The Celebration of Nations 2026 Parade of Nations will begin with participant lineup at 9:30 a.m. at 400 W. 10th Street in Rolla. Serving as the official kickoff to Celebration of Nations, the parade brings together community groups, student organizations, schools, businesses, performers, and cultural representatives in a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and community spirit. Attendees can expect to experience international flags, traditional attire, music, performances, and creative displays representing countries and traditions from around the world. Participants interested in joining the parade may register at Nations.mst.edu.

Guests are encouraged to utilize the complimentary shuttle service available throughout the morning. Underground parking and shuttle pickup will be located near the Innovation Lab at 650 Tim Bradley Way, with shuttles running approximately every 15 minutes to the parade viewing and festival areas for convenient access.

Parade of Nations Highlights
• Parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at 400 W. 10th Street
• Official kickoff event for Celebration of Nations 2026
• Features international flags, cultural attire, music, performances, and community participation
• Open to schools, student organizations, businesses, performers, and community groups
• Recommended parade viewing area located along Pine Street between 6th Street and 9th Street
• Complimentary shuttle service available from the Innovation Lab at 650 Tim Bradley Way
• Underground parking available near shuttle pickup location
• Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes throughout the event
• Parade participation registration available at Nations.mst.edu

Celebration of Nations is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the region, bringing together the campus and community to celebrate cultures from around the world through music, dance, food, art, education, and shared experiences. Hosted annually by Missouri University of Science and Technology in downtown Rolla, the festival creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, and experience traditions from many different countries and backgrounds. Celebration of Nations highlights the power of community, cultural understanding, and the welcoming spirit that makes Rolla and Missouri S&T such a special place.

Following the Parade of Nations, the downtown festival lots located at 901 North Elm Street will come alive from Noon to 3:00 p.m. with music, culture, food, and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to utilize the free shuttle service available throughout the day from the Innovation Lab located at 650 Tim Bradley Way. Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes between the parade and festival areas for convenient transportation and parking access.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees can enjoy cultural entertainment on two festival stages, complimentary photos with the Imagine-Nation characters, and opportunities to explore more than 85 vendors offering handmade crafts, cultural merchandise, and authentic cuisine from around the world. Guests can also purchase Celebration Sampler cups for just $1.00 each to sample a variety of foods from participating vendors.

New this year, attendees are invited to participate in the Bargain Boat Booth, a unique cultural exchange experience operated by the State Historical Society of Missouri, Missouri Humanities, and University of Missouri. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a small item with personal meaning to exchange for another contributed treasure while sharing the story behind its importance. The booth focuses on storytelling, cultural connection, and community engagement rather than monetary value, creating a meaningful and family-friendly experience for all ages.

Families are also encouraged to visit the Kummer Kids’ Corner, where K-12 students can pick up their official Celebration of Nations passport and travel throughout the festival collecting stamps while learning about countries and cultures from participating vendors. The more stamps collected, the larger the prize opportunities. This interactive educational activity is designed especially for children and students.

Guests should also keep an eye out for the Celebration of Nations interns throughout the festival grounds. Rolla High School student interns play an important role in supporting festival operations, welcoming guests, assisting with activities, and helping create a positive experience for attendees. Look for the bright green balloons to locate intern stations and information areas throughout the event.

Festival Highlights
• Parade of Nations lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. across from Leach Theatre at 400 W. 10th Street
• Parade participation open to students, community groups, schools, businesses, and organizations
• Festival located in the downtown Rolla festival lots at 901 North Elm Street
• Free shuttle service available from the Innovation Lab at 650 Tim Bradley Way
• Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes throughout the event
• Cultural entertainment performances on two festival stages from Noon to 3:00 p.m.
• Complimentary photos and meet-and-greets with the Imagine-Nation characters
• More than 85 vendors featuring handmade crafts, cultural merchandise, and international cuisine
• Celebration Sampler cups available for $1.00 to sample foods from participating vendors
• New Bargain Boat cultural exchange booth focused on storytelling and shared experiences
• Kummer Kids’ Korner Passport Program for K-12 students with educational activities and prizes
• Look for bright green balloons to locate Celebration of Nations interns and passport stamp stations
• Interns will assist with directions, festival activities, shuttle information, and family engagement throughout the day

Check-in for the weekend

Time: 1-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Innovation Lab 117

Missouri S&T Protoplex Tours

Time: 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Missouri S&T Protoplex
Tour length: 30 minutes

Tour Missouri S&T’s Protoplex and get a closer look at the university’s advanced manufacturing research and innovation. Tours are offered in 30-minute time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Protoplex tour.

Experimental Mine Tours

Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Missouri S&T Experimental Mine
Tour length: 1 hour

Go underground at Missouri S&T’s Experimental Mine and get a firsthand look at a unique facility used for education, research and hands-on learning. Tours are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. **THIS TOUR REQUIRES CLOSED-TOED SHOES. Reserve an Experimental Mine tour

Green Roof and Water Treatment Demonstrations

Time: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Butler-Carlton Hall
Tour length: 1 hour

See sustainability and environmental engineering in action during demonstrations of Missouri S&T’s green roof and water treatment systems. Demonstrations are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Green Roof and Water Treatment demonstration.

Mineral Museum Tours

Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Missouri S&T Mineral Museum, McNutt Hall
Tour length: 1 hour

Explore Missouri S&T’s Mineral Museum and discover its collection of minerals, rocks and geological specimens. Tours are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Mineral Museum tour.

Simply Three

Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Location: Leach Theatre

Experience Simply Three, a powerhouse instrumental trio redefining classical crossover with cinematic flair, genre-bending creativity and high-energy performances. Family Weekend guests can use discount code SIMPLYFAMILY15 when purchasing tickets to receive the Family Weekend discount. Purchase your tickets!

Check-in for the weekend

Time: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Welcome Center Ballroom

Family & Friends Weekend Welcome Breakfast & Resource Fair

Time: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Welcome Center Ballroom

Start your Saturday with a hot breakfast featuring eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit, pastries, coffee and juice. After breakfast, visit the Family Resource Fair (free & does not require breakfast tickets) in the atrium to connect with campus resources, make a card and pick up some S&T swag.

Breakfast registration is separate from general Family & Friends Weekend registration. Be sure to register for both if you plan to attend the full weekend. Register for the Welcome Breakfast

Grocery Bingo

Time: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Welcome Center

Put your bingo skills to the test for a chance to win grocery-themed prizes! Bring the family, grab a card and enjoy a fun, casual round of bingo together during Family & Friends Weekend.

S&T Campus Tours

Time: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Meet at the Welcome Center
Tour length: 30 minutes

Explore Missouri S&T and see campus through a student’s perspective. Visit key campus locations, learn more about the S&T experience and discover some of the places your Miner calls home.

Mineral Museum Tours

Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Missouri S&T Mineral Museum, McNutt Hall
Tour length: 1 hour

Explore Missouri S&T’s Mineral Museum and discover its collection of minerals, rocks and geological specimens. Tours are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Mineral Museum tour

Nuclear Reactor Tours

Time: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Missouri S&T Nuclear Reactor
Tour length: 30 minutes

Get an inside look at Missouri S&T’s nuclear reactor and learn more about the facility and its role in education and research. Tours are offered in 30-minute time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Nuclear Reactor tour

Multirotor Robot Design Team 10-year Anniversary Celebration

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Innovation Lab Forum

Celebrate 10 years of Missouri S&T’s Multirotor Design Team! Learn how students collaborate to design, build and compete with advanced multirotor robots while gaining hands-on engineering and teamwork experience.

Green Roof and Water Treatment Demonstrations

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Missouri S&T, Butler-Carlton Hall
Tour length: 1 hour

See sustainability and environmental engineering in action during demonstrations of Missouri S&T’s green roof and water treatment systems. Demonstrations are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Green Roof and Water Treatment demonstration

Glassblowing Demonstrations

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Missouri S&T Hot Glass Shop, Fulton Hall
Demonstration length: 1 hour

Watch glassblowing in action at Missouri S&T’s Hot Glass Shop. See how molten glass is shaped and transformed while learning more about the techniques and materials behind the process. Demonstrations are offered in one-hour time slots, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Glassblowing demonstration

Solar House Tours

Time: 1:50-4:50 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Missouri S&T Solar Village

Explore Missouri S&T’s Solar Village and get an inside look at homes designed and built by S&T students. Guided tours include the 2005, 2007, 2013 and 2015 solar homes, with the 2002 home open for self-guided visits. You can also check out showcases featuring homes the team has built over the past two years.

Tours are offered at select times, and advance registration is required. Reserve a Solar House tour

Women’s Volleyball vs. Maryville

Time: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Gale Bullman Building

Cheer on the Missouri S&T Miners as women’s volleyball takes on Maryville University. Add some Miner spirit to your Family & Friends Weekend and support S&T athletics.

Family Tailgate

Time: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Get ready for kickoff at the Family Tailgate and enjoy snacks & drinks. Spend time with your Miner and fellow S&T families while enjoying the game-day atmosphere before the Miners take the field.

Football vs. Southwest Baptist

Time: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Allgood-Bailey Stadium

Wrap up your Family & Friends Weekend Saturday by cheering on Missouri S&T football as the Miners take on Southwest Baptist University at Allgood-Bailey Stadium.

Breakfast in TJ | Hosted by Dining Services

Details coming soon.

Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Location: Downtown Rolla

Experience cultures from around the world at the 17th annual Celebration of Nations. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a multicultural parade, followed by a festival in the downtown festival lot featuring international food, live entertainment, merchandise and free activities for the whole family.

The 2026 theme is “Get Your Global Kicks on Route 66.” Celebration of Nations is presented by Missouri S&T and the City of Rolla. Learn more!