Kultrun World Music Festival brings outdoor dance party to Kitchener

The third annual Kultrun World Music Festival is taking over downtown Kitchener with a giant dance party this weekend.

Victoria Park will host a varietyof influences from around the world for residents to see, hear and experience.

Isabel Cisterna is the artistic director of Neruda Arts, which is the organization behind the family-friendly festival.

"I think this is going to be the best Kultrun world music festival to date," she told CBC Radio's The Morning Edition host Craig Norris.

The festivities kick off Friday night with young singer Elida Almeida of Cape Verde headlining the gala at TheMuseum at 8 p.m. Tickets for the gala are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Prices are reduced for seniors and students.

Not just music

Cisterna said 2016 marks the first time bands from Venezuela andBenin will make an appearance, along with musical acts from Finland, Chile, Germany and Israel, plus others. Some of the musical flavours includeLatin jazz, Moroccan gospel and Qubcoissounds.

And if music isn't your thing, the festival has more to offer.

"What's really great about Kultrunis that right from the beginning, it wasn't just music," Cisterna said. "You can also come and enjoy some of the interactive activities."

From learning aboutcalligraphyto watching people paint muralsand make costumes, the festival is bringing a diverse range of cultures to Kitchener.

Aside from Friday'sgala, the event is free to attend this weekend. The festival runs from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.