We already know that New Orleans is one of the few true American melting pots of international origins–probably because it’s a very old port city. That very aspect of the Crescent City is what keeps people coming back to visit over and over again. But the folks at Social Renaissance and World Swirl Productions have decided to take the city’s international heritage to a higher level with a new fall festival this year. On Saturday, October 12, the organizations host their first “International Night” at the Port of New Orleans (Mardi Gras World) from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Port of New Orleans

The industrial end of downtown’s Mississippi riverfront is set to be a miniature World’s Fair of sorts on Saturday night when a blaze of international color invites culture-seekers of all ages to celebrate New Orleans’ diverse make-up and raise funds for cancer research at the same time. Over a dozen local musicians from an array of ethnic backgrounds will take the stage while numerous local food trucks serve up a taste of cuisine from countries like Jamaica, Ethiopia, India and of course – New Orleans (because New Orleans is kind of like its own country, right?).

Dance troupes rooted in Brazilian (Casa Samba) and African (Zulu Connection) tradition will also perform, while visual artists create a pop-up crafts marketplace. The music line-up at Saturday’s International Night though is quite a hefty one. Treme jazz princes, trombonist Glen David Andrews and his cousin, trumpeter James Andrews top a bill with heavyweights like go-go-brass funksters (and OffBeat Magazine July 2013 cover artists), the Brass-A-Holics and rising Afro-rockers, The Honorable South. Back recently from touring overseas, songbird Kristin Diable is also set to hit this international stage, along with R&B/soul singer Tondrae Kemp and Flamenco/Latin jazz nine-piece band, Vivaz.

With a group like Casa Samba on hand, who needs twerking? This is the real deal.

Not to be left out of the mix, even a few of the city’s top DJs will keep the party rocking too; reggae and dancehall DJ T-Roy spins, as will popular club jock DJ Mike Swift. The one night fest is free of charge. However, guests are encouraged to support the food and arts vendors, proceeds from which will benefit cancer research.

International Night takes place Saturday, October 12 from 6 p.m. until midnight at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. More Info: www.internationalfestnola.com