Hailed as the “biggest cultural celebration in Texas,” this annual San Antonio event takes place on the grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures near Hemisfair Park.
A fixture of the Hill Country summer festival scene for 47 years, the three-day Texas Folklife Festival is a celebration of the state’s diversity, history, and heritage.
Here’s why you (and yours!) should check it out this June:
• With three days of events (June 8 – 10), you’ve got plenty of time to try to see it all.
• There are six stages of performances and performers with most showcasing talent all day. A couple of acts are repeated, so if you miss them during one show, you can catch the next one.
• If you want, you can pair your red cabbage with a buffalo burger, haggis, a Romanian chimney cake, and a margarita. Although if you do plan to indulge in our state’s culinary heritage in that manner, we suggest you pace yourself. And maybe pop a Zantac.
• There are games and activities for kids of all ages. Everyone’s favorite homegrown burger chain is hosting a separate children’s village featuring crafts and games. (Thanks, Whataburger!)
• Traditional costumes are commonplace, making for a colorful glimpse into our state’s place on the global cultural stage.
• You can learn about German pioneer life, gardening, American Indian basketweaving, Nepalese art, and Mexican clothing at one of the many exhibits.
• Using the online visitor’s guide, you can map out your day before you reach downtown.
• Love bluegrass? Flamenco? Scottish dancing. Check. Check. Check. And there’s more musical diversity, from K-Pop to Bulgarian folk dancing.
• Two words: funnel cakes. Five words: funnel cakes with powdered sugar. Eight words: funnel cakes with fruit glaze and whipped cream.
• All proceeds benefit the Institute of Texan Cultures, which strives to give “voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home, providing insight into the past, present, and future.”
Explore More
For more information, including how and where to purchase tickets ($15 for adults, $5 for kids 6 to 12, free for children under five), visit TexasFolklifeFestival.org. Note there is a $3 discount for grownups who purchase their tickets online. There is a also separate charge for food items, beyond the admission price.
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