Cumbiatron, K-pop Group DROP to headline Brookhaven’s fourth annual International Festival
Latin American cumbia dance party Cumbiatron and K-pop group DROP will headline Brookhaven’s fourth annual International Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Brookhaven Park, the event’s new location at 4158 Peachtree Road NE.
Cumbiatron will headline Saturday, bringing a high-energy cumbia music and dance performance that celebrates the rhythms and traditions of the genre, according to a release from the city.
Northside Hospital is a sponsor of the Brookhaven International Festival.
DROP, a five-member K-pop boy group known for dynamic performances and a blend of vocal and rap talent, will headline Sunday. The group released its digital single “Booster” on Jan. 23, expressing the emotions of youth through what the group describes as a fresh mood and explosive energy.
Additional performers will be announced later, the release said.
The inaugural festival in 2023 was the city’s first major event along the Buford Highway Cultural Corridor. This year’s event will again include live cultural performances and music, art installations, international cuisine, a Kidz Zone and a global marketplace. Free shuttles will run from Apple Valley Road behind the MARTA parking lot, and organizers are encouraging attendees to bring water, chairs or blankets, sunscreen and bug spray.
A 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway will take place Sunday at the Peachtree Creek Greenway, 1793 Briarwood Road.
“I welcome everyone to come out for our fourth year and celebrate the many cultures that call Brookhaven home,” Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 council member John Funny said. “We are in a new location this year — Brookhaven Park, easily accessible via MARTA and our provided shuttles.”
“I’m so excited that Brookhaven Park will host our International Festival this year,” said council member Madeleine Simmons, who represents District 3, where the park is located. “Brookhaven Park is ready to show off some of its amazing improvements to a wider audience since the city became its official owner.”
Now in its fourth year, the 5K will again take place along the Peachtree Creek Greenway to open Sunday’s festival activities. We Love Buford Highway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is preserving the multicultural identity of the Buford Highway corridor.
“For the fourth year, this 5K directly supports the Buford Highway Orchestra Program, our free afterschool music education program for local children,” said Lily Pabian, executive director of We Love Buford Highway in the release. “Because of support like this, 96 young musicians have participated in the program — gaining access to music education, mentorship and a community where they can thrive. We are deeply grateful to the City of Brookhaven and everyone who runs, walks and invests in their future.”
For 5K registration and festival updates, visit the festival website
