iFest 2010 Zones - Travel the World in a Weekend!
An international focus on fun!
Travel the world in a weekend! iFest features six entertainment zones featuring music, art and food. So you can pick a zone and zero in on one culture, or mix and match for a truly international experience!
Visit:
- Caribbean Zone >>
- African Zone>>
- Target Kids Zone >>
- Latin Zone >>
- International Zone >>
- Louisiana Zone >>
CARIBBEAN ZONE
The Magic of our Spotlighted Country
- The rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean will come alive in this zone
- Upper Sam Houston Park will transform into the cultural heart of the festival in the Chevron Caribbean Living Museum
- Caribbean music and dance will be showcased on Center Stage, built over the Reflection Pool in front of Houston's City Hall
Center Stage
This stage built over the Reflection Pool at Houston's City Hall will showcase Caribbean music and dance both festival weekends. Headliners include the Bachata Roja Legends, often referred to as “the Buena Vista Social Club of the Dominican Republic,” April 17; Krosfyah, from Barbados, one of the Caribbean’s most popular soca bands, April 18; La Excelencia, known for its hard-driving salsa dura (pure salsa) approach, April 24; and the Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble, from New York, featuring the legendary Cuban dancer La Mora and the amazing percussionist Pedrito Martinez. Each day will begin with a Carnival parade featuring the Mocko Jumbie stilt dancers. These will be followed by a full day of performances by Houston’s top salsa, merengue, reggae and soca dance troupes and local bands, as well as Caribbean dance parties in which everyone will be invited onstage to the dance to music provided by several of Houston’s most popular Caribbean club deejays. Check out the schedule of performances>>Chron.com Houston Stage 
The Chron.com Houston Stage, on the patio on the backside of City Hall, is a great place for festival-goers to take a seat in the shade and enjoy a cold beverage while listening to the sounds of Houston’s best rock, reggae, blues and country bands. Rockers include local critical favorites Sideshow Tramps and Wild Moccasins. The local reggae contingent consists of Irie Time, Shark Attack, the Suspects, DubTex and Idiginis. Country is represented by former Houstonians Sisters Morales, the Mitch Jacobs Band and Robert Ellis and the Boys, while Chris Bell (OK, he’s from California but he plays like a Texan) and Big Al Bettis uphold the Houston blues tradition, along with Mark May and Texas Johnny Brown, doing double-duty from the Louisiana Stage. New Orleans rapper Truth Universal adds an element of socially-conscious hip hop to the mix. Check out the schedule of performances>>
House of Blues Caribbean Restaurant
Check out the amazing food served in the recreated House of Blues restaurant on the steps of City Hall. Gypsy Market
The Gypsy Market is a first choice, handcraft market. It is reserved for premium arts and crafts work with the craftsman in attendance to represent his/her work. A favorite among Houston crowds.
H-E-B Cultural Stage
International Market
A wonderful expression of imports and cultures from around the world. Explore the finest selection of international treasures.
Be sure and come to iFest with your appetite. The international food court around City Hall offers yummy cuisine from around the world!
Fine Arts Avenue
The Houston International Festival Fine Arts Avenue is a city-block gallery exclusively reserved for the display and sale of the creme de la creme works of artists from across the globe. The Fine Arts Avenue is a show within a show located at the heart of iFest approximately 200 artists each weekend. Meet the artists and view original, one-of-a-kind works of art.
Caribbean Food Court
African/Caribbean Market
A full city block overflowing with goods from all over Africa. This market is full of splendid cultural African and Caribbean handicrafts and artwork including intricate wood carvings, oils, clothing, drums and so much more!
Chevron Caribbean Living Museum
The Chevron Caribbean Living Museum in Upper Sam Houston Park is the focal point for the Caribbean Zone and the cultural heart of this year's festival spotlighting the Caribbean. From the entrance, visitors will wind through Upper Sam Houston Park following a display of exhibits that illustrate the history and culture of the Caribbean. You'll see many interesting exhibits and cultural performances all paying tribute to the Caribbean.
Pirate Ship
El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, stands guard at the entrance to San Juan harbor as a reminder of a by-gone era when invading countries would attempt sea attacks to take this prized city and harbor. We've built a reproduction inspired by the fortifications built in the 16th century to protect settlements. Guests will be able to scale the exhibit to the tower and the fort walls will reveal displays presenting the history of this fascinating time in the Caribbean. Once on top of the fort, visitors can survey the Living Museum through a spyglass. Periodic cannon shots from the top of the fort will complete this beautiful exhibit and will help transport visitors back to this exciting period in time.
Alto Vista Chapel
Bohio
This circular dwelling is reminiscent of the buildings constructed of wooden poles, straw and palm leaves inhabited by indigenous people of the Caribbean. Exhibits in and around this structure will feature the history of these native populations.
Caribbean Spice Center
This exhibit features information and displays about the distinctive flora and fauna of the Caribbean. Caribbean Culture and Literature
Everything you always wanted to know about the culture and literature of the region. Interactive trivia and Q&A boards about Caribbean history help bring this exhibit to life.
Presenting Sponsors
African Zone
A true celebration of Africa. Steel drumming, artists markets and cultural exhibits to expore.
African/Caribbean Market
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Live Graffiti Demonstration and Public Art Mural
Local artist Gonzo247 will provide a live demonstration of his graffiti art each festival day from 2:00-4:00pm. Gonzo247 will also design a public art mural which can be painted by the public
during the event. To learn more about Gonzo247 please visit www.aerosolwarfare.com.
Africans in Houston
Houston is home to many communities from African nations. Stop by and learn about different African cultures living in Houston including Eritrea, South Africa, Nigeria and Angola.
Ethiopian Cultural Display & Photo Exhibit
Presenting Sponsors
TARGET KIDS ZONE
Fun for the young and young at heart. This festival within the festival provides a fun, educational wonderland which means non-stop entertainment for children of all ages. Everything's in place for tons of fun, from favorite performers on the Target Kids Stage to mini golf to free arts and crafts!
Target International Kids Stage
This stage hosts performances by local dance troupes representing Houston's international community as well as musical and dance performances by talented young people representing the local and regional Caribbean community. Check out the schedule
Around the World In Nine Holes Miniature Golf
other amazing world landmarks on this free one-of-a-kind mini golf course!
Pony Rides
Hay! Come on down to the farm for a gentle stroll. These trots for tots offer the ideal introduction to interacting with our four-legged equine friends.
Petting Zoo
Touch and feed many domestic and exotic animals. Fun for the entire family!
Inflatable Games, Rides & Fun Activities Radio Disney Magical Market Arts, crafts, music and magical fun for kids of all ages.
Mad Science Exhibit
Fun for kids - play "mad" scientist at our mad science lab and have fun learning about science
The kids will love watching balloon artists create their favorite characters.. From simple and cute to elaborate and incredible, our face painters will transform you children into walking works of art.
Treat your family to funnel cakes, candied apples, hot dogs and cotton candy
Nasa Exhibit
Check out super cool space stuff and meet real life astronauts.
Presenting Sponsors
Latin Zone
You won't want to miss the return of the new and improved Latin Stage. Top attractions in the Latin Zone include:
RoomStore Latin Stage
The Roomstore Latin Stage returns to library plaza. The lineup showcases the best mariachi, Latin jazz, salsa, Latin rock, vallenator, Latin hip hop, conjunto/rock, mergenue, and Latin ska from the region. Check out the schedule>>
Presenting Sponsors
INTERNATIONAL ZONE
Entertainment that spans the Globe If you love music, this is the place for you. With international superstars like George Clinton, Ozomatli, King Sunny Ade, Eddie Palmieri and more, the Bud Light World Music Stage brings you a line-up that's. . .well, world-class.
Featured attractions in this zone are:
Bud Light World Music Stage
THE major music stage of iFest, this stage will feature headliners George Clinton, Ozomatli, Steel Pulse, King Sunny Ade and many, many more! Check out the schedule
iFest Pub
Offers specialty beers from around the world
International Food Court
Try an exotic international dish!
iFest International Wine Bar
Sit down, relax and enjoy delicious wines from around the world in this beautiful shady area of historic Sam Houston Park.
inside the iFest Wine Bar, the Sister Cities Stage highlights the cultures of our sister cities. Past performers have included local artists and international musicians and dancers from Australia and Azerbaijan.Presenting Sponsors
Louisiana Zone
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!
This lively, colorful zone salutes the music, food, drink and heritage of our neighboring state. Featured attractions include:
Louisiana Stage
Dance to the world's best Cajun and Zydeco bands. Step out to New Orleans second-line funk. Groove to the Gulf Coast blues. Back by popular demand, this is one of the festival's most popular destinations. Check out the schedule>>
Bayou Art Market
An eclectic mix of arts and crafts positioned under the beautiful oak trees of Houston
Cajun Food Favorites
Hurricane Hut
Serving the favorite drink of Bourbon Street!
