18-Apr-09 9:00 AM CST

iFest Goes On Despite the Rain

IFEST TO HOUSTONIANS:
FICKLE TEXAS WEATHER WON’T RAIN ON OUR IRISH PARADE

WHAT: Houston’s 38th annual urban multicultural event, The Houston International Festival Spotlighting Ireland (iFest), won’t let fickle Texas weather rain on anyone’s parade on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 when the Festival kicks off its two-weekend event featuring entertainment from around the world. Venues scattered across the Festival’s 16 city block radius of downtown Houston will provide entertainment, education and excitement while keeping iFest attendees dry. Recognizing Saturday’s BP MS 150 cancellation, all riders who choose to stay in Houston this weekend can bring their rider number to the iFest gates April 18-19 for half price admission.

Downtown Houston will transform into an Irish countryside – complete with Ireland’s ever present rainy weather - for the 2009 Houston International Festival running April 18-19 & 25-26. Covered iFest venues flourish across the site:

Sister Cities Wine Café and Three Oaks Lounge: Have a seat among the shade trees while tasting a tasty blend of Sister Cities many wines.

Ethiopian Cultural Display & Photo Exhibit: Learn more about the world around you while exploring the Ethiopian culture and photo exhibit.

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck Pub & Stage: Enjoy world-class Irish music hosted by great County Sligo fiddler, Kevin Burke, while sampling authentic Irish pub grub and brew.

Budweiser International Beer Garden: Kick back and let the rain pass while indulging in Texas’ favorite Budweiser beer selections.

Flight of the Earls Exhibit: Learn about the end of the Old Gaelic era when Irish nobility was forced into exile under a covered tent.

Literary Ireland: Explore major Irish literary figures and the history of the Gaelic language. Watch films and enjoy listening stations to experience samples of the Gaelic language.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 18: Noon – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 19: Noon – 9 p.m.

SPECIAL OFFER:
All BP MS 150 riders who choose to stay in Houston this weekend can bring their rider number to the Festival April 18 – 19 and receive half price admission

WHY:
The 38th annual Houston International Festival kicks off Saturday, April 18 and will continue its celebration of world music, food and culture until Sunday, April 26. Music headliners include the Ohio Players, Los Lobos, Mavis Staples, Hugh Masekela Cherish the Ladies, Rachid Tahad and many more. Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 event and available for $15 each. And, for the second year, Target Kids Free allows children 12 and under to attend the Festival for free.

WHERE:
Downtown Houston
Stretching across 16 acres of downtown parks and streets including City Hall, Bagby Street, and Tranquility and Sam Houston Parks

Comments for iFest Goes On Despite the Rain:

Total Comments: 2

Tracy on 18-Apr-09 10:00 AM permalink
The show must go on and the rain will go away. All of the stages are covered and our headliners will perform, so wear your slicker, bring your umbrella and enjoy the music!
Frances on 18-Apr-09 9:57 AM permalink
I AM SO GLAD TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE WAS PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION. I WOKE UP SINGING RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY AND WONDERED IF THE IFEST WOULD GO ON. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE YEARS OF CONTINUED EXCITEMENT, EDUCATION AND GOOD TIMES AT ALL THE IFEST. OH HOW I LOVE MY CITY!!!