Africa Day Celebration 2026

Get ready to celebrate with amazing music, food, and cultural offerings celebrating all things Africa in one awesome day!

On Saturday, May 30th, 2026, The Africa Center hosts its annual Africa Day Celebration – a vibrant all-ages gathering filled with family fun, local artisans, live entertainment, food and cultural experiences that honor the African Diaspora’s global impact.

Observed since 1963, Africa Day commemorates the Founding of The African Union, a historic milestone that continues to guide the Continent’s collective pursuit of unity, self-determination, shared prosperity and global collaboration.

This event is free to the public and all are invited to attend and enjoy. 

We look forward to celebrating with you!

FEATURING...

I. Vendor Market (12-5PM)

A  curated marketplace of local vendors from across the African diaspora selling unique goods, crafts, and fashion. Vendors include…

• Harlem Hoopz
• ALAYO (@alayoofficial_)
• KANEA candles (@kaneacandles)
• JUNNY (@junny_nyc)
• Sew and Reap Studio
• Mode de Vie
• Jamhuri Wear (@jamhuriwear)
• Couleurs, NY (@couleursny)
• From The Arxhive (@fromthearxhive)
• Serena&LYN (@manhattanvilletailors)
• G Bagoga Sudanese Oils and Perfume (@G.Bagoga)
• Deseta Design (@desetadesign)
• Henna Get a What What! (@hennagetawhatwhat)
• Kente Cones (@kenteconesnyc) 
• Df Nigerian food truck & Jost jollof (@dfnigerianfoodtruck)
• Kayrafet @Kayrafet

Community Organizations

• Common Pantry
• Central Park Conservancy
• NYC Commission on Human RIghts
• The One Campaign
• Street Lab

II.  Djembe Drum Circle with Hit Me With Music LLC (12-2PM)

Hit Me With Music LLC is a music therapy and lesson company serving people of all ages and abilities across NYC and North Jersey. They offer in-home, in-studio, and on-site services at nursing homes, senior centers, daycares, private events, and more. From drum circles to private lessons, they bring the joy and healing power of music to every setting. (@hitmewithmusicllc)

III. Art Workshops

Screen Printing with Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (12-5PM)

Participants will print screen prints with imagery inspired by the exhibition, Mohammad Omer Khalil: Common Ground currently on view at the Blackburn Study Center. All materials are included. All ages are welcome.

About the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop: EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (EFA RBPMW) is the oldest and longest-running community print shop in the United States. Not only a co-operative printmaking workspace that provides professional-quality printmaking facilities to artists and printmakers of every skill level, EFA RBPMW is committed to inspiring and fostering its diverse artistic community. Dedicated to the making of fine art prints in an environment that embraces technical and aesthetic exploration, innovation, and collaboration, EFA RBPMW seeks to improve the overall quality of fine art printmaking by providing low cost, unfettered access to printers, equipment, and education.  It is with this spirit of openness and inclusion that Robert Blackburn's vision of sustaining this welcoming, creative environment continues to serve as the backbone of the workshop today. 

Traditional Mask & African Doll making with My Hands, My Tools (12-5PM)

My Hands My Tools is an organization that offers an array of programs based on recycled materials to children and adults around the world.

IV. Streetlab Activation (12 - 4PM)

Street Lab is a New York City–based nonprofit that transforms streets and public spaces into vibrant community hubs that improve lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring people together. Through creative pop-up programs focused on learning, play, arts, and civic engagement, Street Lab works closely with local communities and city agencies to create inclusive, accessible public spaces

V. DJ Set, Curated by AfroFuture (1-4PM)

Mohogany a Brooklyn native with Liberian roots, is one of NYC's most in-demand DJs. Known for blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, hip hop and R&B, she's lit up stages from SummerStage to AfroNation, AfroFuture and the Essence Festival. Beyond nightlife, she's curated sound for Burberry, LVMH, Chriastian Louboutin and Tom Ford. With global gigs and performances alongside Burna Boy, Asake, and Davido, Mohogany is defining the sound of now and shaping the future of culture

AfroFuture is a global cultural entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the diaspora through festivals, live performances, interactive activities, and community engagement.

VI. Afro-Caribbean Dance Workshop with Cumbe Dance facilitated by Persephone Dacosta (3:30PM; 4PM; 4:30)

Persephone Dacosta is a renaissance woman whose passion for the arts and her community has led her to utilize dance to create change. Born of Trinidadian descent she has extensive training in dance and community development through the arts. She trained with renown Ivorian Master Dancer and Drummer Vado Diamonde and became a principal dancer in his company, Kotchegna. Later she joined Bambara Mikerline’s Haitian Folklore Dance Company.She is currently the founder and Artistic Director of Batingua Dance & Drums Productions LLC where her choreography focuses on traditional West African, Trinidadian, Jamaican, and Haitian dances.