The largest international festival in Dayton and Ohio is back for a 45th year— and our bellies are ready

A record-breaking number of attendees were on hand to take in A World A'Fair, May 20-22, at the Dayton Convention Center. (TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTED)

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

A record-breaking number of attendees were on hand to take in A World A'Fair, May 20-22, at the Dayton Convention Center. (TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTED)
What to Do
By Sarah Franks
May 14, 2018
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It’s that time of year again that Dayton celebrates all the different heritages and cultures that have made our community what it is with the “largest international festival in Ohio.”

>>PHOTOS: Did we see you at last year’s A World A’Fair?

Explore>>A World A’Fair: Dayton has been traveling the world without leaving town for 45 years

The 45th year for 'A World A'Fair', organized by the Dayton International Festival, Inc., is set to take place at the Dayton Convention Center on May 18th, 19th and 20th. With over "30,000 people attending in 2016, and almost as many in 2017," according to aworldafair.org, the festival is Dayton Convention Center's largest event.

>>The BEST festivals we cannot wait for

Jino Manzo preparing Italian sausage and vegetables the 39th annual A World A'Fair held Saturday at the Dayton Convention Center Contributed Photo by Charles Caperton

Credit: Charles Caperton

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Credit: Charles Caperton

This year, a total of 34 countries and ethnicities are taking part, either by making authentic cultural cuisine, performing on stage or presenting their own heritage in a colorful and authentic way.

Along with the exciting sights and sounds that will be going on, it’s easy to imagine the mouthwatering aromas that will fill the Convention Center. The international foods at the festival is always one of the most anticipated aspects. Coming hungry is essential for this event. You’ll find foods from Czech pastries, to bratwurst, baklava, tiramisu and tabouli.

Explore>>NEW FESTIVAL: Adventures Fest to include music, beer, food and fun along the river

For a complete list of organizations and the foods they will be offering, visit aworldafair.org/food.

DON’T FORGET THE BEER

Friday night, there's a special opportunity to travel the globe with just a beer glass in your hand. The Beer Passport is a Friday night only event, allowing you a 2 oz. sample at 12 different country's booths— all for $12. Voting for the best beer takes place after participants completed their passports. Tickets are limited to 500 and can be purchased at the event.

A scene from 2013's A World A'fair. SCOTT STOLSENBERG/CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Scott Stolsenberg

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Credit: Scott Stolsenberg

A World A’Fair is easily the best way to stay in country while experiencing a brand new culture. You can fill your belly with amazing food, bring home “souvenirs” from places you’ve always longed to visit and have a day— or weekend— that you won’t forget.

Advanced sale tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for ages 6 to 18 and are available until Thursday, May 17th. Tickets are also available at the door for $8 and $5 for ages 6 to 18.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: A World A'fair

WHEN: 5 p.m.- 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday, May 20

WHERE: Dayton Convention Center., 22 E. 5th St., Dayton

INFO: Facebook | aworldafair.org

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About the Author

Sarah Franks