Laramie International Flavor Festival Kicks Off On Tuesday, April 8

The Fourth Annual Laramie International Flavor Festival kicks off on Tuesday, April 8 and runs through April 12, according to a news release.

The release says 125 Laramie Community members, including international students and scholars, submitted food-related memories to help inspire the event. ''17+ participating downtown venues will feature menu items inspired by these stories. The specials appear on their menus throughout the week, and the accompanying stories will be displayed at each venue.''

“Whether you are a 4th-generation Wyomingite or an international student, everybody has a story. Often, it’s foods that connect us to our heritage, memories, and traditions. The idea is to connect the Laramie community through the sharing of these stories and celebration of heritage,” says Laramie International Flavor Festival Co-Chair Ali Grossman. She added that she has become closer to own neighbor Ingrid through the festival’s history. Ingrid Trahan, a child of a German mother and a Cajun-French Father, will have her family Cajun Gumbo featured by 2nd Street Deli this year. “The best way to start a conversation with a neighbor is to ask them about foods,” Grossman said.

In Malawi, our staple food is Nsima. It’s more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of community, unity, and hope. Nsima knows no social boundaries; it brings everyone together, from the wealthiest to the most humble. Whether we’re celebrating a wedding, gathered around the fireplace listening to the wisdom of our Gogo (grandparents), or simply sharing a meal, Nsima is always at the heart of these moments,” wrote Alex Dzekedzek, UW Student, Agricultural Business.

Festival Schedule Of Events

Here is a schedule of events for the Festival:

TUESDAY, April 8: Welcome Reception and Recognition of Participants
Laramie Main Street Alliance Headquarters- 103 Grand Avenue
5:00-5:30 pm Welcome Reception- tea and baklava- with Aylin Carey (FREE)
Aylin will share how Turkish baklava and stories connect her to her cultural heritage.
5:30- 6:20 pm Recognition of 2025 Flavor Festival Participants
o Join us to mingle and learn about and how your neighbors influenced this year’s restaurant selections. There will be a recognition of 2025 Flavor Festival Participants

TUESDAY, April 8: International Trivia Night at Bonds Brewery 7:30pm 411 South 2nd.

FRIDAY, April 11: Late Night International Karaoke at Lovejoys 10pm 101 Grand Avenue

SATURDAY, April 12
“International Culture Adventure” hosted by WyoGlobal at The Collective, 100 S. 2nd. Street
2-5:30pm FREE
Throughout the event:
o Posters and demonstrations by international students and scholars from UW
o Music and dance from the international community
Learn the dances of Uzbekistan with Dilnoza Khasilova
Explore Latin Dance with Maria Victoria Gonzalez
4pm Short Film and Story Stage (FREE)
Screening of Come to America | 15minutes| Graduate Student Life & Culture | Shock in the USA | Bangladeshi Student Association- A film by Zach Butler and Tasfique
Shared stories- hear the stories that inspired the 2025 festival menus.
You are invited to share your own story.