July 18 – 20, 2025
The African World Festival returns to Hart Plaza for a powerful three-day celebration of culture, history, and community, honoring the LEGACY of the African Diaspora.
This year’s festival holds special significance as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the museum — six decades of preserving, educating, and celebrating Black history and culture. From July 18 to 20, festivalgoers will experience an immersive journey through music, dance, art, storytelling, food, and meaningful conversations that highlight our shared heritage’s strength, resilience, and beauty.
The festival starts with an exciting Opening Night featuring a dynamic fusion of live performances, spoken word, and cultural showcases that set the tone for the weekend. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy world-class musical acts, engaging panel discussions, and an African Marketplace filled with handcrafted goods from Black artisans and entrepreneurs. Families can explore the Children’s Village, where hands-on activities and storytelling sessions will inspire a deep connection to history and identity.
The Food Pavilion will offer a delicious selection of African, Caribbean, and soul food, celebrating the flavors that connect us to our ancestral roots. This year’s festival is not just a gathering — it is a testament to the enduring impact of Black culture and a call to build upon our collective legacy for future generations. As we honor the vision of Dr. Charles H. Wright, we invite the community to join us in celebrating 60 years of history, culture, and progress at the Wright Museum and beyond.
Live Art Gallery
Visit underground Live Art Gallery featuring Detroit’s finest visual artists. Come see artists finish work in progress and purchase original work from incredible artist. This site also features the Detroit Institute of Arts Quilt-Making Workshop where youth are invited to create their own quilts.
AWF AfroStyle Fashion Show
AfroStyle Stage | Saturday at 5:15 PM
Don’t miss the return of a fashion show presented by DUFFE bringing flavor to the AfroStyle Stage Saturday. Ripping the runway with special unique fashion brands.
African Safari
Throughout Festival Grounds | Friday at 5PM-11PM. Saturday and Sunday at 11AM-10PM
Step into the wild at the African World Festival’s brand-new African Safari attraction! This immersive experience features life-like safari animals that bring the magic of the savanna right to Detroit. Perfect for kids, families, and adults, it’s an exciting photo opportunity and a fun, educational journey through nature.
Celebrate the beauty, strength, and spirit of the African Diaspora. Explore this year’s AWF® lineup below.
Friday, July 18
Saturday, July 19
Sunday, July 20
Live Art Gallery
Visit our underground Live Art Gallery featuring Detroit’s finest visual artists. Come see our artists finish work in progress and purchase original work from our incredible artist. This site also features the Detroit Institute of Arts Quilt-Making Workshop where youth are invited to create their own quilts.
AWF AfroStyle Fashion Show
AfroStyle Stage | Saturday at 5:15 PM
Don’t miss the return of our fashion show presented by DUFFE bringing flavor to the AfroStyle Stage Saturday. Ripping the runway with special guests performers and unique fashion brands.
African Safari
Throughout Festival Grounds | Friday at 5PM-11PM. Saturday and Sunday at 11AM-10PM
Step into the wild at the African World Festival’s brand-new African Safari attraction! This immersive experience features life-like safari animals that bring the magic of the savanna right to Detroit. Perfect for kids, families, and adults, it’s an exciting photo opportunity and a fun, educational journey through nature.
