The Plano International Festival will be held Oct. 19 and take place at Haggard Park in Plano.

In addition to a wide array of international cultural happenings, attendees can participate in free health screenings, check out science, technology, engineering, art and math activities, and more.

The backstory

Graciela Katzer has been a part of the Plano International Festival, a nonprofit organization, since 2004, the event’s inaugural year. In 2005 she became the president of the organization and has held that position since then.

What to expect


Multicultural events will include a parade featuring 110 country’s flags, a fashion show, an international food court, on-stage performances, cultural booths, children’s workshops and an art show.

A naturalization ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Eighteen countries, including Belarus, China, Honduras, Iraq, Kenya, Venezuela and Vietnam, will be represented in this ceremony.

“This is really emotional, especially for me ... because I know how long it took me to get to that point and it was a reason why I really wanted to give back to the community,” Katzer said.

Passports of the World, sponsored by The Plano Rotary Clubs, is an interactive opportunity for children to visit a variety of cultural booths to learn about different cultures, get a stamp from each booth and then redeem the completed passbook for a prize.


What else

Katzer said over the years volunteers have woven passion projects, such as the Fitzone and Wellness Fair, Green Fair and STEAM activities, into the festival’s tapestry.

There will be two stages at the day-long event. One stage will have a variety of multicultural performances, while the other stage will have interactive fitness activities for the first half of the festival and STEAM demonstrations for the second half.

The Fitness and Wellness Fair will be held in the Children’s Courtyard. Families can participate in free health screenings and visit with local health providers.


One more thing

Plano International Festival is a six-time recipient of the City of Plano’s Environmental Star of Excellence Award. Over 94% of all waste generated at the 2023 festival was diverted from landfill through a zero waste program.

The festival provides food vendors with biodegradable plates, bowls and utensils. Organic, recycling and regular trash bins will be placed around the festival grounds.

Demonstrations will be held teaching attendees how to make makeup, clothing and cleaning products.


Quote of note

“I'm an immigrant, I was born in Argentina and am an American now. I became naturalized in 2000,” Katzer said. “I really wanted to get involved and embrace the diversity Plano has. When you embrace the talents and diversity of the community, you make the city much stronger.”