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Tastes and culture from 6 continents featured at SeatGeek Stadium World Fair US July 7 – 28
Organizers of the World Fair US at SeatGeek Stadium this month said they are hoping to recreate the successes they experienced at the 2020 World’s Fair hosted in Dubai.
The World Fair US opens in Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium, 7100 S. Harlem Avenue, on Monday July 7 and will continue through July 28 featuring six Pavilions representing the world’s major continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and South America through culture, entertainment and food.
Omar Al Taha, the founder, said his team has put together an ongoing experience for visitors that will be like none other they have experienced in the past.
Each Pavilion will feature an entertainment stage along with a Main Stage with an array of performances including:
- Benise – Emmy Award–winning Spanish guitar and world music artist, known for fiery performances that blend flamenco, salsa, and rock.
- Spirit Bomb – Anime music tribute band.
- Marty “Big Dog” Mercer Band – Chicago-based blues band delivering soulful, crowd-pleasing sets rooted in American tradition.
- McNulty Irish Dancers – Irish step dancers.
- Egwu Dance Company – Pan-African modern dance and rhythm.
- Toolieka Nikam – Bollywood dance star and instructor.
- Tzu-Tsen Wu – Master of the Zhong Ruan (中阮), a sought-after educator, and a boundary-breaking musical storyteller whose award-winning performances span continents.
- Ballet Folkloriko de Chicago – preserves and celebrates the vibrant traditions of Mexico through stunning regional dances, vivid costumes, and powerful storytelling on stage.
- Cecy Santana – Blending samba, jazz, funk, and pop, Cecy Santana brings bold Brazilian energy to the stage. A powerhouse vocalist and composer, her electrifying sound is as dynamic as her performance.
More entertainers will be announced during the Fair.
The World Food Court features a curated lineup of local chefs and small businesses offering traditional dishes from across the globe, Al-Taha said.
Among the World Fair US menu varieties, attendees will be able to enjoy and explore traditional dishes from each continent including: Asian street food; Mexican tacos; Middle Eastern shawarma; European pastries; Southern-style BBQ; and more.
“The vendors have been selected for their authenticity, quality, and passion for sharing their culture through cuisine,” Al Taha said.
“World Fair US is about more than celebration—it’s about connection. We wanted to create a space where people of every background can come together, learn from each other, and just enjoy the beauty of being human.”
Al-Taha said that fireworks will be feature on Friday and Saturday nights during the three-week fair.
“Every pavilion tells a story, and every guest becomes part of it. Whether you’re eating something new for the first time, dancing to a rhythm you’ve never heard, or just watching your kids’ eyes light up—we built this for you,” Al-Taha said.
“We’re not just showcasing cultures. We’re inviting you to step inside them, taste them, dance with them, and walk away with something that stays with you.”
Each pavilion offers an immersive experience through: Daily folkloric performances showcasing traditional music and dance; Handcrafted goods and artisanal products from different cultures; Authentic cuisine representing regional flavors; and, Culturally-inspired architectural facades that brings each continent to life.
From Ume the tiger in the Asia Pavilion to Bruce the brown bear in North America, each region is brought to life with its own mascot, adding a fun, family-friendly way for kids to connect with global stories.
Families and children will also be able to enjoy carnival rides, and enjoy the many cultural displays in and around the six pavilions.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tickets: Single Day Ticket: $20. Youth Ticket (Ages 4–15): $10. Family Ticket Package: $85. (Entry for a group of 5 to 8 family members). Children 3 and under: Free admission
Tickets can be purchased online at:
Admission includes access to all pavilions, cultural performances, and main stage shows. Food, crafts, and rides are available for purchase.
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Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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