About the EEC
The Ethnic Enrichment Commission (EEC) of Kansas City is a dynamic organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural tapestry of our communities. Through education, outreach, and engaging programs, the commission fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ethnic traditions, languages, customs, that define our communities. By promoting unity through diversity, the EEC creates opportunities for individuals to connect, learn, and grow and preserve cultural heritage.
Our Impact
50
EEC will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary in 2026
117k
In 2024, we reached over 117k people through our events —each connection a testament to the growing impact of our work and a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with every individual we inspire.
70
Our commissions represent over 70 countries
Our Mission
The Ethnic Enrichment Commission aspires to foster understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, to preserve Ethnic heritage, to encourage Ethnic identity.
Creating Connections, Celebrating Cultures
The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City was founded with the vision of fostering cultural understanding, celebrating diversity, and promoting inclusivity within communities.
Over the years, it has grown into a vital organization dedicated to enriching public awareness of ethnic traditions, histories, and contributions. Through various programs, festivals, and initiatives, the Commission has created a platform for individuals of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and contribute to a more harmonious and culturally rich society.
Our Events
Ethnic Enrichment Festival
The annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival is a vibrant celebration of the city’s rich multicultural tapestry. This beloved festival continues its legacy as one of the region’s premier festivals, uniting Kansas City through global cuisine, music, dance, and community spirit. Come for the food, come for festivities, come for the fun; just come!
Diplomatic Ball
The Diplomatic Ball is a celebration of global heritage, uniting cultures through captivating performances, international cuisine, and meaningful community engagement. This event offers a rich and immersive experience that honors the beauty and diversity of worldwide traditions.
Northland Ethnic Festival
The Northland Ethnic Festival celebrates culture and heritage with global food, vibrant exhibitions, and performances, offering an enriching experience that brings together diverse communities in Kansas City for a day of entertainment.
Outreach Events
Outreach programs are the cornerstone of our mission, fostering ethnic identity, preserving cultural heritage, and celebrating the rich mosaic of Kansas City’s communities through vibrant traditions, languages, cuisine, and artistic expression at events year round.
Upcoming Event:
Experience a world of culture, cuisine, and community at the Global Neighbors & Flavors Fest, a dynamic celebration hosted at the Lenexa Public Market in partnership with the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City. Savor global flavors from market merchants and internationally inspired food trucks, explore artisan vendors, and enjoy captivating live performances that reflect the vibrant diversity of our community. This festive event is free and open to all—no tickets or registration required.
Next date: Saturday, June 07, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM – Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane, Lenexa, KS, 66219
Performance Schedule:
- 10 a.m. — Tahiti, Island Style Productions
- 10:30 a.m. — Thailand, Thai Cultural Center of Greater KC
- 11 a.m. — Japan, KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi
- 11:20 a.m. — BREAK
- 11:50 a.m. — China, China Multicultural Association
- 12:20 p.m. — Germany, German Folk Dance & Schuhplattler
- 12:50 p.m. — Taiwan, HK Chinese Folk Dance Group
- 1:10 p.m. — Mexico, Grupo Folklorico Misol
- 1:30 p.m. — Parade of Flags
Benefits
Who We Serve
Fostering Connections Across Kansas City
Through partnering with our community members, we are able to participate/create community centric programs throughout Kansas City focused on:
- Celebrating Diversity
- Promoting Cultural Awareness
- Preserving Heritage
- Encouraging Inclusivity
- Strengthening Community Bonds
- Promoting Global Understanding
The Heart of Our Work
Commitment to Unity Through Diversity
We prioritize fostering connections between different ethnic communities, ensuring that every culture is celebrated, respected, and valued within the fabric of our community.
Educational Opportunities for Cultural Engagement
Through educational programs and events, we offer individuals and families the chance to learn about and engage with diverse cultural traditions, promoting deeper understanding and appreciation.
Empowering Communities to Share Their Heritage
We empower local communities to share their unique cultures and histories, helping preserve their traditions while fostering a richer, more inclusive society.
Get Involved
Join us in celebrating cultural diversity and enriching our community by getting involved with the Ethnic Enrichment Commission.
Snapshots of Community, Culture, and Connection
Immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of culture and heritage through our captivating photo gallery. Each image tells a story, capturing the rich diversity and timeless traditions of our events. Come, celebrate with us.
A message from our Chairperson
For nearly fifty years, the Ethnic Enrichment Commission has served as a vibrant mosaic of cultures from around the world, each finding a voice and a home in Kansas City. As chairperson, I take great pride in this milestone and in reaffirming our dedication to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation….
A message from our Chairperson
For nearly fifty years, the Ethnic Enrichment Commission has served as a vibrant mosaic of cultures from around the world, each finding a voice and a home in Kansas City. As chairperson, I take great pride in this milestone and in reaffirming our dedication to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Representing over 70 member commissions, our organization acts as a crucial bridge, promoting dialogue and celebrating the region’s ethnic rich diversity. We believe that embracing different cultures is essential for creating a stronger, more inclusive community. Through year-round outreach programs, we actively connect and celebrate the diverse communities that make Kansas City unique.
As we look to the future, our mission remains steadfast: to honor, share and celebrate the diverse cultures & communities that will enrich our city for generations to come.
Our Partners/Sponsors
Contact Us
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Only at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival can you walk from Indonesia to Switzerland in the same day! Taste the world in Kansas City August 15-17 in Swope Park! Get your tickets by visiting the link in our bio or at the gate day of.
Tickets: $5 Adults 12+, Kids under 12 are Free
Swope Park, KCMO
Free Parking!
Festival Hours
Friday, August 15 | 6-10 PM
Saturday, August 16 | 12-10 PM
Sunday, August 17 | 12-6 PM
Sorry, no pets allowed.
Questions?
Contact: 816-513-7553 or info@eeckc.org
Please bring the following cultural food items to donate to @harvesters -The Community Food Network.
No glass jars please.
Canned Items
•Diced Tomatoes
•Corn
•Jalapenos
•Green Beans
•Carrots
•Collard Greens
•Fruit Mix
•Water Chestnuts
•Coconut Milk
•Tuna
Dry Goods
•Masa Corn Flour
•White Rice
•Lentils
•Black Beans
•Pinto Beans
•Menudo
•Macaroni & Cheese
•Corn Muffin Mix
•All-purpose flour
Miscellaneous Items
•Mexico Lindo Habanera Sauce
•Hot Chili Sauce (Siracha)
•Peanut Butter
•Vegetable Oil
#ethnickc #eeckc #kansascity #festival #foodfestival #kcfoodie #EthnicFestival #CulturalFestival #ethnicenrichmentfestival #CulturalExchange #culturaldance
The 46th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival is 1 month away and tickets are ON SALE! Feel the beat of the world in the heart of America! This beloved festival continues its legacy as one of the region’s premier festivals, uniting Kansas City through global cuisine, music, dance, and community spirit. Come for the food, come for festivities, come for fun!
Exciting news! This year, we’re introducing online tickets! Skip the line and just scan your ticket at the gate. Visit the link in our bio to purchase yours today! You will still be able to purchase tickets in-person day of the event.
Tickets: $5 Adults 12+, Kids under 12 are Free
Swope Park, KCMO
Free Parking!
Festival Hours
Friday, August 15 | 6-10 PM
Saturday, August 16 | 12-10 PM
Sunday, August 17 | 12-6 PM
Sorry, no pets allowed.
Questions?
Contact: 816-513-7553 or info@eeckc.org
Please bring the following cultural food items to donate to @harvesters – The Community Food Network.
No glass jars please.
Canned Items
•Diced Tomatoes
•Corn
•Jalapenos
•Green Beans
•Carrots
•Collard Greens
•Fruit Mix
•Water Chestnuts
•Coconut Milk
•Tuna
Dry Goods
•Masa Corn Flour
•White Rice
•Lentils
•Black Beans
•Pinto Beans
•Menudo
•Macaroni & Cheese
•Corn Muffin Mix
•All-purpose flour
Miscellaneous Items
•Mexico Lindo Habanera Sauce
•Hot Chili Sauce (Siracha)
•Peanut Butter
•Vegetable Oil
@nrpa
#wherekcplays #kcparks #kansascity #BuildTogetherPlayTogether #ParkandRecMonth #ParkandRecMonth2025 #ethnickc #eeckc #ethnicenrichmentfestival #foodfestival #swopepark #familyevent #kcfamily
We do more than food festivals, we’re also surgeons and doctors for the Teddy Bear Picnic. Thanks @kcmoparks for having us out! It was a busy morning doing wellness checks and surgery repairs on teddy bears! Next time we’re out at the bandstand will be for our 46th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 15-17.
#ethnickc #eeckc #teddybearpicnickc #teddybearpicnic #teddybears #teddybearhospital
Our new website is now live! Go check it out through the link in our bio! Thank you to @lifted_logic for helping us with this upgrade. More updates will come soon!
#eeckc #ethnickc
On Sunday we celebrated World Refugee Week at Garrison Community Center! The theme for 2025 is “Community as a Superpower.” Simple acts of shared generosity make the ordinary extraordinary. We were there serving food and sharing our cultures along with the numerous organizations who came to share their resources.
Partners
American Red Cross, @redcrossmo
Baraza African Cultures Center
International relations council, @irc_kc
Jewish vocational services, @jvskansascity
KC Parks & Recreation, @kcmoparks
Kansas City Office of Neighborhoods and Office of Language Access, @kansascity
Kansas City Public Library Refugee & immigrant services, @kclibrary
KC for Refugees
Missouri Office of Refugee Administration, @mo.refugee.office
This week honors refugees for their contributions, creativity, and resilience and is a time for all of us to support, help and appreciate everyone who is displaced from their homes. Over 123 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced and an estimated 49 million are children under 18.
#ethnickc #eeckc #worldrefugeeweek #worldrefugeeday #wrd #refugeeweek #kansascity
This past Saturday we competed in the Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival hosted by @kcdragonboatfest_official! The Irish Bata and Griots team came head to head for the winning title with the Griots getting ahead at the very end. Thank you for having us out and anyone who stopped by to cheer us on! #ethnickc #eeckc #dragonboatrace #kcdragonboatfestival #dragonboats #dragonboatfestival
See us race at the 19th Annual Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival on June 21st from 10 AM-2:30 PM at Brush Creek on the Plaza! See teams race down Brush Creek, enjoy cultural performances and learn more about cultural significance of dragon boat races. We’ll be competing in the international division at 12:30 PM! Come cheer us on! #ethnickc #eeckc #dragonboatfestival #dragonboatrace #dragonboat #kcdragonboatfestival
Celebrate World Refugee Week with us this Sunday, June 22 at Garrison Community Center from 2-6 PM! There will be cultural dance performances, kids activities, resources, and more!
June 22 | 2-6 PM
Garrison Community Center
1124 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO
