[Source: City of Phoenix]

Celebrate the diverse cultures of Phoenix’s nine sister cities at WorldFEST, a free event that offers music, the arts and food from around the world from March 18 to 20, at Heritage and Science Park, 115 N. Sixth St..  Event hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 18; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 19; and noon to 5 p.m. March 20.

WorldFEST is hosted by Phoenix Sister Cities and presented by The Arizona Republic, in collaboration with Alliance Beverage Distributing Company.

“WorldFEST is a not-to-be-missed, family-fun experience,” said Paula West, executive director of Phoenix Sister Cities:

It’s a hands-on experience for kids of all ages to learn about diverse cultures in the world and enjoy ongoing entertainment and great food and beverages.

At the Sister Cities Village, kids 12 and under will receive a Passport to the World.  They will visit each sister cities booth, learning how to write their name in Chinese characters, make fairy wreaths in Irish colors, create carnival masks from Italy and compete in a Japanese chopstick challenge.  Live entertainment will be offered on two stages and Tastes of the World will showcase palate-pleasing international dishes.

In partnership with the ASU Parks and Recreation Management School, an interactive educational playground, KidsWORLD, will invite children to travel to seven continents to explore a South American rain forest, see the pyramids, visit the Australian Great Barrier Reef, take a mini safari through an African jungle and more.  For adults, there is a World of Beers that offers an extensive variety of unique beers and micro-brews, all on tap as well as wine, sodas and cider.

For more information and event schedule, visit phoenixsistercities.org or call 602-534-3751.