Up to 40,000 expected for 17th annual African American Cultural Festival in Raleigh this weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The vibrant atmosphere of the 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival will fill downtown Raleigh over the Labor Day weekend.

Read more Trio flees after several gunshots hit Raleigh home, cars on Beacon Crest Way: Police

Celebrating its rich cultural heritage, the festival this weekend is set to attract an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 attendees over two days of community, music, art, and family-friendly activities along Fayetteville Street.

The festival kicks off on Saturday at 11 a.m. with a colorful Opening Procession featuring African dance, drumming, giant puppets, and stilt walkers. A unique opportunity for participation awaits attendees before the procession at 10:30 a.m. with a brief workshop in African dance and puppetry.

In addition to the lively performances, Saturday will also host Special Children’s Author Readings at the City of Raleigh Museum between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., where young readers can engage with Black authors and celebrate African American stories and creativity.

Sunday’s events will start with Church Without Walls, a live outdoor worship experience, at 10 a.m. on the Main Stage in City Plaza, featuring Redeeming Love Missionary Baptist Church.

Performances will appear on two stages featuring local, regional, and national talent, with entertainment ranging from Southern Soul line dancing to community conversations. Festival activities will run until 10 p.m. each night.

Read more WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December after transformative and tumultuous tenure

Pamela Thompson Smith, executive director/CEO of the African American Cultural Festival, said the event rises above simply entertaining attendees.

“This festival is about so much more than entertainment; it’s a space where people can come together to celebrate African American culture, connect as a community, support artists and small businesses, and experience meaningful programming,” Smith said.

After starting in 2010 with over 15,000 attendees, the African American Cultural Festival has grown into one of Raleigh’s premier Labor Day Weekend events, highlighting the artistic and cultural traditions of African Americans in North Carolina and beyond.

The festival is free and family-friendly, making it an accessible celebration for everyone.

Read more Pro Football Hall of Fame cuts selection panel nearly in half in the latest overhaul of the process

African American Cultural Festival details:

• When: September 5-6, 2026, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street & City Plaza
• Cost: Free