38th Annual Houston International Festival

The Houston International Festival (iFest) spotlights Ireland, April 18-19 & 25-26, 2009. iFest, known as one of the nation’s largest presenters of world music, features hundreds of internationally acclaimed artists on 12 performance venues throughout downtown Houston.  Seven themed entertainment zones showcase a world of cultures, cuisines and customs. 

Performers:
The festival features diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world including: funk legends, The Ohio Players; Chicano roots-rockers, Los Lobos; soul/gospel queen, Mavis Staples; South African jazz trumpeter, Hugh Masekela; Boston’s celebrated Irish-American lasses, Cherish the Ladies; Algerian-born, Rachid Tahad; Jamaica’s Rootz Underground; Ireland’s hottest new band, Beoga from County Down; and Cajun, zydeco, blues, rock, gospel, Latin and reggae. 

Location:
Downtown Houston

Directions:
The festival is located in the heart of downtown Houston. It stretches across 16 acres of downtown parks and streets including City Hall, Bagby Street, and Tranquility and Sam Houston Parks.
 
Times:
Weekends April 18-19 and April 25-26, 2009
(Sat 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.)    
iFest Free Preview Day April 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Admissions & Parking:
Tickets:
St. Patty’s ½ Price Ticket Special: $7.50 until March 31, online only www.ifest.org 

Early Bird Discount: $10 from April 1 until April 13, online and H-E-B stores

Regular Admission: $15 April 14 until April 26, at the gate, online and H-E-B stores

Target Kids Free: Kids 12 and under are FREE

Group Tickets: $7.50 (until March 31)/$9 each with a minimum purchase of 50

The Festival suggests easy access parking at the Metropolitan Garage at 340 W. Dallas for only $5.  For transportation, call METROLine at 713.635.4000 for information on routes, schedules and all other METRO services.

Website: www.ifest.org
Telephone: 713-654-8808
Email: contactus@ifest.org