International Cultural Festival

International Cultural Festival 2025, Travel the World Without Leaving Berkeley

In Collaboration with International House Berkeley residents, Bay Area Consulates, and UC Berkeley Campus Organizations 

ICF 2025 Booths Recap 

ICF 2025 Fashion Show & Performances Recap

Event Description:

The International Culture Festival is hosted every spring semester. This event is a celebration of our diverse student community and an opportunity to share and learn about different cultures from around the world. This FREE event showcases the rich traditions of our residents from 20+ countries across six continents – a vibrant cultural celebration united under the dome! One of the highlights of ICF is the opportunity to dress up in cultural attire.  This is a chance for you to showcase your own cultural heritage or to learn more about the unique traditions and customs of others.


Honoring the Legacy of The Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures

This event would not be possible without the commitment of one remarkable woman: I-House alumna, Edith Colver.

Born Edith Simon in Karlsruhe, Germany, Edith left for London with her family in1936 and moved to the United States, settling in San Francisco. She lived at I-House from 1940-43, and received her Bachelors degree from UC Berkeley summa cum laude, in international relations and languages. After serving as a translator for the U.S. Office of War Information in 1945, she returned to her native country of Germany to work as an interpreter and research analyst at the Nuremberg trials. She was the first woman to serve as a field office director for the Asia Foundation and the first woman to serve as vice president of the World Affairs Council of Northern California. She was also a member of the I-House Board of Directors, fluent in German, French, Spanish and conversant in Tagalog, Portuguese, and Mandarin.

Upon her passing in 2002, the Edith Coliver Fund was established to ensure her legacy of peace and understanding lived on under the dome. I-House is honored to celebrate Edith Coliver through the International Culture Festival and further our mission of intercultural respect to which Edith was so steadfastly committed.

Thank you for being a part of the International Cultural Festival!  We hope you take advantage of all this day has  to offer.


Registration Details

FREE ADMISSION. NO RSVP Required!

Enjoy activities representing 20+ countries across six continents, including:

  • Europe: Austria (In Collaboration withThe Austrian Consulate in San Francisco), France, Hungary (In Collaboration with Consulate of Hungary in San Francisco), Ireland, Norway, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
  • Oceania: New Zealand
  • Middle East: Jordan (In Collaboration with Honorary Consul of Jordan in San Francisco)
  • Asia: China (In Collaboration with The Education Office, General Consulate of China in San Francisco),  India Bombay East Indians/Luso-Indians, Japan (In Collaboration with Consulate of Japan in San Francisco), Mongolia (In Collaboration with Consulate of Mongolia in San Francisco), Philippines (In Collaboration with General Consulate of Philippines in San Francisco), South Korea, Taiwan (In Collaboration with The Education Division, TECO in San Francisco)
  • Africa: Rwanda, Zambia (In Collaboration with The General Consulate of Zambia in San Francisco)
  • Americas: Brazil, Mexico, California (USA), Uruguay (In Collaboration with The General Consulate of Uruguay in San Francisco)

Other booths:

Plus many more cultural communities represented!

Important Notes

Wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, email rio@ihouseberkeley.org ten days in advance.

Photos may be used for promotional purposes. Contact Reisdent Life and Intercultural Development Office with questions at rio@ihouseberkeley.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay?

This event is only for current I-House Residents.

Is there a charge?

The event is free but there will be a $20 deposit hold that will be released to those who attend the event. If you need financial accommodations, please reach out to RIO@ihouseberkeley.org as soon as possible. 

What is the Cancellation/Refund Policy?

  • In order to get a full refund you must cancel your ticket by Monday, September 1 at 11:59PM. We understand that unexpected situations can arise, so if you're facing an emergency, please reach out to rio@ihouseberkeley.org as soon as possible.

No-Shows are subject to will result in automatic cancellation of your registration for future I-House events, including Sunday Supper

Can I give my ticket to my friend? 

Tickets are NOT transferable. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so we can assign it to the first person on the waitlist. 

What should I bring? 

Reusable water bottle, toiletries, outdoor clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet/dirty. Recommend: Sunscreen, Bug repellent, hat, swimwear, blanket, beach towel, medication for altitude sickness. It is recommend to use a weekend bag instead of a carry on suitcase.

Who do I reach out to about accommodations?

There’s a section when claiming your ticket, you can let us know about any accommodations you may need. You can also email us directly at RIO@ihouseberkeley.org. Please reach out as soon as possible to give us enough time to plan accordingly. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Can I drive myself instead of taking the bus? 

No, you must take the bus to and from the campsite together with the I-House group.

Can I leave early?

No, due to liability we are responsible to take all residents to and from the event. We recommend to plan accordingly so you can attend the entire weekend. 

What is the sleeping situation?

You will be sleeping in tent cabins that can sleep 3-4-5 people. The beds are twin size. There is one shelving unit, an overhead light and one electrical outlet. Upon arrival, you will be able to choose who you want to share a cabin with.  

Are the bathrooms private or shared? 

The bathrooms are shared with individual stalls. 

Is there signal or WIFI in the Campsite?

Signal is limited but there is WIFI at the campsite. Please note that WIFI might be spotty as we will be in the forest with mountains and trees.  

Is food Provided?

Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. There will be vegan/vegetarian options. Snacks will also be provided throughout the day. You can bring your own snacks but make sure they are securely sealed due to wildlife. 

Will there be free time?

Yes, you will have the chance to play games, sports, swim, and arts and craft during free time. 

What if I do not know how to swim? Is there a life guard? 

There won’t be a lifeguard on site, so please use caution around the pool and lake. Floatation devices will be available, but avoid the deep end if you can’t swim.

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International Cultural Festival Flyer

International Cultural Festival Flyer