Friendship Festival

Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 2-9pm
Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street, Winooski

This free family-friendly event is designed to celebrate the people, cultures, and stories that make Winooski such a vibrant and welcoming community. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to spend the day connecting with neighbors, enjoying local food, experiencing live performances, and participating in activities that bring people together.

Help Us Make Magic Happen

Learn how you can help us make these events happen at no cost to the community.

What's Going On

Performances
  • KeruBo with full jazz band
  • The Unheard Stories Project
  • The Nepali & Congolese Dance Troupe
Vendors and Guests
  • TBA
Activities
  • Adult Mini Soccer Tournament
  • Bouncy Castle & Train Rides for Kids from Big Blue Trunk
  • Roller Skating with Joy Riders
  • Face & Henna Art
  • Community Mural Painting led by Jen Berger
  • Rice Cookout Competition

Rice Cookout Competition

The ingredient that unifies many cultures takes center stage in this fun competition. Restaurants and home enthusiasts will battle for the title of Best Rice Dish submission, judged by beloved local foodies.

The Rice Competition encourages professional and amateur cooks to present dishes made with one of the most universally used ingredient — rice.Compensation is available for buying ingredients for your dish.
How to Enter

Click the button below to enter the competition! Competition entry closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 23.

Food must be dropped off at judging table between 4-4:30pm on August 30 to compete. You can bring your dish ready made or make it at the festival, as long as it is ready for judging at 6pm.

Competition Categories
  • Restaurant (includes professional caterers)
    Winner and Runner Up Awarded
  • Home Chef
    Winner and Runner Up Awarded
  • Crowd Favorite (Restaurant Entries Only)
    Winner Awarded

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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With Support from