Muhlenberg International Festival A Success!
- Michael Davis
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
CENTRAL CITY, KY — The inaugural Muhlenberg International Festival made its debut Saturday October 11, 2025 at Festival Square, drawing visitors to downtown Central City from Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and California, as well as Bowling Green, Muhlenberg, McLean, and Ohio counties.
The event featured more than 30 vendors from across the region — including participants from as far away as Palm Springs, California — along with seven food trucks, numerous cultural displays, and a full lineup of live entertainment. Committee Chairwoman Casey Davis called the event a major success and confirmed that planning for next year is already underway. “The committee is already reviewing data from this year to help make next year’s festival even better,” Davis said.
Festivalgoers enjoyed performances by Western Kentucky University’s Chinese Music Club, Sankofa African Drum and Dance, Mudra Dance (Indian), Folklore Iyali (Mexican), Muhlenberg County High School Dance Team, and Muhlenberg County Tae Kwon Do (Korean). Several performers also encouraged audience participation throughout the afternoon. With the help of the event committee and sponsors, the 2026 Muhlenberg International Festival will feature additional cultural displays and entertainment highlighting Irish and German cultures — a nod to the family heritage of many in the area. There are also plans to expand the festival’s culinary offerings with even more food vendors next year.
A Nashville native and now a proud Muhlenberg County resident, Davis said her inspiration for the festival came from seeing the diversity of her hometown and wanting to share that cultural richness locally. “Educating our community about different countries and their cultures is important for continued growth, acceptance, and unity.” she noted.
Central City Tourism Committee member David Richey and Tourism Director Dr. Freddie Mayes both praised the event’s strong turnout and community impact. Festival Square — known for honoring the county’s musical heritage and the legacy of the Everly Brothers Labor Day Festivals — continues to serve as a hub for community celebration and cultural connections.
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