Photo Credit: Africa International House USA, Inc.
The African Festival of the Arts is officially back.
After a one-year hiatus, organizers posted on social media that the 35th annual festival will return at Washington Park on Labor Day weekend, bringing the vibes, rhythms, cuisine and culture of the African diaspora that made it an end of summer destination event on the South Side.
Last year the festival was cancelled earlier due to rising production expenses. Nevertheless, Africa International House USA, Inc. will welcome the community back once again—with all that same fervor for culture, creativity and communion that defined the festival for over three decades.
“This difficult decision was made due to the rising cost of production, coupled with our commitment to keeping admissions affordable for our community,” wrote Patrick Saingbey Woodtor, founder of Africa International House, in a letter explaining the 2024 postponement.
At the time, Woodtor stressed preserving the festival’s high quality without placing undue burdens on spectators. Now, AFA’s organizers are bringing it back larger and better, rekindling for all these same families throughout the city the memories of sounds, scents, and vistas that have come to signal for them for generations the unofficial end of summer.
Over its history, the African Festival of the Arts transformed Washington Park into a vibrant cultural destination and offered an enriching experience into Black and African diasporic cultures.
From Chaka Khan to James Brown, legendary artists have taken the stage. But it’s the drum circles, local vendors and community connection that keep people coming back year after year.
Its return marks a welcome shift after several high-profile Black-led summer festivals—including Hyde Park Summer Fest and the Silver Room Block Party—shut down in recent years due to similar financial pressures.
While the festival paused last year, Africa International House continued to host smaller events, such as the Taste of Liberia and Kwanzaa Celebrations. This year, the return of AFA feels like a homecoming.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” Woodtor wrote. “We look forward to welcoming you back to the African Festival of the Arts in 2025, where we will continue to celebrate and uplift the rich heritage and vibrant culture of our community.”
It looks like that promise has been fulfilled.
