Event Information
Celebrate Africa Festival
Ticket Price: FREE, no registration or tickets required.
Age: All
Fairwood Park
12390 Fairwood ParkwayBowie, MD 20720
Contact:
- Rhapsody Snyder
- rhapsody.snyder@pgparks.com
Sunday, September 28, 2025
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrate Africa Festival
Celebrate Africa: A Day of Culture, Community & Joy!
The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County proudly announces the return of the 8th annual Celebrate Africa Festival, a vibrant, cultural celebration in honor of African Heritage Month, recognized each September in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2025, at Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, MD, the festival shines a light on the history, contributions, and rich cultural traditions of the African immigrant community in the DMV region.
Since its inception in 2018, Celebrate Africa has become a beloved county tradition—growing into one of the region’s most spirited celebrations of African identity and pride. The festival not only recognizes the strength and beauty of the African diaspora but also creates a welcoming, family-friendly space for cultural exchange, music, food, and art.
With live performances from KanKouran West African Dance Company, Feedel Band, TolumiDE, and Coyaba Dance Theater, this year’s festival promises an experience that’s both uplifting and unforgettable. The Celebrate Africa Vendor Village is back and bigger than ever, offering attendees a chance to shop for handcrafted treasures and support local African-owned small businesses.
You’ll also find a delicious array of African cuisine from local food trucks, featuring dishes from across the continent.
The festival will feature a range of engaging family activities, including Parks and Recreation’s Get Fit Mobile Kids Adventure Zone, offering active play and wellness education. Families can enjoy reimagined African folk tales told by author Ada Ari, and take part in African dance workshops, djembe making, and puppet theater led by Arts on a Roll, or participate in our first ever soccer clinic for kids!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the Celebrate Africa Festival is a joyful opportunity to gather with friends, family, and neighbors in celebration of the culture, stories, and traditions that make our community so special.
Admission is FREE and open to all ages.
Come for the culture. Stay for the celebration. Celebrate Africa. Celebrate Community. Celebrate You.
Depending 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
Feedel Band
Feedel Band is a Washington, DC-based Ethio-jazz group blending ’60s R&B, funk, and jazz with traditional Ethiopian music. Formed in 2010 by keyboardist Araya Woldichael, the band includes top Ethiopian musicians: saxophonist Moges Habte, bassist Al Seged Kebede, drummer Mikias Abebayehu, guitarist Kaleb Tesgen, trombonist Ben Hall, krarist Minale Bezu, and drummer Joseph Kenneth. They’ve performed with Ethiopian legends like Tilahun Gessesse and Aster Aweke, including on Aster’s recent “Ewedihalehu” U.S. tour. Feedel draws inspiration from iconic bands like Walias, Ibex, and Mulatu Astatke, while crafting original music with a modern twist. Saxophonist Moges appears on the acclaimed Éthiopiques Volume 13, and bassist Al Seged’s grooves feature on music by Tilahun and Aster. Their latest album, Ethiopian Ocean, produced by Woldichael, highlights their fresh take on Ethio-jazz. “Feedel” means “letter” in Amharic—a fitting name for a band rewriting the language of Ethiopian music.
Coyaba Dance Theater
Coyaba Dance Theater, founded in 1997 by Sylvia Soumah, is a West African dance and music company based in Washington, D.C. Their mission is to present both traditional and contemporary West African dance and music, focusing on diverse ethnic groups and humanitarian themes within West African culture. They perform throughout the year, showcasing their work at venues like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and internationally.
TolumiDE
TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-mee-day) is an award-winning Nigerian-Canadian singer and songwriter known for her unique ‘Suya Soul’ sound—a rich blend of Afropop, R&B, gospel, reggae, and jazz. Celebrated by
Soul Tracks for her “classic R&B vibe with African percussive trimmings,” her music explores themes of love, life, and cultural identity. Born and raised in Lagos, TolumiDE developed her musical talent in church choirs and her school’s Yorùbá dance troupe. Her artistry flourished in Canada during her Fine Arts studies, where she joined an all-female dancehall reggae band before launching her solo career. With albums like My Love, Specialty, and her acoustic EP Mama Sunshine, TolumiDE has earned praise both at home and abroad. She proudly represents the Afropolitan spirit, crafting music that bridges African rhythms with soulful melodies. Her single Throwback climbed to #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay charts, and she was named Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. TolumiDE continues to inspire audiences across Africa and the diaspora with vibrant sounds that celebrate heritage and connection.
KanKouran West African Dance Company
KanKouran West African Dance Company, founded by Artistic Director Assane Konte and the late Abdou Kounta, is a renowned organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional West African culture through dance and music. For over four decades, the company has been a cornerstone for dancers, students, and musicians, fostering community and artistic excellence. KanKouran’s performers, hailing from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, work to introduce the essence of traditional African dancing and drumming to audiences.
DJ Akuaa
Originally from the city of Tema, Ghana, DJ Akuaa otherwise known to her followers as “DaSpinstress,” launched her music career in the DC-Metro Area in 2010. Since then, she’s had the privilege of playing across the U.S. and internationally. In 2014, DJ Akuaa was voted Best Female DJ at the DMV African Entertainment Awards. She was also named Best International DJ at Ghana DJ Awards, and Best USA/GH DJ of the year in 2017 and 2019.
Supporting 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.
Check back soon for the list of Celebrate Africa’s 2025 vendors and food trucks!
Many thanks to our generous sponsors who help make these events possible!
Parking is available and you will be directed when you arrive. There will be an accessible drop-off location and dedicated accessible parking area closer to the stage.
No, parking is FREE!
Fairwood 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 at the back row of the pavilion.
No, 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.
Pets are not allowed at the concerts. Registered service animals, however, are permitted.
All 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 17th 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.
Yes, 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!
No, ATMs are not available on-site.
This is a child-friendly event, so please bring the whole family! There will be children’s activities such as bubbles and arts and crafts provided by Arts on a Roll.
The Lost & Found will be located at the Info Tent near the restrooms.
