Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Brazos Valley Worldfest: Trot the Globe Without Leaving Texas

Where the Old West meets modern culture, Bryan/College Station is the perfect place to consider when planning a Texas getaway. Whether it’s sailing or wakeboarding on Bryan Lake or shopping at the boutique shops in Historic Downtown Bryan, the area offers something for every traveler. Anyone interested in the rich history of the region and it’s people should make time to visit the Texas A&M University’s museums and galleries, Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, and George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  

 

The Brazos Valley Worldfest has showcased the cultural diversity of the Brazos Valley for more than a decade, and it will take place November 18 at the Brazos County Expo Center Pavilion. This event is free to attend while promoting and celebrating international diversity in the region. The Global Village, presented by the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley is the epicenter of the event featuring a spectrum of cultural displays and demonstrations, great foods from across the planet, and storytelling. Attendees can also enjoy live multicultural entertainment and performances on the Confucius Institute World Stage and the RDM Audio Community Stage. The Global Marketplace features vendors selling art, trinkets, clothing, and more from around the world. Families will love the Kid’s Village which includes games, live entertainment, activities, and art projects. We interviewed Kim Fox, Coordinator of the event to learn more about this unique multicultural experience.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

KF: Brazos Valley Worldfest is a community-wide festival promoting and celebrating the international diversity and heritage of the Brazos Valley. We are moving to a new location this year at the Brazos County Expo Center Pavilion because the weather has been tough on the festival the last few years. Regardless of the weather this year, all the fun and activity will continue!  

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

KF: We expect around 10,000 attendees.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

KF: This festival is family-oriented. We host activities and performances for all ages! We are unique because we are the only Central Texas festival highlighting multiple countries and cultures from around the world. Brazos County has a population around 250,000, but thanks to Texas A&M University, more than 120 countries, and cultures are represented.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

KF: The festival and parking are FREE as well as most of our activities. Attendees can pick up a souvenir passport and visit the more than 50 cultural displays. Each display offers a demonstration, so visitors have a hands-on experience from another culture. Attendees can also purchase international cuisine from the displays, which are always one of the biggest draws to the festival! We have two entertainment stages for performances, storytelling, drum circles, arts and crafts, and more. Brazos Valley Worldfest gives our attendees the opportunity to travel around the world in one day!

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

KF: Bryan/College Station has a lot of lodging options. One of our unique properties is the historical, La Salle Hotel in downtown Bryan. Closest to the venue is the new Stella Hotel. The Stella is an exclusive boutique hotel offering luxury at affordable prices. If you are an Aggie or Aggie fan, you will want to check out two of our newest properties next to Texas A&M University. The George and Cavalry Court is located in Century Square, and it's the Brazos Valley’s premier community destination for accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all in one location. Visit here to see the variety of options available.

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

KF: Brazos Valley Worldfest is an event that brings the entire Brazos Valley together. Many times the university’s international students, faculty, and staff have little opportunity to connect with the community. This festival gives them the opportunity to welcome attendees into their culture and get a taste of their hospitality. In turn, they learn more about their Texas home while they are here and feel more welcomed. Although the Brazos Valley is the focus of the festival, everyone is invited to attend and celebrate our diversity and commonalities. Being an away game weekend for Aggie football should allow visitors the opportunity to find the local accommodations that meet their needs.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

KF: The hospitality and welcoming environment are attractive to all attendees no matter their background. When you leave the festival, you will have connected with new people and hopefully learned about new cultures. Attendees will have the chance to eat food from around the world while enjoying music and dance from every corner of the globe. Brazos Valley Worldfest is your unique opportunity to travel around the world in one day.

 

For more information about the Brazos Valley Worldfest, please visit the event website.