This will be the fifth annual outing for the Clutha Culture Feast, although only the second in its current format of a food market with live entertainment.
Event spokeswoman Chris Shaw said the event had outgrown its previous "pot luck" format, with up to 500 locals arriving for a multicultural feed in past years.
Visitors to this year's event, to be held at the Cross Recreation Centre from 6pm today, would be able to choose from more than 15 food stalls providing international dishes priced from $1 to $10, Mrs Shaw said.
While they ate, people would be regaled by musical entertainment from across the globe, including headliners O-Taiko, the University of Otago's taiko Japanese drumming ensemble.
Cooking up a preparatory storm in traditional Philippine garb on Wednesday were Balclutha friends Mira Matalino, Maria Hill and Judy Cross.
Mrs Cross said sharing the dish "pansit", a versatile combination of noodles, meat and vegetables, was a long-standing tradition in the Philippines.
"It's an all-purpose dish for any special occasion, from festivals to family gatherings. The noodles represent long life, so it's also a lucky dish."
Filipinos loved to work hard and play hard, she said, and any excuse for a celebration was a good one.
"We love to get together with all the other cultures every year, and share the things we have in common."
Mrs Shaw said families were welcome at the gold coin entry event, and an under-5 Kidzone was available.
