News Summary
Detroit is set to welcome the African World Festival from July 18 to July 20, 2025, at Hart Plaza. This year’s event marks the 60th anniversary of the Charles H. Wright Museum. The festival will attract over 150,000 attendees, celebrating African diasporic culture through various activities and offerings, including art, music, and community engagement. Vendor applications are currently open, encouraging participation in showcasing a variety of products and cuisines from the African diaspora.
Detroit is gearing up for the return of the African World Festival (AWF), scheduled to take place from July 18 to July 20, 2025, at Hart Plaza on the city’s picturesque riverfront. This year’s festival comes with a momentous distinction, as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the esteemed Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Recognized as the largest cultural festival in the Midwest, the African World Festival is expected to draw in over 150,000 attendees from across the region and beyond. The event serves as a platform to celebrate African diasporic culture, with a focus on history, art, and community engagement.
Vendor Applications Now Open
The festival is currently inviting applications from potential vendors, welcoming both food and retail participants. Vendors are encouraged to showcase a variety of products, including handcrafted goods, Afrocentric apparel, jewelry, home décor, and authentic cuisine from diverse regions of the African diaspora.
Application Process
The vendor application review process is set to take place from May 5 to May 9, 2025, allowing the festival team ample time to assess each submission. Each application will undergo an individual review and juried selection by the AWF festival team. Vendors selected for participation will receive acceptance notifications during the week of May 20, 2025. The notifications will be accompanied by invoices and detailed instructions regarding setup at the event.
Benefits of Participation
Participating as a vendor at the African World Festival not only opens the doors for thousands of festivalgoers to discover unique products but also plays a significant role in promoting and celebrating African heritage and artistic expression. The festival is quickly becoming a staple in Detroit’s cultural calendar, and vendor participation plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
About the Festival
Since its inception, the African World Festival has sought to foster appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural traditions and historical contributions of African Americans and the vast African diaspora. As a focal point for community gathering and cultural expression, the festival provides various activities and exhibitions, including music, dance, visual arts, and educational resources focused on African culture.
The 2025 festival promises to deliver an unforgettable three-day celebration that honors the African diaspora through a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression and community spirit. It serves as both an entertainment venue and an educational forum, showcasing local talent alongside global traditions.
For those interested in becoming a vendor, more detailed information regarding the application process and festival participation can be found on the Charles H. Wright Museum’s official website.
The return of the African World Festival represents an opportunity for Detroit to come together and honor the legacies and contributions of African and African American culture to the city and beyond. With a history of engaging programming and diverse cultural offerings, festival attendees can anticipate another enriching experience in 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Celebrates Its Musical Legends
Additional Resources
- Michigan Chronicle: Call for Vendors
- Detroit Free Press: Things to Do in Metro Detroit
- Michigan Advance: African World Festival Returns
- BridgeDetroit: Neighborhoods Day & African World Festival
- Visit Detroit: Summer at Hart Plaza
- Wikipedia: African World Festival
