Grand Island Welcoming Week Approaching
Grand Island, NE - The Grand Island community is proud to once again join the nationwide celebration of Welcoming Week from September 12–21, 2025, hosted by the Grand Island Welcoming Initiative in partnership with Welcoming America and local organizations.
This year’s theme, “Stories We Share,” invites neighbors to come together, exchange experiences, and discover how sharing stories strengthens connections across cultures and generations. Through food, art, music, storytelling, and community service, Welcoming Week 2025 in Grand Island will showcase the diversity that makes our city vibrant while building a deeper sense of belonging for all.
Grand Island Welcoming Week Highlights:
Throughout the Welcoming Week, the Grand Island community will host a series of vibrant and engaging events at different locations. These events are free and open to everyone, offering opportunities for neighbors of all backgrounds to come together and experience the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Grand Island. For an added bonus, event planners have organized the Tour de Grand Island; a culinary experience for community members to try different foods from around the world right here in Grand Island while supporting immigrant-owned small businesses!
Event Highlights Include:
Asian Street Food Festival – Kick off the week at Wat Lao Buddhametta Buddhist Temple) with authentic flavors, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Lifelines of Care: CHWs Making a Difference – A virtual film screening and panel with local Community Health Workers sharing their stories and impact. Hosted by the Central District Health Department!
Family Story Time & Activity – Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship read-aloud at Rooted Books & Gifts with sidewalk art and welcoming messages.
4th Street & Beyond! Business Tours – Explore 4th Street businesses (and beyond) and learn the stories behind immigrant-owned small businesses. Hosted by Heartland United Way & Nebraska Extension!
Makerspace Connect at the Library – Hands-on creative activities plus the exhibit Then and Now: The Flavors of Grand Island highlighting food and migration stories.
Photo Exhibition: You Are From Where You Grow – An evening event highlighting stories of local neighbors who have found belonging here in Grand Island - through the art of photography. Hosted by Stuhr Museum and Amplify Grand Island!
Liederkranz Live: Salsa Night! – Dance lessons, open dancing with a DJ, and plenty of salsa (both the music and the food!).
ACROSS Documentary Screening – A day-long exploration of asylum seekers’ stories and resilience.
A Welcoming Week Community Project – Join neighbors at Stuhr Museum to paint, create, and celebrate community through a service project organized by Leadership Unlimited.
We Are One: Community March – Walk in unity, and show your support of our immigrant neighbors!
All events are free and open to the public, with opportunities for people of all ages to join in celebrating culture and community.
“Welcoming Week reminds us that our differences are not barriers, but strengths,” said Eric Garcia-Mendez. “By sharing our stories and coming together, we make Grand Island a more welcoming place for everyone.”
These events are hosted by the Grand Island Welcoming Initiative and local partners. The Grand Island Welcoming Initiative is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding, celebrating diversity, and building a more inclusive society for all people of Grand Island. By embracing diversity and celebrating our neighbors, Grand Island aims to create an environment where everyone knows they belong.
For more information about Grand Island Welcoming Week events and registration links please visit the website at www.GiWelcoming.com.