Experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of the world right in our own backyard, at the inaugural Port St. Lucie International Fest on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 2-9 p.m. at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place. Join friends and neighbors and be immersed in a variety of cultural entertainment, marketplace offerings and food trucks! Admission is free.

The MIDFLORIDA Event Center Village Square will be transformed into a world showcase, with nearly a dozen countries represented at this family-friendly event. Explore the offerings of the international marketplace, capture your journey with photo opportunities from various countries, complete with a passport adventure for kids and live performances rotating every 20 minutes. Four-time Grammy award winning musician, Tomasito Cruz will close out the event with his Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Balada songs.

The festival includes:

• International Cuisine: Indulge in the culinary arts with a gourmet selection of food, dessert and tantalizing drinks at two cash bars. Experience authentic food from Italy, Japan, Mexico, Jamaica and more!
• Cultural Entertainment: Cultural groups representing many countries will perform every 20 minutes.
• Cultural Marketplace: Shop for authentic goods imported from a wide variety of nations. Limited edition festival t-shirts will be available for purchase for $10 each.

Live performances take place through the International Fest. Check out the lineup of performers:

• 2:15 p.m. Lee Koon Hung Kung Fu (Lion dance)
• 3 p.m. Fushu Daiko (Japanese flute and Taiko show)
• 3:30 p.m. Palm Beach Bag Pipers
• 4 p.m. Juan Pena, Spanish Guitar
• 4:30 p.m. Kumba African dancers
• 5 p.m. Mariachi Band
• 5:30 p.m. Paul Rowan (Irish music)
• 6:00 p.m. Colombian dancers
• 6:30 p.m. Jamaican Steel drums
• 7:00 p.m. Tomasito Cruz

Beyond the music, festivalgoers are encouraged to journey inside the MIDFLORIDA Event Center for the Arts & Ideas Experience from 2-7 p.m. Traditional garments will be displayed, guests can pose for a free souvenir photo (while supplies last), and a cash bar will be available. Participants will also have an opportunity to receive a commemorative water bottle, while supplies last, when they interact and provide valuable feedback about arts, culture and diversity. Experience Metamorphosis III, curated by Elanor Leinen, featuring “The Genie Habitat Collection,” which includes art posters, 3D framed art and pieces that combine imagination and vivid colors.

Explore all the details at www.pslparks.com