A Cozy Stroll Through the Festival of Nations 2025

Every year when the Festival of Nations comes to Tower Grove Park, my husband and I make it a point to go. It feels less like an event on the calendar and more like a ritual — one that always leaves us full, happy, and a little more connected to the world around us.

The moment we step into the park, the air changes. You can immediately smell the different flavors mingling together. We like to make a trip past all the booths, looking at the clothing and jewelry, but finding something to eat, too. We like to try something different each year.

Some of my favorite moments are the simplest ones: sitting under the shade of the trees, balancing plates in our laps. We always try to get at least two different types of food. Sharing bites, swapping favorites, and letting our picnic become a patchwork of flavors from around the world feels like our own small tradition. This year we got Malaysian orange chicken and Egyptian chicken shawarma.

We typically run into at least one person we know, that we may have not seen in a while. I spot all the dogs walking around, enjoying fresh air.

The Festival of Nations isn’t just about food or culture — it’s about finding coziness in the middle of celebration, with someone you love, and a plate you’re more than happy to share