14th year of event
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 30, 2016) — WorldFest, one of the region’s largest international festivals, returns to Louisville for the 14th year this weekend, with four days of international food, music, dance and culture at the downtown Belvedere. Admission is free. The event is Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More than 70 local and regional entertainers are slated to offer a variety of music, dance styles and beats, ranging from African drumming to reggae to Indian, Celtic, Arabic, Latin and Caribbean music. More than 100 vendors will participate with 30 plus food vendors serving a global sampling of cuisine and culture.
“Louisville is a welcoming city of many faces and cultures, and WorldFest is a great opportunity to explore that diversity,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “It features the largest collection of international and ethnic restaurants, vendors and exhibitors at a single event in Kentucky, and has become a Labor Day fixture for locals and visitors alike.”
In addition to music, food and dancing, other highlights include:
- The Global Village – A kaleidoscope of Louisville’s culture, where you can interact with representatives of more than 20 nations. All nine of Louisville’s Sister Cities will be represented again this year.
- The WorldFest Children’s Area – Will feature activities from the Western Kentucky University Confucius Institute, as well as The Home Depot and the Kentucky Science Center.
- The WorldFest Hospitality Tent – Open to the public throughout WorldFest, adjacent to the Stella Artois Biergarten.
The festival includes a naturalization ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, where more than 300 immigrants will become full U.S. citizens and a colorful Parade of Cultures at noon on Saturday.
New this year, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, and the Free Public Library will hold a voter education drive. They will talk with immigrants about the importance of voting and the process involved. They will also help them get registered to vote.
WelcomeVille will hold an open conversation on ways to make the city an even more welcoming and empowering community. Patrons will be encouraged to share their ideas on the Becoming WelcomeVille Idea Wall.
WorldFest has been recognized as among the best in North America by the International Festival and Events Association. In 2011, it was named a Top Ten Fall Festival by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.
Add Comment