Residents are invited to experience world cultures and enjoy entertainment and activities during the city’s third annual WorldFEST. The free event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1134 N. Central Ave. Hance Park is located at Third and Moreland streets adjacent to the Burton Barr Central Library in downtown Phoenix.

Saturday’s WorldFEST activities include a Sister Cities parade and free, interactive, educational activities at Kids World. Children 12 and under will get a passport to travel around the world through each of the 10 Phoenix Sister Cities and receive a gift. The Friendship Stage features multicultural entertainment all day Saturday including Irish step dancers, Israeli folk singers, Chinese lion dancers, mariachis and a variety of youth performing groups.

WorldFEST also will have a special area where adults can sample unique draft beers in the World of Beers. Other highlights include ethnic foods and shopping. The World Stage will feature live musical entertainment including popular bands with rock, pop, R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and Latin rhythms.

For more information, visit www.phoenixsistercities.org or call 602-534-7358

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is looking for two hundred volunteers to help in the Second Annual National River Cleanup at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Volunteers will work with park rangers and community sponsors to clean up trash that washes into the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area through the city’s storm drains.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1. All tools and equipment will be provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing that includes closed-toed shoes and a hat. Sunscreen is recommended.

The central meeting location will be at the northeast gateway, 2439 S. Central Ave. (on Central Avenue south of Watkins). Those interested can register online at phoenix.gov/RIOSALADO . Registration ends Feb. 24. For additional information call 602-262-6863

One of the Valley's oldest events, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in 2008 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since its early days, the event has grown from a small, community event with a carnival-like atmosphere to a world-acclaimed festival that draws nearly 20,000 visitors and 700+ of the nation's most outstanding and successful American Indian artists. Among the guests are thousands of collectors from across the country who arrive early to be the first to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork like jewelry, pottery, baskets, katsina dolls, textiles, fine art and more.

In addition to artwork, festivalgoers can enjoy an array of American Indian music and dance performances in the museum's outdoor amphitheatre throughout the weekend. Visitors can sample a variety of foods including American Indian favorites like fry bread, posole stew, piki bread and Hopi stew as well as Mexican and American fare.

WHEN:Saturday and Sunday, March 1 & 2, 2008, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m

WHERE:  Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz.

COST:   Single-day admission: Adults and American Indians $15; Children under 16 FREE; 2-Day Passes available; Best of Show: $50. BEST VALUE:Festival Pass $72. Pass includes Best of Show Reception and a two-day pass. All admission prices include the festival and the museum.

INFO:   To learn more, please call 602.252.8848 or get info online

March 1 - 2. Phoenix Convention Center. Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm. Tickets are $7/adults, $6/seniors 65+, $5/kids 7-12, free for kids under 6. For information, call 800-657-3050 or get info online