Where else can you visit Korea, take a spin to Ireland, then cruise over to Spain all in one afternoon?

Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest.

And this year, the summer favorite will host popular features, including performance stages and a plethora of ethnic cuisines to satisfy any palate, says Ethnic Fest coordinator Lori Crace.

“It’s a great block party,” Crace said.  

Ethnic Fest, taking place in Wright Park July 24 and 25, encompasses exotic flavors, vivid costumes and dynamic rhythms while celebrating the myriad cultures that comprise Pierce County.

From noon to 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy two full days of music, dance, art and foods from around the world.

Offering everything from bulgogi to gelato, reggae to rumba, this family-friendly event is enjoyed by tens of thousands of people annually. And this year should be no different, Crace said.

“Typically, we get 50,000 to 60,000 people over two days,” Crace said. “It’s one of the bigger festivals in the area.”

Two performance stages will showcase an array of ethnic music and dancing during the event. This year, about 30 performers are scheduled to entertain audiences.

There are several new groups that will perform this year. Crace expressed her personal excitement for first-time Ethnic Fest performers, Groupo Qeutzacopal. The group will perform traditional Aztec dances while donning colorful costumes. Irish dancers, Tiller’s Folly, are returning to Ethnic Fest after taking a break from the festival for several years. Swamp Soul, a Cajun-influenced band, will spice things up for the first time at the festival. Three new Hispanic groups will take to the stage - Salsa performers Conjunpo Chevere, Columbian extraordinaire Diego Coy and local Mexican ballet troupe, Esplendor Mexicano. And audiences will feel the rhythms of Afro-Peruvian group Pasion Peruana.

“I’m really happy with the schedule. It’s a great mix of high-quality performers,” Crace said.  

Food vendors featuring tasty treats from a variety of cultures will satisfy festival-goers’ appetites while craft booths highlight handcrafts, clothing, art and jewelry from local artisans.

Kids can find a place of their own at the Kid Zone, where activities include hands-on arts and crafts, a bouncy house and a bubble pond. The Kid Zone comes alive on Saturday as participants are invited to dance along with instruction led from the stage by several urban dance groups. On Sunday, families can listen to music and watch a puppet show and live magic.

Each year, the festival has received more than 100 volunteer helping hands - and this year is no different. Metro Parks Tacoma, Pierce County Council District Four, and the city of Tacoma are just a few of the many sponsors.

From the food to the music, Crace admitted this is her favorite festival to organize.

“It just has a really groovy vibe,” she said. “It’s a day when community gets together and celebrates difference. It’s so cool to see people sharing and passing along their heritage.”

For more information about Ethnic Fest, visit www.ethnicfesttacoma.com.