St. Louis African Arts Festival returns for its 35th year

By STL Magazine

The free festival showcases African and African-American culture from May 23–25.

St. Louisans can flock to Forest Park to celebrate African and African-American culture this Memorial Day weekend as the St. Louis African Arts Festival returns from May 23–25.

The festival will celebrate its 35th year as vendors from across the world, including numerous visitors from African nations, pour into the World’s Fair Pavilion to showcase their artwork, apparel, and jewelry, much of which is directly imported from their home countries.

“Our mission is to bring the St. Louis community together in celebration of African and African-American Culture,” says Cynthia Cosby, founder of the festival. “The festival is geared towards educating, not just entertaining.”

With activities ranging from cultural demonstrations, such as hair-braiding or African hairdressing techniques, to performing arts showcases, the festival seeks to celebrate the culturally rich heritage of African and African diasporic communities while informing attendees about how to engage with it. Hands-on activities for children ensure that the event is suitable for all ages.

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