Houston International Festival 2011

The Silk Road trade route.

The popular Houston International Festival is back for 2011 and as always the entertainment lineup is spectacular. The theme of this year’s iFest is “The Silk Road: Journey Across Asia”. iFest is a festival that celebrates diversity, fosters learning about different cultures and creating global citizens through education. The festival is a 510(c3) nonprofit; funds not used to cover the cost of the festival itself are used to fund arts and education for almost one million students in the greater Houston area.

This year’s theme–”The Silk Road: Journey Across Asia”–uses the adventures of Marco Polo as a guide to celebrate China, India and the other cultures of the famed Silk Road, one of the most historically significant trade routes celebrated for its cultural influence connecting Asia to the Mediterranean, Northern Africa and Europe.

iFest will be rocking downtown Houston for four days, over two weekends: April 30-May 1 and May 7-8. iFest tickets are already on sale online, and soon tickets will also be available at local H-E-B grocery stores. And yes, I’ve already bought mine!

There are four days of performances on nine different stages, plus tons of cool crafts, vendors and activities. You can check out the full performance schedule online, and keep track of any changes in entertainment and/or scheduling. Some of my top picks and “must-sees” are: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jimmy Vaughn & Lou Ann Barton, Robert Cray Band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Lucinda Williams.

What: 2011 Houston International Festival (iFest)

Where: Downtown Houston in Tranquility Park (map), City Hall (map) and Sam Houston Park (map) areas.

Hours: Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets: iFest tickets can be purchased online. Advance general admission tickets are $12 per day now through April 25; ticket price increases to $18 at midnight on April 26th. Children ages 3-12 are $3, weekend passports are $60. Special lounge & VIP passports are also available with prices ranging from $25-$120. May 8th is Mother’s Day and kids get in free.

Transportation: The iFest area is easily accessible by the city’s light rail. Parking is also available in paid lots and at metered street parking in the area around the festival. My advice is to take the light rail if possible!

Notes: No pets (except service animals), no alcoholic or other beverages, no coolers, food, in-line skates, laser pointers, radios, skateboards, fireworks, weapons, recording devices; bag checks will be performed at security checkpoints.

Image credit: Shizhao