Beginning Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15, 2008, UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures hosts this three-day cultural extravaganza where visitors revel in a smorgasbord of ethnic foods, world music and traditional folk dance. What makes this event so unique is that over 40 cultural groups from across Texas come together to share their traditions and ensure that these special and rich customs continue.

Choose from more than 150 ethnic foods, folk dances and a wide variety of music on nine entertainment stages, carnival rides, activities for the kids, and fun for the whole family.

Here's a short list of the many things you can do, make, experience, try, share, watch, or listen to at the 37th annual Texas Folklife Festival:

• Spend quality time with your family!
• Taste a pierogi—a classic Polish dish.
• Learn how to make pickles, preserves and even wine.
• Learn to Clog.
• Listen to Texas' best storytellers weave a tall tale.
• Watch the Hula Halau Ohana Elikapeka dance group perform a traditional dance.
• Try Filipino pancit for the first time.
• Challenge yourself in the Luling Watermelon Thump contest—spit those watermelon seeds!
• Try the Alsatian's famous parisa on a cracker.
• Shop for authentic Texas crafts.
• Enjoy the carnival rides.
• Be mesmerized by the Lebanese folk dances.
• Hear some of the state's most diverse music.
• Test your cowboy skills with trick and fancy roping.
• Saw a log.
• Find out how our forefathers cooked their meals over a fire using Dutch ovens.

So, join the fun, celebrate your heritage and show your Texas pride at the 37th annual Texas Folklife Festival, where "We all Belong!"

Hours

 Location

Held in downtown San Antonio at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures, the Texas Folklife Festival fills almost 22-acres of adventure at the corner of Bowie and Durango, just off I-37 South.

Click here for a map to the Festival.

Tickets

Admission tickets may be purchased any of the following ways:

• At area H-E-B stores (May 1-June 15)
• At one of three San Antonio military installation bases: The Sam Houston Building 1395 at Fort Sam Houston, and Information, Tickets and Tours Offices at Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases (May 1-June 15)
• At UTSA's University Center or at Fiscal Services Offices at the 1604 and Downtown campuses (May 1-June 15)
• By phone: 210-458-2259 or toll-free 1-800-776-7651 (May 1-June 1)
• By fax: 210.458.2366 (May 1-June 1)
• At the gate (June 13-15)

Group Tickets

Can you put together a group of at least 25 adults who would like to come to the Festival? Buy group tickets and take advantage of special discounted pricing-only $6 for each Adult ticket in your group of 25 or more. Purchase group tickets by calling (210) 458-2259.

UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures

UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures is San Antonio’s cultural experience museum. Established as the Texas State Exhibits Building for HemisFair in 1968 and later designated as a campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio, the museum tells the stories of Texas’s diverse citizens and inviting guests to join in the celebration of Texas’s multicultural heritage. Home to the Texas Folklife Festival, Asian Festival and other cultural events, UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures seeks to entertain, inform and inspire those who seek a greater understanding of the influence of multiculturalism in the Lone Star State. Resources for multiple audiences are available at the museum’s Web site, www.TexanCultures.com.

Food and Beverages

Belgian waffles, Cajun gumbo, Wendish noodles, Japanese Yakitori, Lebanese Kibbee Burgers-these are just a few of the 150 authentic foods you can choose from at the Festival. Plus, there are a wide variety of beers from around the world, sangria as well as bottled water and sodas available to visitors.

Coupons are the Festival's currency, and all proceeds support the various participating ethnic groups and ensure that their customs continue. Your attendance guarantees that these rich cultural traditions continue to be a part of our lives.

The Festival respectfully requests that all visitors refrain from bringing ice chests, pets, bicycles and alcoholic beverages on the grounds.

Coupons and Coins

As the Festival's only currency for purchasing food and beverages, booths are conveniently located across the grounds to sell coupons (50¢ each). For your convenience, select booths accept credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and Discover) for a $20 minimum charge.

Personal/Business Checks

We are unable to accept personal or business checks for payment of admission tickets or food and beverage coupons.

ATMs

For your convenience, an ATM will be located at the Festival.

Texas Crafts

Everything's better (and bigger) in Texas! You'll love the wide variety of authentic Texas craft vendors located along the veranda during Festival. Artisans come from across the state to sell their creations—home décor, artwork, gardening, jewelry, handmade items, soaps, clothing and so much more.

Entertainment

The Texas Folklife Festival is known for its wide variety of entertainment including traditional folk dances, world music and some of the best storytelling in the country. There are nine entertainment stages located throughout the Festival grounds that showcase these performers.

Click here for the 2008 Entertainment Schedule.

Refunds

The Texas Folklife Festival will not provide refunds for admission tickets or unused coupons.

Inclement Weather/Rain

The show must go on—rain or shine.

VIA Park and Ride

The following VIA Park and Ride (P & R) locations will provide service to the Texas Folklife Festival:

Randolph Park & Ride (IH-35 & Randolph Blvd.)

Blossom Athletic Center (12002 Jones Maltsberger Road)

Crossroads Park & Ride (NW Loop 410 & IH 10W, east of Mall

South Central Transit Center (IH-35 & Zarzamora)

VIA Park and Ride Special Event Fares (Regular Passengers):

Full Fare - $6.00

Half Fare - $3.00

Streetcar Service - $1.00

For more information, contact VIA at 210-362-2020, or visit www.viainfo.net.

Parking

Because the entire grounds surrounding the ITC are used for the Texas Folklife Festival, there is no available parking on site. However, there are many options within walking distance to the Festival. If you need access to handicapped parking, it is recommended that VIAtrans be considered as a more convenient and viable transportation option.

Participants

For more information on how to participate in the Texas Folklife Festival, please click here.

Hotels and Lodging

Visit the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau for a guide to some of the hotels in and around the city.

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