On November 21, 2025, the University of Nevada, Reno will mark a milestone with its 40th annual “Night of All Nations,” a vibrant celebration of global cultures hosted in the Joe Crowley Student Union Ballrooms. What began four decades ago as a small student-organized fair has grown into one of the university’s most anticipated and inclusive events, welcoming students, alumni, and members of the wider Reno community to experience the diversity and creativity of cultures from around the world.
The event, spearheaded by the university’s International Club in partnership with the Multicultural Center and other campus collaborators, offers a night filled with traditional and contemporary performances, international cuisine, cultural exhibits, and hands-on art installations. More than 20 countries will be represented through student-led booths, performances, and culinary experiences, allowing attendees to explore different regions of the world without leaving campus.
This year’s 40th edition builds on a rich tradition of cultural exchange and community connection. Organizers have expanded the programming to include a broader range of interactive activities, such as storytelling spaces, collaborative art pieces, and food tastings featuring authentic dishes from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. For international students, the event offers a platform to share their heritage, traditions, and perspectives with peers, while fostering mutual understanding and appreciation across cultures.
Over the years, “Night of All Nations” has become more than just an annual event—it serves as a living reflection of the university’s evolving commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global engagement. As Nevada’s demographics shift and the University of Nevada, Reno expands its international reach, events like this underscore how academic institutions can serve as cultural bridges and gathering places for multicultural dialogue.
The evening not only entertains but educates. For many attendees, particularly students who may not have traveled extensively, the experience offers a rare chance to engage directly with customs, music, and foods from unfamiliar parts of the world. From African drum performances and South Asian dance troupes to handmade crafts and Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, each element contributes to a broader narrative of shared humanity and cultural pride.
The anniversary adds a special dimension this year. Forty years of continuous programming reflect a sustained commitment by the university and its students to maintain and grow this event. It highlights how cultural initiatives, often started by students, can become institutional legacies. Many alumni recall their experiences at Night of All Nations as pivotal moments of belonging and identity formation, and the 2025 edition is expected to draw returning participants eager to see how the event has evolved.
The celebration is also strategically timed just before the Thanksgiving holiday, aligning with themes of gratitude, hospitality, and community. By making the event free and open to the public, the university extends a message of welcome—not only to its student body but to the entire Reno community. It also provides an opportunity for families, local residents, and visitors to connect with the campus in a festive and educational setting.
Looking forward, university leaders and student organizers see the event as a model for future intercultural programming. They hope to further integrate language learning, global studies curricula, and cross-campus partnerships in future editions, turning Night of All Nations into a springboard for year-round engagement. It’s an approach that reflects a growing awareness of the importance of cultural literacy and global citizenship in today’s interconnected world.
In essence, the 40th Night of All Nations is a celebration of what makes the University of Nevada, Reno a uniquely diverse and dynamic place. It honors the power of student initiative, the richness of global traditions, and the community’s appetite for cultural exchange. For anyone in Reno seeking an evening of discovery, connection, and celebration, the event offers a passport to the world—right in the heart of Nevada.