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WorldFest, the region’s largest international festival, will take place Labor Day weekend, marking its 16th year with four days of international food, music, crafts, and culture.
The festival, which runs Friday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 3on the Belvedere, will feature a revamped layout to enhance the visitor experience, including new locations for both the West Lawn and Fountain Stages, as well as the addition of a third stage on the Overlook.
More than 70 local and regional entertainers will offer a variety of music, dance styles and beats ranging from African drumming to Reggae to Indian, Celtic, Arabic, Latin, Caribbean music.
Complete schedule and more information
Headliner acts include Etnopolis, featuring Luca Ciari in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Chicago, the British Invasion Experience, Ville Casineras, The Pearls and more. The Overlook Stage will host Noche Latina, or Latin Night, with song, dance and sizzling Latino sounds from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1
More than 100 vendors will participate, with 30-plus food vendors serving a global sampling of cuisine and culture. Along with food, attendees can purchase unique international crafts and visit the World of Information to learn about various international agencies in the area.
“Louisville is a city of compassion, a global and welcoming city whose population growth has largely been fueled by internationals,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “WorldFest is a terrific way to celebrate and experience Louisville’s diverse and vibrant cultures.”
Admission to WorldFest is free all four days because of Passport Health Plan, and other sponsors’ generous support.
“Passport is proud to once again sponsor WorldFest, which helps recognize the diverse community in which we live, work, and play,” said Passport Health Plan CEO Mark Carter. “Louisville is known for having a vibrant mix of people representing different backgrounds and cultures. Together with our community partners and healthcare providers, we can help all Louisvillians live healthier, happier lives.”
WorldFest highlights include:
- 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.
- Stella Biergarten – This new feature on the Overlook will feature a selection of international and domestic beers, plus a great view of the festival.
- WorldFest Selfie Station – Nestled within the Stella Biergarten on the Overlook, this photo opportunity 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, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Hosted by the WKU Confucius Institute for a second year, the children’s area on the Overlook will include more than 20 interactive activities highlighting specific aspects of the Chinese culture, including: calligraphy lessons, fan painting and Tai Chi demonstrations. Children can stop by the Home Depot tent to participate in construction projects.
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.
In addition to Passport Health Plan’s Gold Sponsorship, WorldFest is brought to you by: Silver Sponsors – Kentucky Lottery, Stella Artois, ValuMarket, Western Kentucky University Confucius Institute and the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute. Bronze Sponsors – Anthem Medicaid, CareSource, Ford and Papa Murphy’s. Media Sponsors – Al Dia, Louisville Public Media, Outfront Media and WLKY.
For more information about WorldFest, visit www.worldfestlouisville.com. Let us know if you plan to attend, via our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!
When You Visit:
WorldFest runs through Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, on the Belvedere, at Fifth and Main streets. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission is free; international food, spirits, beer and crafts available for purchase. Parking is available on nearby streets, below the Belvedere in the Riverfront Garage. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday and Monday. Additional parking garages and lots are also nearby.
Naturalization Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center. Parade of Cultures: Saturday, Sept. 1, Noon. Parade assembles at Metro Hall, and begins at 6th & Market streets, heading north to Main Street to the Belvedere, ending at the Overlook Stage.
Overlook Activities (Top of the Belvedere): Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 1-2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. This area includes the Global Village and the WorldFest Children’s Activities. The Overlook Stage and Stella Biergarten will be open Friday through Monday.
Thousands of hikers, bikers and paddlers will hit the streets and the Ohio River on Labor Day, Sept. 3, for the 28th Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle at Waterfront Park.
“One of Louisville’s core values is to create a healthier city, and there’s no better time than the annual Hike, Bike & Paddle to come together with residents from all parts of our city for fun and exercise,” Mayor Greg Fischer said.
Subway Restaurants is the title sponsor of Hike, Bike & Paddle, with presenting sponsors Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Norton Healthcare and Neil Huffman Subaru, and contributing sponsor Academy Sports + Outdoors.
“SUBWAY Restaurants is proud to be the title sponsor of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle events for the 14th year! The events give people an opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and lead healthy, active lifestyles,” said Umang Patel, Louisville SUBWAY Board Chair.
“As Louisville’s local bottler, Coca-Cola Consolidated is pleased to support the Hike, Bike & Paddle again this year,” said Brian Outland, Vice President for Retail Sales at Coke Consolidated. “This event truly exemplifies Louisville’s community spirit by bringing people together to enjoy the Labor Day Holiday and some outdoor fun.”
Starting at 8 a.m., Hike, Bike & Paddle participants can warm up on the Great Lawn with various fitness activities including Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, Pickleball and Rock Climbing. From the main stage, 106.9 Play! radio personality Jordan Rivers will kick off the event with announcements and energetic music throughout the morning. Patrons can also walk down to Harbor Lawn and try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding until 1 p.m.
More than 50 vendors and information booths will open at 8:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park. Participants can take home one of the free 3,000 free Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle T-shirts commemorating the event. These are available while supplies last.
Along with free T-shirts, participants can expect to take home other giveaways as well. The event title sponsor, Subway, will be passing out $2 cash cards at their tent. Neil Huffman Subaru will be giving away a chance to win a free bicycle and kayak, and free reusable water bottles. Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated will offer free Powerade to hikers.
Participants are encouraged to be “green” and bring their own water bottles which they will be able to fill at Waterfront Park, the Iroquois Park Spray Grounds near the Amphitheater, and the base of the Big Four Bridge, as part of Louisville Water’s Pure Tap To Go.
The hiking route features three different routes to accommodate all participants, including those with four legs. Nu Image Fitness will lead the 5K hike along Waterfront Park and over the Big Four Bridge to Jeffersonville, and back to the Great Lawn. Because dogs are not allowed on the bridge, hikers with animals will be directed on a separate path leading to the Louisville Community Boathouse and back to the Great Lawn. For those needing a shortened route, the third option will travel along Waterfront Park and turn around at the Big Four Bridge. It is wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Walkers may bring dogs to participate in the hike, as long as the animal is on a leash and owners pick up waste during the walk, as required by law.
Both the cycling and walking routes will be marked, and there will be water stops at the halfway points to refill water bottles.
For cyclists, a 15.5-mile route will leave Waterfront Park and go west to Shawnee Park and back to Waterfront Park. Bicyclists choosing not to complete the entire route to Iroquois Park can simply turn around to return to Waterfront Park.
The Brain Injury Association will distribute 500 helmets to riders who don’t have one.
“Bike doctors” will be in Waterfront Park before the ride and along the route to assist cyclists with equipment problems. Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections, and the Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route. All cyclists are asked to remain behind the lead police vehicles. The Louisville Bicycle Club and Scheller’s Fitness and Cycling are providing “bike captains” to help cyclists obey the rules of the road.
For the paddle portion, patrons will have the opportunity to try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding provided by Kentucky Paddleboarding LLC until 1 p.m.
Paddlers will begin their adventurous five-mile course at 10 a.m., taking their canoes and kayaks through the McAlpine Locks and Dam to the Jaycees Boat Ramp in New Albany. Participants will launch their canoes or kayaks at the ramp located at the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park. Paddlers can drop their boats off at the “Green” parking lot near River Road and Witherspoon Street from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Paddlers are encouraged to enter from the University of Louisville Rowing Center/ Louisville Community Boathouse off River Road and paddle upstream toward the start at the Harbor Lawn. Parking will be available at the Louisville Community Boat House, and volunteers will be on-site to assist paddlers at both of these locations.
Like on Memorial Day, the Louisville Kayak Company will be offering kayak rental services at the event. You can reserve your kayak at the event or before you go by visiting hikebikeandpaddle.org.
Police and safety boats will be nearby during the paddling activity, and all participants will have assistance if needed in launching their canoe or kayak. Safe paddling instruction and demonstrations will take place in the harbor area of the Great Lawn. Paddle participants must wear a life jacket and carry a noise-making device.
After the event, TARC will offer a shuttle service from New Albany back to Waterfront Park for paddlers to retrieve their vehicles at the launch site.
This is the 14th year for the Hike, Bike & Paddle events, which are held each Memorial Day and Labor Day. The events are part of the city’s Healthy Hometown Movement, created to encourage Louisville residents to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices. To view interactive route maps and for more information, go to hikebikeandpaddle.org.
Already know you’re coming? RSVP on our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!
Additional support is provided by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Greater Louisville Sports Commission, Kentucky Paddleboarding LLC, Louisville Water Company, Louisville Waterfront Park, River City Paddle Sports, Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling and Yoga East. Media Sponsors include 106.9 Play!, Louisville Public Media, Outfront Media and WLKY.
Find a schedule and more information
If You Go:
Paddlers will put in canoes or kayaks at the Ohio River ramp on the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park or at the Louisville Community Boathouse and paddle upstream toward Harbor Lawn.
Booths at Waterfront Park open at 8:30 a.m. offering paddling instruction, safety lessons, cycling information and assistance, yoga, tai chi, Zumba, Pickleball, rock climbing and stand-up paddle board demonstrations with group participation and more.
On-street parking is available near Waterfront Park. All TARC buses are equipped with bicycle racks for cyclists who want to leave the car at home.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
As summer winds down, Central Park in Old Louisville is the perfect place to enjoy what continues to be a nice tradition of great jazz music in a great setting. President David James (D-6) once again presents “Jazz in Central Park” on Sunday, August 26th.
“This is a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with a wide variety of music and entertainment, and best of all its free and open to any and every one,” says James. “Bring some friends or the family to Central Park and back and listen to some of the best artists in jazz the area has to offer.”
“Jazz in Central Park” will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This year’s event is hosted by Dawne Gee of WAVE TV, Miss Krystal of 104.7FM.
The following artists will be featured this year:
- The Groove Masters
- Jamey Ambersold
- Syreeta Thompson & TRI+ADD
- Marcus Click & Friends
- Kiko Serbrian & Band
- The Urban Jazz Coalition
Local Food Vendors will also be on hand for the afternoon.
“If you have a love of jazz and want to kick back and enjoy a nice Sunday evening, Central Park is the place to be with these great artists and the hospitality of the people of Old Louisville,” says James. “So please, come and join us.”
Joining President James as sponsors of this year’s event are Brown-Forman, Clariant, and Walmart.
Central Park is located at1340 South 4th Street in Old Louisville.
For more information about “Jazz in Central Park”, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
The California Neighborhood is ready to come together with pride and unity as one of Louisville’s oldest communities when Councilman David James (D-6) hosts the Annual California Day Celebration on Saturday, August 25th.
“The people of the California Neighborhood take one day in August to show everyone what makes it a great neighborhood in Metro Louisville. It’s a spirit of togetherness pride and unity in the community,” says James. “So on this day there will be time for the community to enjoy that with local community vendors, fun for children of all ages, music, entertainment and food in the natural beauty of California Park.”
The 2018 California Day Celebration will be held from 12:00pm until 10:00pm. There will be fun activities for the kids and families with a bouncy house, tug-of-war and kick ball.
Free food will be served from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Local Food Trucks will be available, with separate business rates, for those who want something more.
As for music, DJ and the LFW Band from Nashville, Tennessee will be providing music and fun throughout the day.
There will be information vendors on hand from the Chestnut Street YMCA, Passport, Wheatley elementary PTA and Neighborhood Place. The Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness will be providing Hepatitis A vaccines as well.
“As the summer winds down, the California Neighborhood is ready to come together, kick back and relax and enjoy an old fashioned neighborhood get together.”
All events are free and open to the public.
California Park is located at 1104 South 16th Street
If you would like more information about California Day, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
On Saturday, August 25th more than 300 motorcycles are expected to hit the road as “Riders for Heroes” begins its fund raising efforts to help local first responders and veterans organizations.
It is the beginning of an event to honor those who put their lives on the line every day with an afternoon of fun and live music.
“I am honored to join UAW Local 862 and its members in celebrating the third year of this event,” says President David James (D-6). “Riders for Heroes is a chance for all of us to say thank you to dedicated police officers, fire fighters EMS workers and veterans. They sacrifice so much for us, now is the time to give them a helping hand.”
The Third Annual Riders for Heroes will feature a bike ride, bike rally, bike and car show, live music and fun for a full day events on the last Saturday of August.
“This event began as a way for the UAW’s members, who enjoy riding motorcycles, to help people in the community and we don’t believe there has ever been a ride for the first responders in our area,” says Todd Dunn of UAW Local 862. “This is way to raise funding for their organizations and charities to help take care of the needs of those who serve and protect our community.”
The event beings at 8:00am at Bluegrass Harley Davidson on Blankenbaker Parkway with registration for a ride to Elizabethtown to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Kick stands up at 9:00am.
Then, the rally gets underway at2:00pm at Expo Five located at 2900 Seventh Street Road. The entry fee to the show is $10. Preregistration is $20 and includes a rally shirt. It costs $10 if you would like to place an entry for the Bike and Car Show.
“The UAW has been working with us on Operation Victory, which is a program of unions, community groups, and businesses working together to renovate homes for homeless veterans in Metro Louisville,” says Tim Morris of the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council. “We owe it to our veterans, to help them through this ride and through programs like Operation Victory.”
Schedule of events for Riders for Heroes:
- 8:00am register for the Bike Ride to Elizabethtown
- 9:00am Riders depart Bluegrass Harley Davidson
- 12:00pm Bike and Car Show Registration begins
- 2:00pm Rally Begins at 2900 Seventh Street Road
- 3:00pm Bands Begin
The event will be held rain or shine. Proceeds raised will go to local first responder groups and local veterans.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ridersforheroes/ or contact President James office at 574-1106.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
The people of Newburg are getting ready to once again host their own special homecoming of welcoming back old friends and celebrate the unity and pride of one of Metro Louisville’s well established neighborhoods.
Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) announces “Newburg Days” will get underway on Friday, August 31st, Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd.
“Newburg is ready to celebrate the things that make it a very special community. We like to think of the weekend as part of an old fashion family get together that is filled with events of fun and music,” says Shanklin. “It is a time to welcome back old friends who have moved on to other areas and at the same time it gives all of us a chance to catch up on what’s going on in our neighborhood.”
“Newburg Days” kicks off on Friday with rides and music in Petersburg/Newburg Park.
On Saturday, there is a Community Breakfast in Petersburg Park. The event is well known for its community parade which begins at 12:00pm and continues throughout many local streets in the Newburg area.
This year, the Battle of the Bands contest is back.
On Sunday, a community worship service and gospel festival will highlight the last day of the event.
Here is the schedule of events for Newburg Days
- Friday
- Vendor/food booths & Carnival Rides (6:00 P.M. start time)
- Saturday
- Community Breakfast 9:30 A.M. – in the park
- Community Parade – 11:30 A.M. (line-up time) start time 12:00pm
- Battle of the Bands – 1:00pm
- Live Music – 7:00pm to 9:00pm
- Vendor/Food Booths/Carnival Rides – All Day
- Sunday
- Senior Lunch Community Baptist Church 1:30pm
- Gospel Festival – 5:00pm to 7:00pm
- Vendor/Food Booths/Carnival Rides – All Day
Louisville Metro Parks is once again coordinating all festival events. There are also many community volunteers and organizations who will come out to help with various activities.
Petersburg Park is located at the corner of East Indian Trail and Petersburg Road. All events are centered around Petersburg Park.
“So I invite everyone to come out and see what many of us already know: Newburg is a wonderful place to live and this is just an old fashion community get together,” says Shanklin.
For more information about “Newburg Days”, contact Councilwoman Shanklin’s Office at 574-1102.
The gates of the Kentucky State Fair officially opened for the 2018 season on Thursday, marking the 116th Fair since becoming an official state event. Although the Fair did not earn that distinction until 1902, the event was first organized in 1816, just five years after the United States’ first fair was held in Massachusetts.
Tickets and parking can be purchased at any of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s entrance gates or online. The gates open at 7 AM each day of the Fair, with exhibits opening at 9 AM. Daily schedules can be found here. The event features numerous special days, including:
- Today – 811 Day
- Visit the Marathon Pipe Line Booth for a free T-shirt
- Sunday, August 19 – Military Sunday Salute
- Free admission for active military, veterans and families (up to 4). Discounts for Thrill Ville available. Parking not included.
- Tuesday, August 21 – Senior Day
- All seniors age 55 or older receive free admission. Parking not included.
- Kentucky Farm Bureau and Carload Day
- $20 per vehicle and $100 for vehicles with 12+ passengers. Parking included.
The Texas Roadhouse concert series that has usually been held at the old Cardinal’s Stadium has been moved to the new Bluegrass Village, near the entrance to Kentucky Kingdom. The concerts held here in the evening are included with paid fair admission. Tonight, fair visitors will be able to enjoy the music from Great White. Upcoming shows will feature:
- 8/19 – The Oak Ridge Boys
- 8/20 – Casting Crowns
- 8/21 – Happy Together Tour
- 8/22 – Chris Janson
- 8/23 – Chevelle
- 8/24 – Josh Turner
- 8/25 – The Commodores
- 8/26 – Mercyme
Visitors to the fair will also see that the exhibit hall has been arranged a bit differently. Instead of being in the West Hall, the 4H and FFA exhibits have been moved to the main exhibit hall area, in AgLand. The Discovery Farm has also been relocated into this area and features several stations to learn about livestock and a dairy cow demonstration.
Starting tonight, visitors will be able to attend to the World’s Championship Horse Show . Tickets are sold separately. Tonight, starting at 6 PM, is the last night for the Miniature Horse Show. If you have never attended this event, it is very entertaining. Many of the competitions highlight the ability of the miniature horse to be a service animal and it’s a great way for young people to get experience in a competition setting.
Whether you are there for the crazy fair food, like a funnel cake fries burger, the livestock, the music or the market area, there is something for everyone at the Kentucky State Fair.
