The Greater Gainesville International Center will be hosting a kickoff festival on Saturday for the Welcoming Week International Festival.  

The kickoff will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza (111 E. University Ave.).  

The festival will be a national celebration of culture, heritage and inclusivity in the Gainesville community. 

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants. 

Join the festivities for food from international chefs, enjoy art from international artists and live performances.  

There will be community resources available such as health screenings and job assistance.  

This event is free and open to the public. The first 250 people to RSVP at gnvic.org will receive a $10 food voucher the day of the event redeemable at any of the food vendors.