Families and friends gather to celebrate culture at the African American Festival in Ann Arbor.
The 28th Annual African American Festival in Ann Arbor is set for Saturday, June 7, featuring performances, diverse food options, a Kids Corner, and free admission. This community event honors African American heritage and showcases the area’s historical Black business district with various cultural activities suitable for all ages.
Ann Arbor is gearing up to celebrate its 28th Annual African American Festival on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This vibrant event will be held in downtown Ann Arbor’s Historical Black Business District, providing a wide array of entertainment and cultural experiences for all ages, completely free of admission.
Attendees this year can look forward to a rich lineup of activities, including performances by the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale and Athena Johnson from Dames Brown. The festival will also feature live painters, diverse food options representing various culinary traditions, and vendors selling unique items such as clothing, jewelry, and locally produced shea butters.
A highlight of the festival will be the dedicated Kids Corner, where children can enjoy bounce houses, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, and inclusive activities designed for those with special needs. The festival’s food offerings are sure to please a variety of palates, with options available ranging from Jamaican and Nigerian cuisine to soul food, hibachi, vegan dishes, and smoked treats.
Event coordinator Teesha Montague emphasized the festival’s importance in honoring African American heritage within the Ann Arbor community. This festival serves as a vibrant reminder of the historical Black business district that flourished in the area from the 1950s to the 1970s, fostering a sense of pride and cultural awareness.
The celebration of cultural diversity in Ann Arbor is particularly timely as it coincides with several other festivals happening around Metro Detroit throughout June. For instance, the Motor City Irish Fest will take place from June 6-8 in Livonia, showcasing Irish food, music, and cultural activities. Simultaneously, Pawchella 2025, an event focused on animal lovers, will be hosted in Dearborn on June 7-8.
Additional festivals in the area include the Northville Art House Art Market from June 13-15, a gathering of artists and handcrafted goods, and the American Polish Festival, which is set to celebrate Polish heritage from June 20-22 in Sterling Heights. The lineup of festivities continues with the Royal Oak Taco Fest, scheduled for July 3-6, featuring over 50 taquerias and live entertainment, and the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, one of Michigan’s largest art fairs, occurring from July 9-12.
For those seeking family-friendly fun, the Oakland County Fair, running from July 11-20, will offer carnival rides and livestock competitions. These events highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the region and provide opportunities for the community to come together to celebrate and learn about the various traditions and artistic expressions represented.
Overall, the 28th Annual African American Festival stands as a significant event in Ann Arbor’s cultural calendar, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with and celebrate African American heritage. For more information about the festival, attendees are encouraged to visit the festival’s official website.
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