The annual festival highlights the arts from cultures around the world. (photo courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills)

More than 5,000 residents and visitors gathered at Beverly Gardens Park on July 12 for Festival Beverly Hills, a daylong celebration of international music, dance, cultural traditions and community activities.

The annual festival featured performers representing a range of musical and cultural traditions, with audiences singing, clapping and dancing throughout the day.

Among the featured performers were Maruja Limón, an all-female Spanish quintet blending flamenco, pop and Latin rhythms; Cape Verdean singer Elida Almeida; and Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Peruvian jazz saxophonist and producer Aníbal Seminario.

The Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy presented Grammy Award-winning artist Matt B and performer Zuri Marley, who encouraged audience participation during their performances.

Dance also played a central role in the festival. Viver Brasil Dance showcased Afro-Brazilian dance, Shivam Arts Dance presented works combining Northern Indian dance with contemporary choreography and music, and Klezmer Juice performed a lively set that invited audience members to participate.

Community organizations and festival partners added cultural programming throughout the park. The Farhang Foundation presented the Iranian pop group Black Cats. Additional participation came from the Bulgarian Consulate, Romanian Consulate, Indonesian Consulate, Trinidad and Tobago Consulate, Chinese American Cultural Association and the Neighborhood School of Music, each contributing performances, cultural presentations, culinary offerings or interactive arts activities.

Festival goers also participated in hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Activities included P’ok Ta Pok, an ancestral Mesoamerican ballgame presented by Casa de la Cultura Maya; a traditional coffee ceremony hosted by Little Ethiopia; soccer-themed zine-making with Las Fotos Project; and maraca-making with the Neighborhood School of Music.

AYSO also hosted a soccer clinic as part of the Summer of Soccer 2026 celebration and the international games.

The festival highlighted Beverly Hills’ cultural diversity by bringing together local organizations, international artists and community members for a day of performances and interactive experiences at Beverly Gardens Park.

For information, visit beverlyhills.org.