For the sixth straight year, the Rocky Mountain House Filipino-Canadian Community Association is inviting the community to its annual free Food & Music Festival.

The rich sounds, sights and smells of Filipino food and culture will once again fill the Lou Soppit Community Centre on Aug. 29.

Organizer Fely Mackay said the festival has grown every year since it began outside the Rocky Mountain House Public Library in 2021, moving to progressively larger indoor venues as attendance has increased.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event at the Lou Soppit Community Centre after earlier festivals were held at the Pioneer Centre, Mackay said.

Visitors from throughout the region are invited to sample a variety of Filipino dishes at no cost, including noodles, spring rolls, barbecue skewers and soups.

The festival will also feature modern and traditional music and dance performances by local groups, as well as performers travelling from Sundre and Olds.

People of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend, Mackay said, calling it a chance for everyone to get a taste — literally and figuratively — of Filipino culture.

While the Food & Music Festival is the association’s largest annual event, it also organizes other community gatherings throughout the year, including an annual Christmas party.

The Food & Music Festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Lou Soppit Community Centre.