Since 1992, CAAM Chinese Dance Theater has served families and delighted audiences with some of the best locally-produced Chinese dance in the country.  A division of Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM), the oldest, largest Chinese American community organization in Minnesota, CAAM performs to 40,000 live audience members annually. Through their dance school, annual concerts, and outreach programs, CAAM has become the largest Chinese dance organization in the Midwest.

Chicks on Sticks explores the ancient and universal art of stilt-walking through the powerful dynamic of working together as an all-female arts organization. The company has collaborated with puppeteers, dancers, singers, aerialists, and pyro-technicians to create original performances. Pieces range from tall-tale puppet shows in school gyms flaming pyrotechnic pageants in urban corridors

The Chit Chat Clowns incorporate African American and African Caribbean dance, songs, and percussion instruments with games, face painting, and balloon twisting entertainment. Through these actions, Chit Chat Clowns weave a warm cultural experience that mixes African traditions and customs into visual celebrations that all ages will enjoy.

Cyril Paul, a native of Trinidad, West Indies, came to the US in 1955 to attend St. John's University on a scholarship. He has been playing music in the Twin Cities area since 1960. In addition to his band, Cyril teaches children about the Caribbean through music, dance, and art. He also brings lessons of diversity and race into the classroom. Cyril's band, "Cyril Paul & the Calypso Monarchs," usually consists of five musicians and plays Caribbean Music (Calypso, Reggae, Soca), Latin music, plus many other styles.

The Collective is a group of diverse dancers with a common love of hip-hop culture. With the understanding of fundamental hip-hop dance styles such as poppin', lockin', uprockin', and breakin', Collective strives to represent old school style with a new school twist. The members of Collective are active in teaching in the community and supporting Twin Cities' local hip-hop culture.

Dennis Warner and Friends is a fun, up tempo concert for all ages, featuring music from Dennis' eight CDs and twenty year career. Dennis is the author of the popular children's book, Beads on One String featured during the 2005 Festival at Ordway Center.  Dennis and friends are longtime participants at the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival.

Fools for Love is the creation of twelve Hastings High School students and theater-maker Noah Bremer, a Twin Cities performing artist, work in a style of the red-nose European clown. Unlike the American clown, which relies on gags, tricks, silly make-up, and wigs, the red-nose European clown wears a simple costume and a nose. Fools for Love presents scenes and clown personas that are sure to engage and delight.

Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli is a collective of families committed to teaching the traditions, history, and art of dance of the Mexihca (Aztec) culture. The alliance (Kalpulli) is in a constant state of learning, focusing on the dances and ceremonies that are performed throughout the year  Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli is based out of Saint Paul and has presented around the country.

Rooted in the classical Kathak dance of north India, Katha Dance Theatre Company and School (KDT) promotes traditional Kathak and extends its boundaries through creative innovation. The company performs and educates with an emphasis on access, community and audience development. KDT creates dance that moves you!  This group is led by Artistic Director, Rita Mustaphi

Los Alegres Bailadores, under the direction of Rebecca Moran Cusick, is dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Mexican folkloric traditions and culture through the art of dance. This Minnesota based organization has presented colorful performances of Mexican dance and music for more than thirty years.

This father and son team brings the best entertainment from fantastical balloon creations to mind bending illusions and laugh out loud comedy.  Kristoffer will be performing for the first time on Target Alley this year and both will be walking around throughout the Festival days bringing the best magical entertainment!

Mariachi Estrella is a Twin Cities-based group that consists of six musicians on guitars, trumpet, and vocals. You cannot help but dance and smile as this traditional Mexican sound rings from the World Stage.

Mr. Fun and Mystik Toyz have been teaching the world to play since 1994, bringing together some of the coolest skill toys on the earth such as Mystix Juggling Sticks, Diabolos, Zuni Poi Swings, Yo Yo's and more...Our "Global Games" program teaches about cultures from around the world through these toys and gets everyone in the action.

Native Pride Productions strives to educate, empower, and encourage everyone to reach beyond their goals and visions. They are committed to sharing interactive programs and workshops and strive to enrich the audience’s lives through music and dance.  Native Pride Dancers build diverse cultural bridges by performing Native traditions worldwide.

Seven mouths and microphones produce rock, funk, pop, hip-hop, r&b, motown, gospel, jazz, even country and choral. No effects - just the human voice. This band’s sound is done completely a cappella.  Up til 2 crosses the river from Minneapolis to do it all, low to high - even drums - and thoroughly dazzle audiences of all age

Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Twin Cities Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. Self-described as a group of friends that enjoy hanging out and playing music together, Salsa del Soul's styles of music include Son Montuno, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue, Plena, and, of course, Salsa. Salsa del Soul performs locally at The Times Bar & Café and Enjoy! Restaurant, among other locations.

Students ages 6-15 perform Javanese gamelan music. Joko Sutrisno is the teacher/director. This activity is a program of the Indonesian Performing Arts Association of Minnesota (IPAAM). “Sumunar,” an Indonesian word meaning “glowing, brilliant light,” is the newly adopted name for IPAAM's performance ensembles.