WorldFest began as the kick-off event of the Mayor’s International Heritage Month in September 2003. The original one-day festival featured a limited amount of vendors, exhibitors and entertainment between 11am to 6pm and drew 5,000 people in its first year. From its humble roots, WorldFest has grown into a two-day affair held each Labor Day weekend on the historic Belvedere in the heart of downtown Louisville. The festival has grown to include over 150 vendors and exhibitors, interactive cultural pavilions, a children’s area, continuous entertainment provided over 24 hours of the event and guests from all over the world.
The Belvedere is an 8 acre plaza overlooking the Ohio River. A grassy area, reserved for the World of Children, is located on the west end of the property. Prominent features of the venue include a statue of George Rogers Clark from famed artist Felix de Weldon and its proximity to the Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Galt House and other prominent regional and national corporations.
The Event
WorldFest features two stages of world entertainment from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on both days of the festival. Artists include local and regional music, dance and performance acts representing the many cultures of Louisville: from Latin America to Africa. Introduced in 2006, the festival also hosts a dynamic and expanded World of Children area where children can make crafts, hear international folk tales, learn a language or play games. Interactive pavilions from Louisville’s Honorary Consuls offer an exclusive opportunity to delve into the heart of a sponsoring country for a few minutes or a full day.
Two larger events hosted by WorldFest include the Mayor’s Parade of Cultures and the Naturalization Ceremony at WorldFest. The Parade of Cultures held annually on the second day of the festival features local and regional residents in their native dress representing almost every culture in the world; music and performances from a variety of artists complement the experience. The event is a highlight of the festival, and for many attendees, is the commencement of WorldFest activities. The Naturalization Ceremony at WorldFest held annually on the first day of the event is collaboration between United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office for International Affairs. The naturalization ceremony is the largest in the state, naturalizing over 300 people a year from over 50 countries at one time and featuring keynote speakers from the highest levels of civic and national leadership. These events combined are distinctive elements uncommon to any festival in the region.