SPARTANBURG — International Festival returns for its 41st year — and it’s now downtown.

The annual cultural festival is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 on several downtown streets, including Main, Church and Dunbar.

The event has traditionally been held at Barnet Park. The city moved the festival because of construction and renovations of the outdoor stage.

“We wanted to really envelop all of what downtown is and all the amazing different cuisines we have to offer,” said Megan Gaddy, city event operations manager.

She hopes the move will boost the event’s visibility and let attendees interact with local businesses.

Part of the lead-up to the festival is the Dining Around the World Challenge, which lets people earn SpartanBucks during September by spending at three or more participating restaurants, including Delaney’s, Ali Baba, Isla’s on the Square, Takosushi and Elev8, among others.

The International Boulevard of Food will run down East Main Street and the Avenue of Nations will be along West Main Street on Morgan Square.

A total of 33 countries will be represented this year, including Senegal, Latvia, Cambodia, Costa Rica and Kenya. The Parade of Nations will showcase each country in attendance and starts at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage near the Denny’s tower.

The festival spotlights a country each year, and organizers chose the U.S. in honor of its 250th anniversary.

Streets close ahead of the festival. At 11 p.m. Oct. 1, East Main and Liberty streets will close. Church and Dunbar streets close at 11 p.m. Oct. 2.

Despite the closures, construction has not actually begun at Barnet. According to communications and engagement director Christopher George, he says that the move was anticipatory in case renovations were underway by the start of the festival. The city is still awaiting approval of the construction contract, which could happen in the coming weeks.

All roads will reopen at 11 p.m. Oct. 3. Magnolia, Dunbar and Kennedy street parking garages will be free and accessible for eventgoers.