The 37th annual Houston International Festival (iFest) celebrated its opening weekend this year with Out of Africa April 19th and 20th. The festival kicked off its two week run with delicious food, fine arts and crafts and music from around the globe. Celebrity and local chefs presented cooking demonstrations of African cuisine, while crowds enjoyed performances from Bettye LaVette, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the Wailers, Grupo Fantasma, and the Zydeco Experience.

Sixteen acres of downtown Houston, Texas are transformed each year with the arrival of iFest. This year’s celebration spotlights Africa and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the diverse cultures of the continent.

Tickets at the gate are $15, but can be purchased in advanced and at a discount ($12.50) online at ifest.org from April 17th to the 27th. Kids 12 and under get in for free. A complete line-up of this years performers and events is also available on the festival’s website.