Coming June 2022!
#TCWRD is a Festival That Aims To…
Recognize the thousands of refugees living in our state and celebrate the diversity of cultures and experiences that they bring to our community.
Raise awareness around refugee issues, including: international conflicts and violence that create refugee crises, the refugee resettlement process both here and abroad, and the challenges and opportunities faced by refugees after resettling in Minnesota.
Build a cultural bridge between longtime Minnesota residents and our newest community members.
This celebration of culture and life brings Minnesotans together to recognize and uplift the diverse gifts that refugees bring to our state. Event-goers enjoy free live entertainment, food and vendors from around the world, children’s activities, a community resource fair, and interactive educational displays. In-person event returning in 2023!
Virtual Presentation
Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2021 was a virtual celebration hosted on Facebook and YouTube. Check out the video to hear messages from MN Gov. Tim Walz, Congresswoman Omar, the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, and award-winning Hmong American author Kao Kalia Yang. Watch dynamic performances and hear stories from:
- Cypher Side Dance School
- Ifrah Mansour
- Nyttu Chongo
- Tou Saik Lee
- Free in Color Arts
- Kashimana Ahua and Reequal Smith (a collaboration of MN and Canadian artists)
- Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue
Food + Community
Celebrate the cultures and experiences of Minnesotan refugees. The festival highlights local food trucks that serve culturally diverse food options, organizations dedicated to providing opportunities and improving the quality of life for immigrants and refugees, and artists enriching Minnesota’s communities.
Recognizing Greatness
TCWRD is a platform to uplift and celebrate all that refugees have brought and grown to enrich both local and global communities, and annually we strive to recognize amazing refugee community leaders that #ElevateOurVoices
Although we live in a world that can feel divided at times, the exceptional efforts and energies of many people unite our diverse communities. These leaders bridge our diverse communities in order to shift us to a collective cultural narrative that welcomes and accepts all.
