Center for the Arts Presents California WorldFest 2023 – YubaNet

GRASS VALLEY, CA, May 25, 2023 – The Center for the Arts is pleased to present California WorldFest, one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year, July 13-16, 2023 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, Calif. WorldFest is more than a festival, it is a celebration of world music, dance, art and freedom, uniting our local communities, indigenous peoples and international family.

The festival will showcase an eclectic mix of music on 7 stages, art and culture from around the world, offering attendees a unique and unforgettable experience. The eclectic lineup features diverse genres, including rock, folk, world music, blues, reggae, and more. Headlining artists include world-renowned artists like Grammy winners Angélique Kidjo and Kabaka Pyramid, local favorite Ayla Nereo, and the legendary Zap Mama. Artists from our neighborhood and the world beyond will be featured including Ozomatli, Jupiter & Okwess, ADG7, Sister Nancy, Sass N Harmony, Two Runner, Boot Juice, Quitapenas, Joe Hurtler & The Rainbow Seekers, Hembree, Dear Darling, Juntos, Larry & Joe, Namorados da Lua, Red Dirt Ruckus, Banana Slug String Band, Machaira, Supaman, Zeefellaz and The Velvicks. An evening lineup for Friday and Saturday includes El Dub and Balkan Bump, and a strong lineup of buskers that will be peppered throughout the festival each day.

WorldFest’s mission is to celebrate world culture and honor the extensive knowledge and cultural richness that indigenous peoples possess. The Global Village of Indigenous Peoples is organized by a wide range of Indigenous Peoples, including the Nisenan Indigenous People of Nevada, Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento counties, whose land hosts the WorldFest gathering. The Nisenan tribes will kick off WorldFest on Thursday night, with a ceremony welcoming all WorldFest guests to their ancestral lands. Indigenous artists will share their musical gifts on stage including D’Dat, Digging Roots, Charly Lowry, Ho’okipa, Huayllipacha, Twice as Good, Sacramento Pow Wow Dance Group, Richie Ledreagle, Philip Moore & Friends, California Mexíca Dancers, and Teresa Bear Fox.

In addition to musical performances, California WorldFest offers a wide variety of free workshops in yoga, movement, music, meditation, healing arts, and more. These workshops add to the WorldFest experience by engaging participants in hands-on learning, playing, and practicing. There’s fun for everyone at the festival, as kids of all ages get the chance to create their own unique WorldFest experience. KidFest on the green has workshops designed for preschoolers through teens, allowing youth to create art and connect with other children and families within the WorldFest playground. Run by teens for teens, TeenScene is in a new location on the west side of the festival grounds, providing an area for creativity and fun, complete with games, chill-out spaces, painting, instruments and more.

A vibrant market showcasing artisan goods, from natural body care and sustainably produced clothing to original art and handmade tools, promises a variety of artisan vendors that will have something for the whole family. Craft beer from one of our sponsors Knee Deep Brewing and kombucha from local Gold Vibe Kombouchery are some of the adult beverage offerings, and a wide variety of delicious food options will be available such as Lazy Dog Icecream, Krepalicious, La Guaira Bistro, Grajeda’s Mexican Food, Java Johns, Yaki Yaki and Vegan Circus.

For those returning to WorldFest in 2023, there are some notable changes. New this year, attendees can dance in front of the Meadow & Spotlight Stages at any time. We have listened to our artists and they love to see the crowd dance and support them with great energy! Late Night on Fridays and Saturdays will now be at Ponderosa Hall and the festival area just got a bit cozier this year, so be sure to choose a shorter program and expect a few other location changes. Tickets are on sale for single and multi-day passes and, new for 2023, a VIP private cabana experience is also available to purchase. Volunteers are still needed for various shifts, such as security, and a 4-hour volunteer shift gets you into the festival on the day of your shift.

California WorldFest is more than a music festival, it is a cultural celebration that promotes greater global awareness. Come explore the limitless world of music under the ponderous wings of the Nevada County Fairgrounds at California WorldFest July 13-16.

Since 2000, The Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, has become a leading presenter of music, dance, theater, comedy, visual and literary arts, and family programming, offering more of 150 events. per year from its central Grass Valley location. The Center recently completed a major renovation of its 21,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility in downtown Grass Valley, making it a premier destination for the performing arts. The venue includes the main stage, which seats 492 guests in configurable theater seats and up to 700 patrons for dance performances, and a 90-seat theater studio.