The City of Bellevue invites performers and cultural groups to apply for participation in the annual Bellevue International Festival, a community celebration highlighting the rich cultural diversity, traditions and artistic expressions represented throughout our global community.
The festival brings together community members of all backgrounds through live performances, cultural experiences, food, art and community engagement. We are seeking performances that celebrate global cultures and foster connection, belonging and cross-cultural understanding.
Selected performers will present work that reflects cultural traditions, contemporary interpretations of cultural expression, or multicultural artistic collaborations.
This opportunity is open to performers and groups representing diverse cultural traditions and artistic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Cultural dance
- Traditional and contemporary music
- Vocal performance and singing
- Drumming and percussion
- Folk and cultural performance traditions
- Fusion and multicultural performances
- Youth and intergenerational groups
About the Bellevue International Festival
The Bellevue International Festival seeks to celebrate our global community. By welcoming the world, we aim to highlight that our strength lies in our diversity. Embracing and celebrating our roots builds the connection needed for inclusion and belonging in the Bellevue community. This event will showcase the richness of our cultural expression.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Location: Crossroads Park, 999 164th Ave NE
Estimated Attendance: 950
Performance Length: Typically 10–30 minutes, depending on programming needs
Eligibility
This call is open to:
- Individual performers
- Cultural performance groups
- Community-based organizations
- Professional and emerging artists
- Youth and intergenerational groups
Applicants should be based in Washington state or have a demonstrated connection to the local community.
What we are looking for
We are seeking performances that:
- Represent cultural traditions or global artistic practices
- Are engaging, family-friendly and appropriate for a public audience
- Demonstrate artistic quality and cultural authenticity
- Contribute to an inclusive and welcoming festival environment
- Can be performed safely within festival staging and technical capabilities
Preference may be given to performances that:
- Encourage audience engagement
- Feature live performance elements
- Represent local communities of Bellevue
- Include colorful, interactive or visually dynamic elements
The following content will not be considered:
- Performances containing hate speech, explicit nudity or unsafe activities
- Performances promoting political candidates or partisan campaigning
- Content deemed inappropriate for a general public audience
Performer Support and Honorarium
Selected performers may receive:
- A performance honorarium/stipend
- Professional stage, sound and basic technical support
- Day of event green room
Honorarium amounts will vary based on performance type, duration and group size.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online through the online application. Applicants will be asked to submit the following:
Performer Application
Complete all required application fields, including:
- Contact information
- Performance type
- Cultural representation/tradition
- Technical and stage needs
- Preferred performance duration
Performance Description
Provide a brief description of the performance, including:
- Cultural background or artistic tradition
- Type of performance
- Audience experience and engagement
Work Samples
Submit at least one and up to three:
- Video links
- Performance recordings
- Social media or website links showcasing recent performances
Performer Bio
Provide a short biography for the individual or group (150 words maximum).
Photos
Submit high-quality promotional or performance photos for festival marketing purposes.
Selection Criteria and Process
Applications will be reviewed by festival staff and a selection panel based on:
- Artistic quality and performance readiness
- Cultural representation and authenticity
- Alignment with festival vision and values
- Variety and balance across festival programming
- Technical feasibility within event operations
The city reserves the right not to select any applicants.
Notification Timeline
- Application opens: June 22, 2026
- Application deadline: July 24, 2026
- Performer notifications: July 27, 2026
- Festival date: Aug. 8, 2026
Dates are subject to change.