Russian Time Magazine

More Than a Festival. How Sacramento Turns Childhood Into a Cultural Experience

For one day, Sacramento stops feeling like a city and becomes a living celebration of childhood. Music replaces noise, cultures come together, and thousands of families gather not just for entertainment but to reconnect with something simple and real, joy. What started as a small grassroots idea has grown into a meaningful community tradition where every performance, every smile, and every interaction creates something bigger than an event. It creates a sense of belonging.
The International Kids Festival began as a grassroots community event designed to bring families together through culture, fun, and creative expression. Over the past two decades, it has grown into one of the most recognized free family festivals in Northern California.
Organized by the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs and supported by media, civic leaders, local organizations, and volunteers, the festival has earned a reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. What began as a small gathering has evolved into a meaningful tradition that reflects the region’s multicultural identity and its commitment to community connection. At Sacramento’s International Kids Festival, childhood wonder comes to life through music, dance, and the energy of countless smiles.

❤️ On Saturday, May 23, Sacramento’s William Land Park Amphitheater will once again turn into a vibrant cultural hub as families from across Northern California are invited to enjoy a day of performances and cultural exchange.
This year, the Health Zone of the 22nd Annual International Kids Festival is proudly sponsored by UC DAVIS HEALTH CHILDREN HOSPITAL, bringing trusted medical expertise, wellness resources, and interactive health education to families across the region. In partnership, Gateway Community Charters is leading the Education Zone, creating a dynamic space where learning comes to life through hands-on activities, student showcases, and innovative academic programs. Together, these two powerful institutions are shaping an environment where children not only have fun, but also gain valuable knowledge about their health, education, and future opportunities.
“Our goal was to create a celebration that reminds us of childhood and brings families together,” said Sergey Ivannikov, the festival’s producer and CEO of Russian American Media, a collaborative partner of Solving Sacramento. “Seeing children laugh, play and form new friendships is the greatest reward for our efforts.”
The main stage will feature this year more than 40 cultural performance groups, showcasing 420 youth dancers, singers and musicians during the day. Each group represents different cultures and ethnic communities from around the world, united by a shared love of culture and art.
Yuriy Barbuk, Producer with B-Pro Sound & Lights, who is also the stage manager of the event, emphasized the importance of the festival. “We’re committed to quality and a high level of organization. Every child matters to us their smiles are what this day is all about. We want to give them joy and lasting memories,” he said.

Alisa Yurchenko, President & CEO of Council For Cross Cultural Affairs, and festival organizer noted that the stage program offers great opportunity for parents as well, beyond being fun and free entertainment. “Parents can discover potential studios and programs where their kids may want to get involved in the future,” she said.
Performers will take the stage in traditional costumes, presenting dances and songs that reflect their heritage. For many of these young artists, it’s their first time performing in front of such a large audience. The festival stage has become a platform where children get an opportunity to entertain and share their culture with thousands of attendees.

In addition to a vibrant mix of music styles, from folk traditions to contemporary rhythms, the festival will also offer free attractions, such as pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, ballon twisting, mini train rides, rock climbing, body jumping.
The Art Zone, presented by Drawcademy, will be a vibrant centerpiece of creativity, inviting children to explore their imagination through hands-on artistic experiences, guided drawing sessions, and interactive workshops led by talented instructors.

Throughout the day, festivalgoers can take part in raffles and prize drawings, including giveaways of bicycles, scooters, games and gift cards to use at local restaurants and businesses.
While children enjoy the festival, parents can connect with over 150+ organizations offering resources in education, health care, social services and small business development.

High school students are invited to volunteer and earn valuable community service hours that can strengthen their college applications. This is more than just a requirement. It is a chance to gain real-world experience, develop leadership skills, and become part of a meaningful community initiative. Volunteers will have the opportunity to support event activities, interact with families, and contribute to creating an unforgettable experience for thousands of attendees while building connections and confidence that will benefit them far beyond the festival.
Admission, attractions, parking and public transportation to the event are free. Guests can download attached a free RT ride coupon (copy at the event website). Food trucks will serve international cuisine.
“It’s more than just entertainment festival,” said Alisa Yurchenko, President of the Council For Cross-Cultural Affairs. “It’s about strategic connections, where families learning about cultures, children performing and creating friendship, and communities growing stronger together.”
✅ The 22nd annual International Kids Festival 2026 will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at the William Land Park Amphitheater, 3901 Land Park Dr. in Sacramento
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Sacramento Observer, Capital Public Radio, Sacramento Business Journal, Russian America Media, and Sacramento News & Review, Capitol Weekly, and Hmong Daily News.

Solving Sacramento is a collaborative program administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association. Funds donated to this program support journalism projects to inform and educate the public on critical local issues.
2026-04-23 21:40 EVENTS