The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual Labor Day Weekend celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, dance, food and community. It takes place Saturday, September 1st, and Sunday, September 2nd, 2018, on Fayetteville Street, from Martin Street to City Plaza in downtown Raleigh. It’s a free event.
Explore the work of visual artists in the Art Gallery Walk, music & dance performances on the Main Stage, browse a vendor marketplace, and take part in interactive family activities in the Family Village.
The Family Village will feature performances by storytellers, dance troupes, drum circles, and much more, as well as make-and-take craft tents where you can create something of your own to bring home.
In the Vendor Marketplace, browse the variety of clothing, accessories, jewelry, natural bath products, home decor and much more.
Festival Times
Saturday, September 1st
Festival Hours 11:00am – 10:00pm (art and vendor booths close at dusk)
Family Village Hours 11:30am-8:00pm
Sunday, September 2nd
Festival Hours 1:00pm – 10:00pm (art and vendor booths close at dusk)
Family Village Hours 1:30pm-8:00pm
2018 Main Stage: City Plaza
Saturday, September 1st
- 11:00 AM: Open To The Public
- 11:30 AM: Opening Ceremony led by the African American Dance Ensemble
- 12:00 PM: Chuck Davis Elder’s Processional to Family Village
- 1:00 PM: Live DJ
- 2:00 PM: Al Strong Jazz
- 3:45 PM: Crucial Fiya Reggae Band
- 5:45 PM: Jus Once
- 7:00 PM: DJ/Comedian
- 8:15 PM: Midnight Star
Sunday, September 2nd
- 1:00 PM: Open to Public
- 2:00 PM: Javonne Jones, Electric Violinist
- 2:30 PM: Marcel Anderson
- 4:00 PM: #Epitome
- 5:15 PM: Sumthin Fo Tha People
- 6:30 PM: Battle of The Decades w/ DJ Skillz
- 8:00 PM: Who’s Bad Michael Jackson Tribute Band
