International Open Houses
May 14th through May 27th, 2012

At the heart of the Folk Arts Festival are the traditional Open Houses, which extend a warm invitation to visitors to sample their cuisine and partake in cultural traditions from their part of the globe.

AMBASSADORS’ BALL
Friday May 4th, 2012
Time and Place TBA

A gala prelude to the Festival. Presentation of the 2012 Festival Ambassadors representing Niagara’s many ethno-cultural clubs. Enjoy dinner, dancing, live music and entertainment. National dress encouraged! Black tie optional. $45.00 per person, Call for tickets – 905-685-6589 ext. 230.

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL OPENING
Saturday, May 12th - Program at 9:30am
St. Catharines City Hall
50 Church St., St. Catharines ON

Experience colour and pageantry as the procession of Festival Ambassadors and their clubs wind their way from the Folk Arts Multicultural Centre to the steps of City Hall. Live multicultural music and the ‘raising of the flag’ open the festival in style!

FOLK ARTS IN THE PARK
Montebello Park, St. Catharines
Saturday, May 12th 11:00am-11:00pm
Sunday, May 13th 11:00am-6:00pm

Join us as the ‘world’ comes together in one location for a spectacle of sights and sounds. Shop at the International Bazaar, dine on ethno-cultural cuisine and take in ‘world-class’ entertainment on the ‘One World Stage’. This is an event not to be missed…and we’ll be waiting to take you on a cultural journey!

ALL-NEW CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 12th 11:00am-8:00pm
Sunday, May 13th 11:00am-6:00pm
Montebello Park, St. Catharines

It’s all about family! This year’s newly-created Children’s Festival will feature children’s entertainers, on the ‘Fun & Explore Stage’, ethnic games and the always requested children’s inflatables. Don't miss: a special Meet & Greet* with Dora™ & Diego™ on the Children’s stage, date and location TBD. Listen to storytellers, princesses and mascots. This is a new event with an ethnic flair that allows families to explore the diversity that makes up our cultural mosaic.

*costumed characters © 2011 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go! and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.