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In a time when many in our communities are carrying uncertainty and the weight of being unseen, Africa Day returns as a space to come back to one another.

Now in our third year, what began as a single gathering has grown into a multi-city experience—bringing together families, artists, and communities across California rooted in the African and African diasporic experience.

This year, we expand with intention. Three distinct days offer moments of celebration, reflection, and cultural exchange—each one honoring the depth, beauty, and resilience of our stories.

For the first time, we welcome Sacramento into this journey, opening space for new communities to connect and be part of what we’re building together.

Africa Day is more than an event.

It’s a place to feel seen, to reconnect, and to remember that even in challenging times—

you belong here.

Three Days. Three Cities. One Celebration of Culture, Community, and Connection.

The history of African Day dates back to May 25th, 1963, when leaders from 30 independent African states signed a charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, establishing the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The OAU aimed to promote change, freedom, and independence across the continent. In 1991, it established the African Economic Community, and in 2002, it transformed into the African Union. Since its inception, the OAU and later the African Union saw the addition of more member states, with South Africa becoming the 53rd member in 1994.

HISTORY OF AFRICA DAY

AFRICA DAY

Celebrate African heritage on a farm. Add soccer and cultural showcases, food, live DJ music, keynote address, drum circles, traditional African dance and music opening ceremony, drumline and spoken word break time performance, and more.

Estate Farms

3–8pm
6240 Excelsior Rd Sacramento, CA 95829

MAY 10, 2026

SACRAMENTO

LIVE PERFOMANCES BY

SACRAMENTO

Phreeborn

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Poetic Butterfly

Poetry

Anambra State Cultural
Association of Nigeria

ASCAN
DJ Madder
Tantum Ra

APPLY TO VEND

Join us for Africa Day Weekend—where culture, creativity, and community connect.

AFRICA DAY

Celebrate African heritage in an indoor space honouring the cultures, history and contributions of African people across the world. This event highlights Afrobeat(s) music, traditional African music, storytelling circles, flag parade, food, art and heritage with traditional singing and gyration presented by the global Kegites Club, live band music presented by Riddim Exchange (headline band) and live dj music to end the evening on a higher note.

4:00–8pm
JCC Los Gatos
14855 Oka Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Kids & Teens Get In Free Ages 18 & under

MAY 23, 2026

LOS GATOS

LIVE PERFOMANCES BY

LOS GATOS

Riddim Exchange
Kegites Club

AFRICA DAY

Celebrate African heritage in an outdoor park with a youth soccer showcase, fun arts and storytelling hands-on activities for families, traditional dance, food, vendor booths, and live music from Kava Jah & The Remedy Reggae Band and Onye & The Messengers Afrobeat(s) Band.

With Levitt Pavilion

4:30–8pm
105 N 1st St, San Jose CA 95113

MAY 24, 2026

San Jose

LIVE PERFOMANCES BY

SAN JOSE

Kava Jah & The Remedy
Reggae Band
Onye & The Messengers

Afrobeat(s) Band

VENDor APPLICATIONS

Select a city near you.

May 10th - Sacramento

Closed

May 24th - San Jose (Outdoors)

Location: Levitt Pavilion (105 N 1st St, San Jose CA 95113)
Time: 4:30–8pm

JCC Los Gatos 14855 Oka Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Time: 4:00–8pm

May 23rd - Los Gatos (inside)

Already applied and need to pay?

Africa Day Gallery

Photos from Africa Day in San jose

Get ready to dive into an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and change as we honor Africa Day 2024!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Our Story

Join AWỌ and Afriicionado for an exhilarating celebration of Africa Day

A remarkable three-day event! Prepare for an extraordinary homage to Africa, spanning three unforgettable days filled with cultural immersion. From enlightening panel discussions to lively outdoor festivities, come together with us to pay tribute to the beauty, diversity, and strength of the African continent. Let's celebrate Africa Day with flair and unity, embracing its profound heritage and global impact.

Don't overlook this chance to participate in a jubilant commemoration of Africa's history, present, and future!

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