Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Austin’s World Refugee Day Celebration is an annual event which is a collaboration between the Austin Refugee Roundtable and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. The Austin Refugee Roundtable is comprised of the agencies and groups that work with refugees in Austin, and its mission is to make Austin a welcoming community for refugees.

Hundreds of people come to the Bullock Texas State History Museum for the World Refugee Day celebration each June. The museum is decked out in colorful world flags, and many participants wear the traditional clothing of their home countries and ethnic groups. The event kicks off with a ceremony in which former refugees who have become eligible for naturalization are sworn in as U.S. citizens.

Throughout the day, visitors of all ages engage in educational activities about the refugee journey and enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, and games. A professional photographer takes portraits for refugee families to have as keepsakes. The event culminates with live music and dancing by refugee groups and other local performers. The museum makes its exhibits free to the public during the day, and many first-time visitors take advantage of the opportunity to explore.

Austin’s World Refugee Day celebration is held each year in June. For information on this year’s event, please check our calendar.