Global Recognition for Festivals & Events:
IFEA Names 2026 World Festival & Event Cities
TUCSON, Arizona, USA (Oct. 5, 2026) — The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), the premier association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide, announced and recognized the 2026 recipients of the prestigious IFEA World Festival & Event City Award during the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, presented by atVenu, in Tucson, Arizona, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award was created to encourage, support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide. Festivals and events generate tremendous cultural, social and economic value for the communities they serve, but their long-term success depends on strong partnerships and support at every level.
“The IFEA is proud to recognize and shine a spotlight on those cities and markets that have invested in building environments where festivals and events can thrive,” said IFEA President & CEO Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, during the award presentations. “Through this program, we aim to strengthen the dialogue between events and cities around the globe, at a time when that connection has never been more important. The high caliber of this year’s entries highlights the powerful role that festivals and events play in shaping vibrant, sustainable communities. The cities being honored in 2026 are setting strong examples we hope others will follow.”
Entries were reviewed by an international panel of industry experts, making this recognition the only global honor of its kind. Each city’s submission was evaluated on a comprehensive range of criteria, including:
Community Overview: Providing judges with a deeper understanding of each community and the infrastructure in place to host and support those producing and attending festivals and events.
Community Festivals & Events: Illustrating the diversity and success of current festivals and events serving each market’s residents and visitors.
City/Government Support of Festivals & Events: Demonstrating the strength and depth of support from each applicant city and other governmental bodies, including county, state and taxing districts, as it pertains to festivals and events.
Non-Governmental Community Support of Festivals & Events: Highlighting the commitment and direct support provided by community individuals, businesses and organizations. These partnerships play an important role in helping festivals and events achieve long-term success.
Market Leveraging of the “Community Capital” Created by Festivals & Events: Demonstrating how the city and its partners maximize the branding and marketing opportunities created by festivals and events to generate additional benefits for the community.
Extra Credit: Providing each city with an opportunity to highlight additional programs, services and event-related resources not covered in the other categories, such as local university event management programs, certified professionals and shared event-resource programs.
2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City RecipientsThe IFEA is proud to recognize the following cities as 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event Cities, each exemplifying a strong commitment to creating and supporting positive environments where festivals and events can thrive:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (View Video)
- McAllen, Texas, United States (View Video)
- Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand (View Video)
- City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, United States (View Video)
- Muju-Gun, Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea (View Video)
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (View Video)
- Historic Kailua Village, Hawai’i, United States (View Video)
These cities have demonstrated leadership and collaboration among governments, businesses, event organizations and community partners to help festivals and events thrive. Their efforts strengthen local economies, celebrate cultural identity, foster community pride and create experiences that connect residents and attract visitors from around the world.
The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award provides an international platform for communities to recognize the success of their ongoing efforts, encourage continued enhancement of festival and event infrastructure, policies and processes, and showcase their communities as welcoming destinations for festivals and events.