavor to the Black River Landing. Hosted by the Lorain International Association, this year’s celebration shines a spotlight on the Italian community and Lorain educators.
The weekend begins Friday evening with opening ceremonies at 5:15 p.m., followed by cultural dance performances and the first main stage headliner, Moving in Stereo — a tribute band honoring the music of The Cars — taking the LorMet Credit Union Stage at 8:00 p.m.
On Saturday, performances begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue through the evening with a lineup that includes the Chamberlain Irish Dancers, Esencia Boricua Cultural del Lorain, and the Lorain Hungarian Dancers. At 8:00 p.m., festivalgoers can enjoy The Spazmatics, billed as the “ultimate ’80s new wave tribute” act, closing out the night with high-energy nostalgia.
Sunday wraps up the weekend with another round of cultural performances, including ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers, the Lochaber Pipe Band, and North Coast Prost. Visiting royalty introductions will take place at 1:30 p.m., continuing a tradition that celebrates pageantry from various international communities.
More than 30 food vendors will be on-site throughout the weekend, offering an international menu that includes Thai, Puerto Rican, Bahamian, Creole, Filipino, Hungarian, and soul food options. Local favorites like Berardi’s Fries, Lorenzo’s Pizza, and the Giant Perch Truck will also be available, alongside new participants and craft vendors.
Festival hours are Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3 at the North and South gates; kids 12 and under get in free. Electronic payments are accepted.
The Lorain International Festival has been a summer tradition since 1967, offering residents and visitors a chance to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and strong community ties. Organizers say this year’s lineup continues that legacy with a mix of tradition, entertainment, and food from around the world.
For more details, visit www.loraininternational.com.
Full Entertainment Schedule
Friday, June 27
5:15 PM – Opening Ceremonies
6:15 PM – Italian Dance Performances
6:30 PM – African Royalty Dancers
8:00 PM – Moving in Stereo (The Cars Tribute)
Saturday, June 28
1:00 PM – Raks Shadan Dance Troupe
1:30 PM – Chamberlain Irish Dancers
2:00 PM – Candelitas
3:00 PM – Esencia Boricua Cultural del Lorain
4:00 PM – Living Traditions Folk Ensemble
5:00 PM – Donauschwabische Blaskapelle
5:00 PM – African Royalty Dancers
5:30 PM – Filipino American Foundation of Ohio
6:00 PM – Lorain Hungarian Dancers
8:00 PM – The Spazmatics (’80s Tribute)
Sunday, June 29
1:30 PM – Visiting Royalty Introductions
2:00 PM – Lochaber Pipe Band Highland Dancers
2:30 PM – Lorain Hungarian Dancers
3:00 PM – ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers
3:30 PM – North Coast Prost
2025 Vendor List
- Bangkok House – Thai
- Berardi’s Fries – American
- Chocolate Treasures – American
- DeChelli’s Italian Creations – Italian
- Dominic’s – (Cuisine not fully listed)
- Emilie’s Coffee House – Italian
- Emmanuel & Nick’s – Greek
- Giant Perch Truck – English
- Greater Victory Church – African American
- Hershey’s – Hungarian
- Homestyle BBQ – African American
- Island Delights – American
- Keniyas Kitchen – Bahamian
- Leola’s Little Kitchen – African American
- Lorenzo’s Pizza – Italian
- New Orleans Creole Connections – Creole
- Parilya – Filipino
- River Ranch – American
- Sacred Heart Chapel – Mexican/Puerto Rican
- Soul Food Hibachi – Japanese
- Stately Dogs, LLC – German
- Susan’s Sugar & Spice – English
- Tay’s Concessions – Mexican/American
- TDR Academy/Ministries – Puerto Rican
- The Almond Shop – (Cuisine not fully listed)
- Unique Sweets & Treats by Monique – African American
The event will also include numerous craft vendors and artisan booths offering cultural goods and handmade items.