Travel the world without leaving Louisville. Here's what to know about 2019 Worldfest

• WHAT: WorldFest's an annual event in Louisville that celebrates the diverse population of immigrants
• WHERE: On the Belvedere at Fifth and Main streets in downtown Louisville
• WHEN: Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• COST: Admission is free with international food, spirits, beer and crafts available for purchase.

We celebrate St. Patricks Day, Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo with gusto in America and we have immigrants from Ireland, France and Mexico to thank for those festivities.

Heck, even Independence Day exists because of our Founding Fathers, who either immigrated from or were the descendants of immigrants from counties like England, Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies. 

For the past 17 years, Louisville has thrown a full-blown festival to honor the diverse population and different cultures of those who live here and infuse diversity, innovation and some of the best traditions from around the world into our vibrant community. 

What is WorldFest? 

WorldFest is a four-day event which spotlights the kaleidoscope of humanity that makes up Louisville's population. This year the food, music, dance and shopping experience will be held Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. 

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"In addition to bringing national and international performers to Louisville's WorldFest, I love that it provides an opportunity for international and multicultural artists of Louisville to perform and represent their native cultures right here in their own hometown," Ken Clay, WorldFest entertainment producer, told Courier Journal.

Clay, along with Louisville's Office of Special Events, has grown WorldFest into one of the largest and most highly respected international festivals in the nation.

If you live in Louisville or Southern Indiana, WorldFest gives you the chance to travel around the world without stepping foot in the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Plus, you get to sleep in your own bed — you can't beat that.

About 80 international groups are scheduled to perform over the weekend and dozens more will give you a literal taste of their native country's cuisine. Altogether, 150 countries are represented through food, music, dance, culture and education.

"Cities that embrace and encourage their international citizens and cultures will thrive, have a stronger quality of life and will attract new growth and jobs,” Mayor Greg Fischer said of the annual event.

"WorldFest is a great event for exploring and celebrating Louisville’s many faces and cultures, and we always look to make it more vibrant, diverse and educational," he added.

What food is going to be at WorldFest? 

The first thing you experience when walking up the cement rampway to enter WorldFest is the aroma. Or maybe we should say aromas. 

Foods from around the world sizzle on outdoor grills and bubble in large steel pots. Some of the menu items are familiar, such as tacos and spicy chicken wings, but make sure to tap into your adventurous culinary side as you scoop up traditional Ethiopian lentil, bean, meat, and vegetable sauces with a piece of spongy sourdough flatbread called "injera."

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Will there be music? 

While you enjoy food and drink — yes, there is alcohol available for those 21 and over — there is also plenty of entertainment from jazz to Reggae, Celtic violin to jug bands. So while there is food for every taste, there is music for every ear.

"We have dynamite artists performing each day of the festival including Celtic violinist Eileen Ivers," Clay said. "'The New York Times calls' her 'the Jimi Hendrix of the violin.'"

Ivers performs from 9:30-11 p.m. Sunday on the Main Stage at WorldFest.  

With more than 100 languages spoken in the Louisville public schools and 35% of the city’s population growth over the past 17 years coming from international residents from more than 150 different countries throughout the world, Louisville is more culturally diverse than ever before.

Labor Day weekend is our chance to celebrate what makes us unique and ultra interesting as we all come together through food, entertainment and different customs. 

"Louisville's international community is growing in a beautiful way and their artistic groups seem eager and proud to be presented on WorldFest," Clay said. "It's an amazing event worth celebrating."

WorldFest has been recognized by the International Festival and Events Association as among the best in North America. In 2011, it was named a Top Ten Fall Festival by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, and in 2015, the International Festival and Event Association named Louisville the Top Festival City in North America.

For more information about WorldFest, visit worldfestlouisville.com. 

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/kirbya.

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WORLDFEST 2019

WHAT: WorldFest is an annual event in Louisville that celebrates the diverse population of immigrants in our city who bring diversity, innovation and some of the best traditions from around the world.

WHERE: On the Belvedere at Fifth and Main streets in downtown Louisville

WHEN: Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

COST: Admission is free with international food, spirits, beer and crafts available for purchase.

PARKING: Parking is available on nearby streets, and is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday and Monday. Several parking garages and lots are also nearby. 

MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest

Worldfest schedule Friday, Aug. 30

FOUNTAIN STAGE

• 11-11:30 a.m.: Vendor booths open
• 11:30-11:45 a.m.: Mayor Greg Fischer kicks off the event
• 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Desperados Steel Band (Carribean/Island)
• 1-5 p.m.: Recorded International Music
• 5 -5:45 p.m.: Studio Belly Dance & Friends (Mideastern)
• 6-6:30 p.m.: Nachale Bollywood (India)
• 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Rick Debow (Jazz)
• 7:30-9 p.m.: Big Poppa Stampley & Voodou Gumbo (Blues, Jazz, R&B)  
• 9:30-11 p.m.: The Ark Band (Reggae)

MAIN STAGE

• 10:30 –11:45 a.m.: Recorded International Music
• 11:45 to 1 p.m.: The Zydewinders (Zydeco)
• 1-5 p.m: Recorded International Music
• 5-5:45 p.m.: The Movement (Mime Dance)
• 6-6:45 p.m.: The Pearls (African-American R&B)
• 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Jerry Tolson Quartet ( American Jazz)
• 7:30-8:15 p.m.: Hora Certra (Brazilian)
• 8:30-9:15 p.m.: Alma Gitana (Flamenco Arabic World Music)
• 9:30-11 p.m.: Screaming Orphans (Contemporary Irish Music)

OVERLOOK STAGE

• 5-6:30 p.m.: Mexico Lindo (Mexican Dance)
• 6:45-7:45 p.m.: Juggernauts (Jug Band Music)
• 8:15-9:30 p.m.: Kendall Carter Quartet (Jazz)
• 10-11 p.m.: The Slants (Asian American Dance Rock)

Worldfest schedule Saturday, Aug. 31

FOUNTAIN STAGE

• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Event opens
• 1-1:30 p.m.: Chinese Dance with Cheryl Pan (Chinese)
• 1:30-2 p.m.: Imani Dance Company (African-American)
• 2-2:30 p.m.: Association of Chinese Americans (Chinese)
• 2:45- 3:15 p.m.: Destined Dance Co. (African-American)
• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Argentine Tango Dance Society (Argentine)
• 4:45-5:15 p.m.: Real Live Actual Belly Dance (Mideastern)       
• 5:15-6 p.m. South Sudan Traditional Lou Dance Co.(South Africa/Uganda)
• 6:15-6:30 p.m.: Smitha Paily Dancers – Natrya Kendra (East India)
• 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Oreya Dance (Oriental, Belly dance & Chinese Fusion)
• 7:45-9 p.m.: Lou Orleans Brass Band (New Orleans Music)
• 9:30-11 p.m: Tee Dee Young (African-American Blues)

MAIN STAGE

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Recorded International Music
• 1-1:45 p.m.: Louisville Pipe Band (Celtic Music)
• 1:45-2:15 p.m.: Gypsies of the Nile (Mideastern Dance)
• 2:30-3:15 p.m.: River City Drum Corp (Percussion Mix)
• 3:15-4:15 p.m.: Dick Sisto & the Aha Trio (American Jazz)
• 4:15-4:45 p.m.: Gio “El” Futuro (Hispanic)
• 5-5:45 p.m.: Salsa Rhythms Band (Hispanic)
• 6-6:45 p.m.: Flamenco Louisville (Spanish Dance)
• 7:15-8 p.m:. Appalatin (Latin/American Traditions)
• 8-9 p.m.: Afrophysicists (Afro pop, Latin & Salsa)
• 9:30-11 p.m.: Carley Johnson (Jazz, Soul, Original Music)

OVERLOOK STAGE

• 12-1 p.m.: Parade of Cultures 
• 6-11 p.m.: Fiesta Latina (Music, Dancing, Bands) 

Worldfest schedule Sunday, Sept. 1

FOUNTAIN STAGE

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Event opens
• 12:30-1:15 p.m.: Misha Feigin (Russian Gypsy Music)
• 1:15-2 p.m.: Celtica Fae
• 2-2:30 p.m.: McClanahan School of Irish Dance (Irish Dance)
• 2:45-3:15 p.m.: Eleventh Hour
• 3:15-4 p.m.: Hathor's Fire (Flamenco Middle Eastern Music)
• 4:1-5:15 p.m.: Guilderoy Byrne (Celtic & International Music)
• 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Sulh Ensemble (East Asian Music)
• 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Academy of Flamenco Arts (Spanish Dance)
• 7:45-9 p.m.: Tony Fish Group (Jazz)
• 9:30-11 p.m.: Hermandos Latin Jazz Band (Hispanic)

MAIN STAGE

• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Recorded International Music
• 12-1 p.m.: Squeezebot
• 1-1:45 p.m.: Keltricity (Celtic Music)
• 2-2:45 p.m.: 502 Vintage Keys (Jazz)
• 3-4 p.m.: Lost Tribe Louisville (Jewish Music)
• 4:15-5 p.m.: Kuvebo! (African Music & Dance)
• 5:15-6 p.m.: Ut Gret (Progressive Music)
• 6:15-7 p.m.: Mr. Wonderful Productions Band (Old School R&B)
• 7:15-8 p.m.: Voodoo Fuel (American Jazz)
• 8:15-9 p.m.:  Tyrone Cotton (New Orleans Music)
• 9:30-11 p.m.:  Eileen Ivers (World Music)

OVERLOOK STAGE

• 6-11 p.m.: Celtic Homecoming (Music, Dancing, Bands)

Worldfest schedule Monday, Sept. 2

FOUNTAIN STAGE

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Event opens
• 1-1:30 p.m.: Tango DeVille (South American Dance)
• 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Semple Starts Percussion Ensemble (American percussion)
• 2:30-3:15 p.m.: Swing 39 (French Cabaret)
• 3:30-4:15 p.m.: Walnut Street Blues Band (R&B)
• 4:30- 6 p.m.: Ron Jones Quartet (Jazz)
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Billy Goat Strut Revue (Bourbon Jazz)

MAIN STAGE

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Recorded International music
• 12:30-1 p.m.: Belize Dance Intermix (Belizean Dance)
• 1:15-1:45 p.m.: The French Experience, Lea Schenk, Jonathan Sutphin (French Music)
• 2-2:30 p.m.: German American Prosit Singers (German Song)
• 2:45-3:30 p.m.: The Hellenic Dancers (Greek Dance)
• 3:45-4:45 p.m.: Louisville Country Dancers (International Dance)
• 5-6 p.m.: Tanita Gaines (Jazz, Blues, R&B)
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Zu Zu Ya  Ya (World Fusion Music)

OVERLOOK

• 3-4 p.m.: Pat Younger & the Paloverde
• 5:15-6:15 p.m.: PMA (Reggae Music)
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Mileno (Latin Music)

WorldFest 2019 highlights

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. Located on the Overlook.

WorldFest Children’s Area — Will feature activities from WKU’s Confucius Institute, Home Depot and Parks & Recreation’s Rec on the Go all located on the Overlook on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parade of Cultures — On Saturday at noon, more than 50 units will march from Metro Hall to 6th Street to Main Street to the Belvedere wearing traditional attire in this colorful showcase of heritage and cultures from around the world. The parade is presented by the UK Confucius Institute.

WorldFest Selfie Station — Nestled within the Stella Biergarten on the Overlook, this photo spot offers a sweeping view of all the WorldFest activities to share on social media.

World of Information — A one-stop-shop showcasing international agencies and services available to all immigrants and citizens. Located on the West Lawn.

Naturalization Ceremony – A Naturalization Ceremony where more than 300 immigrants will become full U.S. citizens will take place the following Friday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center.