The Charles H. Wright Museum of African History proudly presents the 39th Annual African World Festival (AWF). AWF is Detroit’s largest ethnic festival attracting over 150,000 visitors annually. This year’s festival returns to the Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit. Friday, July 15, Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17. Hours vary with programming beginning at 11 a.m. varying through the weekend.
Having started in 1983, African World Festival presents an assortment of art, music, and history to local, national, and international audiences. The 34-year-old festival is a celebration of the richness, diversity, and worldwide influence of African culture through performances, cuisine, and fashion. AWF is The Wright Museum’s single largest cultural and educational community outreach event.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s signature summer festival, African World Festival, is Detroit’s largest celebration of the African diaspora.
The Wright’s mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. With local and international performers, food and art vendors, special programming for children and families, and information booths on vital community resources, The Wright’s African World Festival offers an opportunity to experience the diversity and richness of global Black culture.
Njai Kai, African World Festival director, told the Michigan Chronicle that the beloved festival has a mission to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture lives on. She added that celebrating African culture as a Black American is something she is proud of.
“I’m a product of Detroit and (from a) very rich African American history and legacy of the community here and I’m grateful to be in a position to support this effort in not only reflecting African American story here in Detroit but to give a glimpse into the African world,” Kai said.
The 2022 headliners this year are:
- Mama Sol
- Lizz Wright
- The Legendary Wailers
- Seun Kuti
- Kierra Sheard
- We Are Scorpio feat. jessica Care moore + Steffanie Christi’an
COVID Protocols
- MDHHS strongly recommends that individuals continue to wear face masks while in crowded spaces outdoors, especially individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated.
- Individuals, including employees, should conduct self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before attending an outdoor event.
- Individuals, including employees, should not attend any types of gatherings while symptomatic (even with a negative COVID-19 test or fully-vaccinated against COVID-19).
- Hand Sanitizers provided throughout festival grounds
- All shared supplies utilized for interactive activities will be sanitized following each use.
Parking – There are numerous public parking locations (click here) in downtown Detroit.
For more information visit the AWF Hotline: (313) 494-5824 or the website here.