Hailey
The Emporia International Food & Drink Festival is back again, and this year it promises even more flavour, culture, and excitement. If you love trying new food or want to explore dishes from around the world without leaving Kansas, this event is perfect for you.
From November 20 to November 23, downtown Emporia will turn into a global food street where local restaurants and international students come together to serve special dishes inspired by different countries.
This festival makes it easy for anyone — families, students, or food lovers — to enjoy a little taste of the world.
What Is the Emporia International Food & Drink Festival?
The festival is organised by Emporia Main Street and Emporia State University’s Office of International Education.
It brings international students and local businesses together to create new food and drink items based on the students’ home cultures. Each special item is sold separately at different restaurants during their regular business hours.
To join the fun, festivalgoers can pick up a free passport that works like a travel guide. Each time you try a dish, your passport gets a stamp. By the end of the festival, you can see how many countries you “visited” through food.
Where to Get the Festival Passport
You can collect your passport from:
- Emporia Main Street
- Office of International Education
- Any participating restaurant
The passport helps you follow the different stops and keeps track of your food journey across Emporia.
Global Food & Drink Stops for 2025
Below is a simple table showing the participating locations and the countries they represent:
| Restaurant / Venue | Country | Special Dishes & Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel City Roasters | Japan | Ichigo Daifuku, Matcha Frappe |
| Bourbon Cowboy | Spain | Kalimotxo, Rebujito, Sangria |
| Mulready’s Pub | Paraguay | Fernet con Coca Cola, Pynandí Passionfruit, Mate Dulce |
| Radius Brewing Company | Korea | Japchae, Ssoya Bokkeum |
| 627 Event Space | Nigeria | Yam & Egg Sauce |
| Union Street Social | Ghana | Jollof Rice, Chicken/Fried Beef, House-made Shito |
| Bobby D’s Merchant Street BBQ | Croatia | Menu coming soon |
What You Can Expect at the Festival
A Global Journey Without Leaving Emporia
The festival gives you the chance to taste popular foods and drinks from Japan, Spain, Paraguay, Korea, Nigeria, Ghana, and Croatia. Whether you enjoy sweet, spicy, savoury, or refreshing flavours, there is something for every taste.
Unique Cultural Connection
Since international students help create these items, the dishes are authentic and inspired by real home-style cooking. Each recipe has a story, making the experience more meaningful.
Explore at Your Own Pace
All items are sold during the restaurants’ usual business hours, so you can enjoy the festival at any time that works best for you. Just take your passport, visit the locations, get your stamp, and enjoy your food adventure.
The Emporia International Food & Drink Festival is a fun, educational, and delicious way to explore world cultures without ever leaving Kansas.
With a free passport, unique dishes from seven countries, and the support of local businesses and international students, this event brings the community together in the most enjoyable way — through food.
Whether you try one dish or all of them, this festival creates exciting memories for people of all ages and backgrounds.