Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham

The 50th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will take place Saturday, May 18th, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham. It’s free to attend. This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions.

Bring a chair or blanket. No smoking, pets, alcohol or coolers.

Free parking will be available at the Durham County Stadium, 750 Stadium Dr. Find about about public transportation options here.

Here’s what’s going on:

Live Music
Family Fun Zone
Arts and Crafts
Community Resources
Ethnic Food
Local Talent
Book giveaway from Durham County Library
African American Quilt Circle

Schedule

12 p.m.: Salute to Elders: African American Dance Ensemble
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Trez Falsetto, Empower Dance Studio, Sh8kes the Poet, Digital Brilliance by Samori Reed-Bandele, The Beast featuring Pierce Freelon
3:15 p.m.: Sahara Reggae Band
5 p.m.: JL Regal, Imani, TyAhna Maray, Brian Dawson’s DJ Medley
6:45 p.m.: Juvenile Dru Hill

Family Fun Zone

Drum circles
Arts & crafts
Storytelling
Inflatables
Face painting

“Who Knew?” Corner

Visit the “Who Knew?” Corner to hear about important issues affecting the African American Community. Speakers will talk each hour and provide good tools, tips, and information to help you live your best life.

1 p.m.: Awanya Caesar: Hypertension, health and community resources
2 p.m.: Dan Stafford & Na Onnie Lee: Entrepreneurship
3 p.m.: LaShanda Deberry: Re-education of natural hair: How to grow, moisturize, and define your curls
4 p.m.: Kamaria Mason:Nutrition and diabetes in minority communities
5 p.m.: Flame Newton: 4 credit principles that will change your life

Bimbe Weekday Events

In addition, there are events during the week leading up to the festival. Most of these are also free to attend:

Jambalaya Soul Academy
Monday, May 13
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street
FREE | All Ages

Special poetry and spoken word Masterclass with Bluz from Charlotte, NC! Bluz is a 3 time Emmy Award Winning artist, 3 Time National Poetry Slam Champion, poet, author, and performing artist. Q&A and peer sharing session will follow the Masterclass. Facilitated by award winning poet and resident artist Dasan Ahanu.

Bimbé Community Block Party
Tuesday, May 14
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Holton Career and Resource Center Athletic Field. 401 N. Driver Street
FREE | All Ages

Come out and enjoy free music, community performances, and games for all ages. K97.5 will be airing live from the event with host Brian Dawson!

Super Jam @ SummerStage
Wednesday, May 15
6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Golden Belt, 800 Taylor Street
FREE | All Ages

Weekly Wednesday night jam session hosted on the SummerStage by Stephen Munoz. Free and open to the public. Musicians of all ages and experience levels welcome.

Rhythm & Waves
Thursday, May 16
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Avenue
$10 Entry Fee | All Ages

Join us for a music showcase featuring some amazing local talent from around the triad, hosted by Brian Dawson. The night will be full of some awesome rhythm and sound waves!

Bimbé Teen Glow Pool Party
Friday, May 17
7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Campus Hills Pool, 2000 S Alston Avenue
FREE | Ages 13-18

Teens, this is for you! Grab your friends to cool off at the pool while you Turn up and Glow up. There will be games, music, food, basketball, and giveaways. The gymnasium will be available for open gym.