A meeting of Tulsa’s different cultures takes the community on a journey around the world.

The Global Gatherings World Festival will take place on Saturday, August 10th from 4-9 p.m. at the ONEOK Boathouse and QuikTrip Great Lawn.

It concludes the park’s weekly summer series, Global Gatherings.

“We’ve put a lot of focus on the local Tulsa community in our weekly programming,” said Bailey Stokes. “We’re bringing in a Colombian band, and we’ve also got our headliner, Iam Tongi from Hawaii, who won American Idol last year.”

In addition to the performances, there will also be food trucks to sample flavors from around the world, as well as a vendor market, demonstrations, games and hands-on activities.

“As a park for all, Gathering Place wanted to provide a place for these people to connect,” Stokes continued. “I think it’s wonderful when people can connect and learn about each other’s backgrounds and traditions.”

Sharing and promoting Chinese culture is the real reason why Dr. Alpha Chang moved to Tulsa.

“When people get to know another culture, they develop appreciation and love for it,” she said.

During the World Festival, Dr. Chang helps participants make a Chinese herbal bag to take home.

“People originally used them as aroma sachets before perfume was invented,” she said.

Dr. Chang is grateful to Gathering Place for giving him a place to share these stories.

“It is very important to build a bridge for people to bridge this gap,” she added.

A gap that would normally be bridged by an airplane is now just a short drive away.

“You don’t have to fly or travel to another country,” Stokes said. “You can learn about these amazing cultures and experience their food, traditions and music right here in Tulsa.”

Admission to the Global Gatherings World Festival is free. Shuttle services are available from the parking lot at the corner of 33rd Place and Riverside Dr. to the Williams Lodge from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.