FusionFest is a free two-day celebration in Downtown Orlando, held each year on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, featuring a kaleidoscopic fusion of aromas, sights, sounds, tastes, textures, and fascinating short films that represent the many diverse origins and heritages of our community.  Now in its fourth year, and already a Thanksgiving weekend tradition in Orlando, for two days the front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts comes alive with a Diversitastic! display of art, fashion, film, music, dance, and food – representing more than 100 cultures found throughout Greater Orlando. 

This diversity-minded festival has ballooned into a year-round program of in-person and online gatherings that are strengthening the connections between Central Florida’s many heritage communities. FusionFest is the signature event of the nonprofit organization by the same name.  In its inaugural edition, the event received the Award of Excellence in the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s Golden Brick Awards and took first place in the “Community Outreach Program” and “Sponsor Partnership” categories of the Florida Festivals and Events Association’s SunSational Awards.

In addition to honoring traditions, FusionFest also encourages collaboration and innovation through fusion contests offering up to $1,000 in cash prizes for participants who will combine elements from different cultures into a new and exciting original. Music, dance, fashion, spoken word, visual arts, film, and food all offer contests and each area is judged by a different diverse panel of judges.

The runway at FusionFest will come alive with a kaleidoscopic of fashion from around the world, reflecting the diverse origins and heritages of our community. There are two ways to wear your culture and share your fashion story at FusionFest 2021. You can walk the runway in an outfit representing your heritage for the Heritage Runway Showcase. Or if you are a fashion designer, you can enter your original design for a chance to win $1,000 in the Fusion Fashion Design Contest.  

For more information about FusionFest fashion, music, visual arts, dance or film competition, visit FusionFest.org.