Students don't have to go around the world to explore international cultures.

They can simply go to the HUB-Robeson Center lawn today from 5 to 9 p.m. and experience the sights, sounds, smells and even tastes of nations from around the globe at the World Cultural Festival.

The second annual campus-wide collaborative initiative is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, more than 50 student organizations and other student service groups such as Office of Residence Life, Lion Ambassadors and the We Are Campaign.

The event, which brought in 1,500 people last year, will include live performances from the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team, the Ballroom Dance Club, the Penn State International Dance Ensemble as well as a few others, including a step demonstration from some Penn State fraternities.

DJ Super Nova will be providing musical entertainment before an 8 p.m. performance by the Earth Tones, a local reggae band and evening headliner.

"We expect a larger crowd this year as we have added several new components to the event," said Crystal Endsley, event coordinator for the World Cultural Festival.

She added that the event will feature a new layout with a global bazaar including informational tables, cultural displays, activities, food samples and vendors who will be selling various international artifacts.

In addition, the audience members can engage in activities like free dance lessons in salsa, hip-hop and other multicultural dances, said Toby Jenkins, director of the Paul-Robeson Cultural Center.

Students can enjoy various international food samples and two American Grills that will offer free hamburgers, hot dogs and other traditional American foods.

Faculty and administrators will work at the grills and serve students from 5 to 7 p.m.

"We wanted to get the faculty and administration involved and also have some fun welcoming the students back to Penn State," Jenkins said.