About the International Taste of Columbus
The International Taste of Columbus is an event hosted each year to promote international understanding through intercultural experiences. It is a cultural and educational event that brings community members closer together and raises funds for US Together’s charitable causes. Stay tuned for information about the 48th Annual International Taste of Columbus!
Past Events
47th Annual International Taste of Columbus
The 47th Annual International Taste of Columbus was hosted at the South Drive-In Theater on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Dr. Rosaire Ifedi was named the 2021 New American Champion. Supporters came together to watch US Together’s original short film, which can be found below. Dinner was provided by Dos Hermanos Food Truck, and the night culminated with a screening of The Good Lie (2014). Click here to read all about the night.
46th Annual International Taste of Columbus
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 46th Annual International Taste of Columbus was a virtual event, live-streamed for free on our Facebook page. The live event featured many exciting elements, including:
Our 2020 New American Champion Award winner: Reynoldsburg City Councilmember Bhuwan Pyakurel, the first Bhutanese-American elected official in the United States
Moving original poetry from Sara Abou Rashed
Inspiring stories shared by US Together volunteers and staff
A silent auction with memorabilia from Ohio’s sports teams, unbeatable deals from local restaurants, and exciting experiences from spas to skiing
In the spirit of the Taste of Columbus, we also released a video series over the course of the summer highlighting “Dumplings of the World” at four immigrant- and refugee-owned restaurants around Columbus. The owners and staff at these restaurants shared their stories, recipes, and experiences with our audience. Check out a few of the videos below, and click here for the full playlist!
45th Annual International Taste of Columbus
The 45th Annual International Taste of Columbus was held at the Columbus Zoo Africa Events Center, and highlighted cuisine and culture from Central and East Africa. Guests had the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes, participate in a silent auction, and purchase original handmade art local refugee and immigrant artists. The event featured live dance and music from a Congolese musical group, Galaxy Musica, which includes one of our very own staff members, Kubuya Lukambo! The keynote speaker at the event was Dr. Salome Wekisa Fouts, Director of African Languages at The Ohio State University, and the inaugural New American Champion Award was presented to Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce.
