Since 2005, the Plano International Festival has stood as North Texas’s largest and longest-running multicultural celebration, welcoming more than 25,000 visitors each year. Beyond its vibrant showcase of food, dance, art, and community wellness, the festival has become a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and cultural education. From its award-winning Zero Waste program to its expansive Green Village and Wellness Fair, the event reflects Plano’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity.

Fueled by boundless energy and a shared passion for the planet, mother-daughter team Andrea and Chantal Sethi are the heartbeat of the Plano International Festival’s sustainability efforts.

Since its the festival as community wellness and environmental stewardship. “We believe wellness goes beyond just physical health. It includes cultural nourishment, social connection, and a respectful relationship with our environment. That’s why we bring together food, art, dance, health services, and environmental initiatives all in one space. It reflects the way these aspects of life are interwoven,” explains Chantal.

Andrea spearheaded the groundbreaking Zero Waste initiative in 2008 and continues to guide its vision as a member of the board, and Chantal serves as Sustainability Program Manager. Their mission is simple yet urgent: keep waste out of landfills and set a model for community-driven sustainability. What began as an ambitious idea has grown into the largest and most successful Zero Waste programs in North Texas. In 2024 alone, the festival achieved an extraordinary milestone—diverting 97% of all waste from landfills.

“Most people don’t realize how much waste is generated at a festival with 25,000 attendees,” says Andrea. “And the majority of that waste comes from the food trucks.” This is why every food vendor is required to attend a short Zero Waste training session, and they are required to use only compostable serving items, which are provided for free.

The goal is to minimize overall waste and most of what does get thrown away should be compostable. The team sets up educational waste stations around the park. “That’s where our trained Green Ambassadors help attendees sort their waste, making sure everything that can be composted or recycled is put in the proper bin,” Chantal adds.

 “We’re also deeply grateful to our green sponsors, Eco-Products, who provide the compostable food ware and utensils) and Fort Worth’s Cowboy Compost, who handle the disposal of all our organic waste,” says Chantal. “These partnerships make it possible for us to achieve such a high level of sustainability.”

As part of their sustainability program, the Plano International Festival also offers fun, eco-friendly activities for all ages at the Green Village where visitors can engage in composting demos and learn how to make all-natural cosmetics and cleaning supplies.

Andrea emphasizes. “Sustainable habits don’t end here—they start here.”

Born in Europe, environmental protection was more than policy for Andrea, it was a cultural habit and a way of life. One that she was intentional about instilling in her daughter.

"Being raised to spend time outdoors and appreciate nature means not only welcoming its splendor but also understanding our vital role as its protectors and stewards,” says Andrea.

Chantal agrees, adding, “Our environment is part of our shared home, and just as we honor the cultural heritage of our community, we also honor our responsibility to care for the planet.”

This dedication to the environment has not gone unnoticed. The festival has received numerous awards, including the City of Plano’s Environmental Star of Excellence Award six times, recognition from Keep Texas Beautiful, and finalist honors from the Green Source DFW Environmental Leadership Awards.

This year’s Plano International Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in historic Haggard Park in Downtown Plano, at 901 E. 15th Street. with free admission and parking. Visitors can enjoy international food vendors, children’s activities like the “Passport to the World” program, and live dance performances. The Wellness Fair & FitZone from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer free health screenings and services (like COVID and flu shots) along with a variety of fitness demos Plano International Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Sustainability.