Sculptor Ben Dye won the People's Choice Award at Lake Oswego's 2026 Cultural Xchange, earning a spot in the city's permanent art collection.

The Arts Council of Lake Oswego announced the award Sunday, Sept. 27, at Millennium Plaza Park. The free festival filled two stages with music, dance and food from more than 40 vendors and cultural organizations, the Lake Oswego Review reported Monday.

Korean folk-fusion band Sangjaru headlined the closing set from 4:45 to 6 p.m. The group traveled from South Korea for the performance, booked by parks and recreation staffer Lance Hofstad with help from SORI Artists. Ahead of the festival, Hofstad described Sangjaru's sound as improvisational with a traditional bent, telling the Lake Oswego Review in a Sept. 19 preview that the band plays traditional instruments while adding a modern touch.

Other acts included Latin group A Cara O Cruz Band, Colombian and Peruvian-influenced Grupo Masato, ambient group WRK!, the White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance group, Kalabharathi School of Dance, Clan Macleay Pipe Band and Polynesian dance troupe Anavai O Te Ora. Emcee DJ Avelanche opened the day.

Lake Oswego City Councilor Massene Mboup addressed the crowd at the start of the festival, according to the city's event page. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The vendor list stretched across cuisines and cultures. Food options included Rosa's Churros, Beijing Bro, Budapest Bakery & Deli, Cafe Chula, Bobadochi, Donut Days, Fly Chai, Handmade Vietnamese Food By Nuong and The Yogurt Guy. Cultural organizations such as the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland, the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum and the Lake Oswego School District's Belonging program also set up booths.

The Arts Council paired the festival with its Gallery Without Walls walking tours, giving attendees a chance to view outdoor sculptures around the park before the People's Choice winner was revealed.

Emily Liu, the city's recreation supervisor who helped organize the event, said in the Sept. 19 preview: "It's a welcoming place where people can learn, try new foods, experience new music and people are open to sharing their stories and teaching people."

The city has not announced a date for the next Cultural Xchange.

Coming up around Lake Oswego: The new Stafford Road roundabout opens with a celebration Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Lake Oswego Farmers' Market wraps its 25th-anniversary season with its final October run.