BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD - ECPv6.16.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.pgparks.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T180000
DTSTAMP:20260716T025737Z
CREATED:20260716T025721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T025737Z
UID:10005924-1795082400-1795111200@www.pgparks.com
SUMMARY:Celebrate Africa Festival
DESCRIPTION:M-NCPPC\, Department of Parks and Recreation\, Prince George’s County is pleased to announce its ninth annual Celebrate Africa Festival on September 19\, 2026 – recognized in Prince George’s County\, Maryland as African Heritage Month. \n\n\n\nThe festival acknowledges the contributions and impact of the African immigrant community on Prince George’s County and the greater DMV area\, and celebrates the beauty\, vibrancy\, and cultural relevance of the work of African artisans\, crafts persons\, musicians and performing artists. The festival aims to promote cultural awareness and understanding between African immigrant and other communities. \n\n\n\nThe inaugural festival was held on October 14\, 2018\, and in its second year recorded attendance of over 2\,000 attendees. Notably\, the DMV is home to the fourth largest African immigrant community in the United States. This year’s activities showcase the rich cultures of the African continent and will feature performances from Amadou Kouyate\, Osagyefo Dance Company\, Mlanjeni Magical Theater\, and Armand Ntep and Memphis Gold. \n\n\n\nSupporting businesses that enhance the African community of Prince George’s County is a priority for this festival\, and the Celebrate Festival Vendor Village has been described as one of the best examples of genuine African customs and traditions in the northeast United States. Peruse the work of local craftspeople selling textiles\, jewelry\, and bath products. Experience firsthand the artwork from celebrated international artists\, hand-crafted drums\, and wares from local business. Shop African. Support Local. Celebrate Global. \n\n\n\nExplore the flavors of the African Continent from local food trucks representing the best of African cuisine across the DMV. \n\n\n\nThis family-friendly event is FREE for all. \n\n\n\nDepending on the weather\, concert dates are subject to change. Follow us for updates on Facebook and Instagram @ArtsPGParks. Or sign up for updates through PG Parks Alerts at https://www.pgparks.com/news/news-releases/pgparks-alerts. \n\n\n\nPerformersVendor Village & Food TrucksSponsorshipDirections & ParkingFAQ\nPerformers\nArtists & Performers\n\n\n\n\nAnna Mwalagho\, internationally recognized as “Mama Africa Anna\,” captivates audiences worldwide with her unique blend of comedy\, spoken word\, music\, acting\, African dance\, and storytelling in an electrifying one-woman show. Her performances inspire\, educate\, and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds while celebrating culture\, creativity\, and the beauty of African heritage. \n\n\n\nHer music carries the soulful essence of motherhood\, resilience\, identity\, and the immigrant experience. An excerpt from her powerful spoken-word poetry and one-woman performance went viral across Facebook\, Instagram\, and TikTok\, collectively reaching millions of viewers and resonating deeply with audiences around the world. Her third music album was submitted for Grammy consideration\, and she has received recognition and awards from institutions in both the United States and Kenya for her artistic and cultural contributions.In addition to performing internationally\, Anna is professor at Howard University\, motivational speaker\, producer\, and entrepreneur dedicated to uplifting communities through art\, culture\, and storytelling. She is also the founder of Mwalagho Productions LLC and continues to inspire audiences through live performances\, media appearances\, workshops\, and cultural programming. \n\n\n\n\n\nAmadou Kouyate is a kora player\, percussionist\, educator\, and the 150th-generation descendant of the Kouyate family of Manding Diali (oral historians and musicians of West Africa). The first generation of his father’s lineage born in the United States\, he performs on the 21-string kora as well as djembe and koutiro drums\, with a repertoire spanning 13th-century traditional music and contemporary original compositions. \n\n\n\nKouyate has performed at venues and events including The Kennedy Center\, Smithsonian Institution\, Carnegie Hall\, DanceAfrica\, and with the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as an Adjunct Lecturer of African Music and Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland\, Artist-in-Residence at Montgomery College and Strathmore Music Center\, and a teaching artist with the Wolf Trap Organization for the Performing Arts. He continues to perform\, teach\, and present nationally and internationally. \n\n\n\n\n\nOsagyefo Dance Company was founded in 2018 by Ghanaian artists and Executive Directors Mustapha Braimah\, Isaac Adjetey\, and Leslie Adjetey Klufio. Known for its dynamic drumming\, dance\, and cultural performances\, the company is committed to excellence\, discipline\, and authenticity in African arts. \n\n\n\nOsagyefo Dance Company has performed at the Embassy of Ghana and Dance Africa DC and has collaborated with organizations including Soul In Motion Players and Coyaba Dance Theater. Through performances\, workshops\, and teaching residencies\, the company promotes African traditional dance\, music\, and culture while advancing arts education\, community engagement\, and cultural representation throughout the Diaspora. The company welcomes participants of all experience levels\, including those new to African-based performance traditions. \n\n\n\n\n\nMlanjeni Magical Theater brings to life MUUNGAMANO — a unique East African theatrical tradition that combines puppetry\, music\, dance\, and magical illusion with interactive storytelling.. This family-friendly experience draws audiences into the story through call-and-response\, folk music\, and direct engagement with the performers and their puppets. Founded in 1992\, this traveling professional theater has presented an annual season of solo\, dual and full productions to small and large stages throughout the Northeast (from New York to Virginia) bringing African stories to libraries\, schools\, festivals\, and community centers. \n\n\n\n\n\nArmand Ntep and Memphis Gold : From Africa to the Blues \n\n\n\nArmand Ntep is a Cameroonian vocalist\, composer\, and bandleader known for blending traditional Cameroonian music with contemporary styles. His vocal range spans rich baritone melodies\, pygmy-inspired vocal rhythms\, and tenor ballads\, while his compositions draw from salsa jazz\, reggae\, and traditional lihongo rhythms. Since relocating to the United States in 2000\, Ntep has collaborated with a variety of artists\, contributed to recording projects\, and lent his voice to a National Geographic documentary on Liberia. Through the Armand Ntep Band\, he continues to present his original compositions and vocal artistry. \n\n\n\nMemphis Gold is an award-winning blues guitarist\, vocalist\, and songwriter born in Memphis\, Tennessee. Introduced to the guitar by his father at age four and mentored by legendary Delta musician Reverend Robert “Tim” Wilkins\, he developed his craft on historic Beale Street before building a career that has spanned more than five decades. \n\n\n\nMemphis Gold has shared the stage with numerous blues\, soul\, and rock artists\, performed internationally across Europe\, Asia\, Africa\, and the Pacific\, and appeared at festivals and venues around the world. A fixture of the Washington\, DC blues scene\, he has released multiple albums\, earned international recognition from leading blues publications\, and received a Gibson Guitars endorsement. Despite overcoming a life-threatening accident in 2008\, he continues to perform and share his high-energy blues with audiences worldwide. \n\n\n\n\n\nVendor Village & Food Trucks\nSupporting businesses that support the African community of Prince George’s County is a priority for this festival\, and the Celebrate Festival Vendor Village has been described as one of the best examples of genuine African customs and traditions in the northeast United States. Peruse the work of local craftspeople selling textiles\, jewelry\, and bath products. Experience firsthand the artwork from celebrated international artists\, hand-crafted drums\, and wares from local business. Shop African. Support Local. Celebrate Global. \n\n\n\nCheck back soon for the list of Celebrate Africa’s 2026 vendors and food trucks! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsorship\nThe M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation\, Prince George’s County proudly presents the 9th Annual Celebrate Africa Festival\, held during African Heritage Month in Prince George’s County. Since its inaugural event in 2018\, the festival has become a vibrant celebration of the African immigrant community and its contributions to Prince George’s County and the greater DMV region. \n\n\n\nThrough music\, dance\, theater\, visual arts\, cuisine\, and traditional craftsmanship\, the festival showcases the beauty\, diversity\, and cultural significance of the African continent. Featuring performances by acclaimed artists and cultural organizations\, as well as a dynamic Vendor Village highlighting African artisans\, craftspeople\, and local businesses\, the festival promotes cultural awareness\, community connection\, and cross-cultural understanding while celebrating African heritage and creativity. \n\n\n\nSponsorship offers businesses the opportunity to build visibility while partnering with a nationally acclaimed parks and recreation agency and reaching more than 967\,000 Prince George’s County residents and beyond. Join us in uplifting local arts and culture by supporting this signature concert series and helping create a welcoming summer gathering where music\, community\, and shared celebration come together. Explore sponsorship opportunities through our Donor Portal. \n\n\n\n\nBECOME A SPONSOR\n\n\n\n\nThank you to our sponsors!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirections & Parking\n\n\n\n\nFree parking is available and you will be directed when you arrive. There will be an accessible drop off location and a dedicated\, accessible parking area closer to the stage. \n\n\n\n\nFAQ\nIs there a parking fee? \n\n\n\nNo\, parking is FREE! \n\n\n\nIs there seating? \n\n\n\nFairwood Community Park pavilion does not have seats installed. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair\, a blanket or something to sit on\, along with something to create shade such as a covered chair or umbrella. We recommend wearing hats\, cool clothing\, and bringing fans to beat the heat. Don’t forget sunscreen! Personal pop-up tents are permitted at the back row of the pavilion. \n\n\n\nIs smoking permitted since the event is outdoors? \n\n\n\nNo\, smoking is not permitted. All outdoor parks in Prince George’s County with the Department of Parks and Recreation are smoke-free to promote a healthful environment for everyone. You can read more about it here. \n\n\n\nCan I bring a pet? \n\n\n\nPets are not allowed at the concerts. Registered service animals\, however\, are permitted. \n\n\n\nAre these concerts accessible? \n\n\n\nAll events will have accessibly parking (with proper state-issued vehicle credentials)\, and a designated accessibility drop off spot where an ADA shuttle cart can transport patrons to the performance area. Only the guest and one additional person may use the accessibility cart. If you plan to attend this event and you need specific accommodation\, please reach out to our access team at Program.Access@pgparks.com or call the Program Access Office at 301-249-7200; Maryland Relay 7-1-1. \n\n\n\nCan I bring my own food? \n\n\n\nYes\, you are welcome to bring your own cooler with drinks and food. You will also be able to purchase food from a variety of food truck vendors and support local Prince George’s County businesses! \n\n\n\nWill ATMs be available for cash withdrawal? \n\n\n\nNo\, ATMs are not available on-site. \n\n\n\nIs this event suitable for children? \n\n\n\nThis is a child-friendly event\, so please bring the whole family! There will be children’s activities provided by Arts on a Roll. \n\n\n\nWhere is the Lost & Found? \n\n\n\nThe Lost & Found will be located at the Info Tent near the restrooms. \n\n\n\n\n\nIs there a parking fee? \n\n\n\nNo\, parking is FREE! \n\n\n\nIs there seating? \n\n\n\nFairwood Community Park pavilion does not have installed seats. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair\, a blanket\, or something to sit on\, along with something to create shade such as a covered chair or umbrella. We recommend wearing hats\, cool clothing\, and bringing fans to beat the heat. Don’t forget sunscreen! Personal pop-up tents are permitted in the back row of the pavilion. \n\n\n\nIs smoking permitted since the event is outdoors? \n\n\n\nNo\, smoking is not permitted. All parks in Prince George’s County with the Department of Parks and Recreation are smoke-free to promote a healthy environment for everyone. You can read more about it here. \n\n\n\nCan I bring a pet? \n\n\n\nPets are not allowed at concerts. Registered service animals\, however\, are permitted. \n\n\n\nAre these concerts accessible? \n\n\n\nAll events will have accessibly parking (with proper state-issued vehicle credentials)\, and a designated accessibility drop off spot where an ADA shuttle cart can transport patrons to the performance area. Only the guest and one additional person may use the accessibility cart. The August 16 Festival will have an accessible event viewing area and sign language interpretation. If you’re planning to attend one of these events and you need specific accommodation\, please reach out to our access team at Program.Access@pgparks.com or call the Program Access Office at 301-249-7200; Maryland Relay 7-1-1. \n\n\n\nCan I bring my own food? \n\n\n\nYes\, you are welcome to bring your own cooler with drinks and food. You will also be able to purchase food from a variety of food truck vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring water\, especially on hot days! \n\n\n\nWill ATMs be available for cash withdrawal? \n\n\n\nNo\, ATMs are not available on-site. \n\n\n\nIs this event suitable for children? \n\n\n\nThis is a child-friendly event\, so please bring the whole family! There will be children’s activities such as arts and crafts provided by Arts on a Roll. \n\n\n\nWhere is the Lost & Found? \n\n\n\nThe Lost & Found will be located at the Info Tent near the restrooms.
URL:https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/celebrate-africa-festival-2
CATEGORIES:All Ages,Arts,Black History,Festivals,Free,Heritage Celebrations,Outdoor Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/USE-THIS-AS-PRIMARY-IMAGE-PLZ.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR