Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) is proud to announce that we have received funding from the Government of Canada’s Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) – Events Component to present the United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival.

This exciting community event will take place on:

Saturday, July 11, 2026
Victoria Park Pavilion, Kitchener, Ontario
Free and Open to the Public

About the Festival

United in Voices is a one-day intercultural festival designed to bring people together through:

•  Live multicultural music and performances
•  Youth-led dialogue sessions
• Art and storytelling activities
• Community organization booths
• Cultural exchange and celebration

The festival aims to strengthen intercultural understanding, promote inclusion, and create meaningful opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Live Performance by Duende Kings

We are delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed music group Duende Kings, who will perform a free two-hour live concert as part of the festival.

Known for their vibrant blend of flamenco, Latin, and world music influences, Duende Kings will bring an unforgettable musical experience that reflects the spirit of cultural diversity and unity.

Our Vision

At Grand River Friendship Society, we believe that dialogue, art, and shared experiences have the power to build stronger and more inclusive communities.

United in Voices is more than a festival. It is an opportunity to:

Foster mutual understanding across cultures and faiths
Address racism and discrimination through community dialogue
Empower youth as leaders and bridge-builders
Create a stronger sense of belonging for everyone

We are excited to offer an event that we hope will become a meaningful and lasting tradition in the Waterloo Region.

Funding Acknowledgement

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.

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Bringing people from different faiths and backgrounds together around the same table made the evening especially meaningful. Beyond sharing a meal, we had the opportunity to connect, engage in thoughtful conversations, and learn more about one another.

We sincerely thank our Mennonite friends for their warm hospitality and gracious hosting. Gatherings like this strengthen friendship, understanding, and mutual respect within our communities.

The post Shantz Mennonite Iftar appeared first on GRFS.

You’ll hear from community leaders, ask questions, and meet others who care about making things better for newcomers.

Panel discussions
Real stories and open conversation
Ask your questions directly
Connect with local organizations

? Free to join — just register here to send your questions in advance:
? https://forms.gle/Y6aeRkQRZ23r9jvD6

Let’s learn, share, and build a stronger community — together.

The post A Community Dialogue Series appeared first on GRFS.