Zones

Check back for 2012 Festival details in January 2012!

Here's a look at the international fun in Downtown Houston at the 2011 iFest.

An international focus on fun!

Travel the world in a weekend or two!  iFest features 7 entertainment zones filled with music, art and food. Pick a zone and zero in on one culture, or mix and match for a truly International experience!

Visit:

 



Silk Road Zone

Location: Upper Sam Houston Park

Your cultural journey begins in China and routes through the countries of the Silk Road. The focal point and cultural heart in this zone is the Chevron Silk Road Living Museum featuring:

Great Wall of China

Walk along this 100-foot-long winding reproduction and see a bunch of info on the history of Chinese dynasties and photography exhibits.
 

Chinese Silk Exhibit

Learn about the silk production and see real silkworms and their cocoons on display along with various types of silk and demonstrations of hand weaving by Contemporary Handweavers of Houston. 

Chinese Calligraphy & Teahouse Exhibits

Check out live demonstrations of calligraphy and have your name written in Chinese! Then sample a range of teas and witness a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the Chinese Teahouse.
 

Gateway of India

Wind your way to this famous structure which houses a variety of information on the history of India and its importance on the Silk Road and includes authentic Indian arts and crafts with hands-on activities for kids including author Robert Arnett showcasing his book "Finders Keepers" and illustrator Smita Turakhia helping kids make a traditional Indian craft to take home.


India Zone

Travel into the India Zone and visit the PEACE-PROGRESS-PROSPERITY booths highlighting India's art, culture, advancements in science & technology, and India's emergence as a major economic power. Brought to you by the local Indian community.

Trojan Horse

Climb into a Trojan Horse representing the ancient city of Troy - this version is made partially from recycled material (keeping it green!). Troy was originally located in Turkey, an important stop along the Silk Road. Fun facts about this country located in our Turkish cultural exhibit, complete with a yurt!

Venetian Bridge and Gondola

End with a stop in Venice. Imagine yourself floating down the Grand Canal while aboard an elaborate gondola, or standing atop a Venetian-style bridge!

The below illustration gives you a snapshot of the exhibits featured in Chevron Living Museum.

Asia Society Texas Center Stage

This is our largest performance stage where you will see one of the top Chinese acrobatic troupes currently touring in the United Stages, the Golden Dragon Acrobats, performing the first weekend. The best Indian dancers and dance schools in Houston will then join forces the second weekend for multiple performances of Bollywood Blast!
 

HEB Cultural Stage

This stage returns with an entertaining and educational mixture of local dance troupes, cooking demonstrations and fashion shows reflecting countries of the Silk Road.

Check out our Silk Road recipes that will be demonstrated by H-E-B Cooking Connection.
 

International Food Court / Budweiser International Beer Garden

And let's not forget about the eating/drinking, or shopping for that matter!  Enjoy great exotic tastes at the International Food Court and a great beer selection at the Budweiser International Beer Garden.

iFest Wine Bar

Enjoy delicious wines at the iFest Wine Bar presented by Yao's!


Silk Road Market

Then bring your wallet to the Silk Road Market with its fine art and high quality imports from China, including artisans straight from Beijing, and other countries of the Silk Road.

Fadi's Caravan Tent

This area provides an intimate listening space showcasing music of the Silk Road cultures featured on the Fadi's Caravan Stage



 

Presenting Sponsors

 
 


Kids Zone

Location: Little Tranquility Park

 
 
The Kids Zone provides a fun, educational wonderland that means non-stop
entertainment for children of all ages.

International Kids Stage

Features performances by local Indian and Chinese dance troupes, kung fu demonstrations, Ballet Folklorico and Irish dance.
 
Each Sunday from 12:30-1:30pm, this stage will present Religions of the Silk Road performances focusing on teachings of compassion and tolerance. 
 

Kids Creative Corner

We've got a bunch of cool stuff (and free!) for kids to do in our Kids Creative Corner. From making kites and pinatas, to beaded jewelry to creating a mural made out of lids. Lots to do!
 
We've also got other fun things to do...
  • Petting zoo
  • Pony rides
  • Inflatable games
  • Rides
  • Miniature golf course
  • Free arts and crafts
  • Mad science exhibit
  • Balloon artists
  • Face painting
  • Fun festival food
 


Presenting Sponsor

 
 
 


Latin Zone

Location: Library Plaza


RoomStore Latin Stage

This stage features a strong lineup of salsa, cumbia, Latin rock and pop, flamenco guitar and mariachis complete with a killer dance floor on which you can salsa away!
 

Latin Mercardo

Full of beautiful crafts and wares from Latin and Central American countries. So wallets...beware!


The Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo return with interactive games, giveaways and you get a chance to meet the players!
 

NBA Nation - 1st Weekend Only

Show off your basketball skills at the League's largest mobile basketball playground. Dribble, pass and shoot your way towards a chance to win cool prizes. Meet NBA legend Darryl Dawkins plus special player appearances:
 
Saturday, April 30*
               All Day DJ Johnny J
               1pm     NBA Player Kyle Lowry the T-Mobile 4G Half Court
               2pm     Rockets Power Dancers
               2:30pm  Clutch
               3pm     NBA Player Luis Scola at the Kia Performance Zone
               3pm     Houston Rockets Launch Crew
               4pm     NBA Legend & NBA Nation Ambassador Darryl Dawkins
               4pm     Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown
 
Sunday, May 1*
All Day DJ Johnny J
1pm     NBA Legend & NBA Nation Ambassador Darryl Dawkins
2pm     Rockets Power Dancers
2:30pm  Clutch
3pm     Houston Rockets Launch Crew
3pm     NBA FIT Clinic
4pm     NBA Legend Clyde Drexler at the Kia Performance Zone
 
*All appearances are subject to change.
 

Presenting Sponsors
 


International Zone

Location: Lower Sam Houston Park


If you are a music fan, fanatic and/or freak, then this is the place for you!
 

Bud Light World Music Stage

One of our most popular stages where you'll see the Robert Cray Band, Jonny Lang, Keb’ Mo’, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Lucinda Williams and the Joe Ely Reunion Band.
 

International Food Court / iFest Pub

Try an exotic dish at the International Food Court or hit up a specialty beer in our iFest Pub. It's all good!

iFest Lounge

If you're feeling the need for relaxation, check out our iFest Lounge. Situated in a beautiful shady area, you've got access to a full service bar and exclusive restroom facilities to name a few!
 

Sister Cities Stage

Highlights the cultures of our 17 sister city relationships from all over the world including: Abu Dhabi, Baku, Istanbul, Nice, Taipei and Perth. 
 

International Market

The International Market is a wonderful expression of imports and culture from around the world so make sure you stop by!
 
 

Presenting Sponsors


 


Louisiana Zone

Location: Upper Tranquility Park

 

Step out into New Orleans and be transported to the French Quarter in this lively, colorful zone as we bring you the music, food, drink and heritage of our neighboring state.
 

Louisiana Stage sponsored by Green Mountain Energy Company

Back by popular demand, this stage brings you a distinctive Gulf Coast musical gumbo of zydeco, blues, funk and jazz.
 

Frenchman's Market

Shop til ya drop in the Frenchman's Market with its array of eclectic mix of arts and crafts.
 

Barcardi Gras Bar

Savor Cajun flavors then down some at the Bacardi Gras Bar.
 

Jackson Square

Enjoy Second Line Brass Band tunes, jugglers, tarot card readers, artists, balloon twisters, face painting, henna tattoos, and a lotta more.
 
 

Presenting Sponsor

 


Jamaica Zone

Location: Lower Tranquility Park

 
 
Discover Jamaica!  Everything you've always wanted to know...
 
Climb aboard a 40-foot-tall pirate ship outfitted with pirates, drummers and more.

Plan your next trip to paradise at the Jamaica Tourist Board Travel Expo
 
Adding extra excitement is the Jamaican Dancehall, which comes alive 6-10pm Saturdays and 6-8pm Sundays, featuring reggae DJ parties.
 
Cool Caribbean handicrafts and artwork tempt your pocketbook.
 
 
Presenting Sponsor
 
 
 


African/Caribbean Zone

Location: Babgy, backside of City Hall, Lower Tranquility Park

 
A celebratory area of all things African. Think steel drumming, artists markets and cultural exhibits to expore!  We have lots of performances within this area. Check 'em out!
 

29-95 Entertainment Stage

Seek shade and a cold beverage at the 29-95 Entertainment Stage featuring the sounds of Houston's best rock, reggae, blues, and country bands.
 

African-Caribbean Market

Seek goods and you shall find them at the African-Caribbean Market. It's an entire block full of handicrafts and artwork including wood carvings, oils, clothing, drums, and more.
 

Fashion Show

Be front row for an eclectic fashion show featuring designs each day by a different designer.
 

Africans in Houston Exhibit

Visit the Africans in Houston Exhibit and learn about different African cultures represented in Houston - Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria, and South Africa.
 
Learn about the contributions of Africans at the Wall of Fame.
 
 
Presenting Sponsor