Free in historic Denver City Park! July 8–10, 2022

The Joda Village Stage showcases creative interpretations of Brazilian, Caribbean and African drum and dance, spoken word, African roots music, and Reggae. Demonstrations in West African drum and dance Capoeira will be given in Joda Village.

The African American Visual Arts Row will be a prominent venue for all to enjoy and purchase artwork of professional and budding artist. An all media show will include paintings, oils, acrylics and watercolors, drawings, etchings, pen, ink, charcoal, folk art, and silk screen. Other media includes collage, glass, fiber, woodcarvings, jewelry, and sculpture.

For young minds, we have the Opalanga D. Pugh Children’s Pavilion for Art and Learning that is a fun and interactive learning place for children ages 2-13. It is a venue for children and the entire family to create, to learn and to have fun. There are culturally relevant act ivies and education for enlightenment and entertainment. The Children’s Pavilion is a place for the entire family.

Scavenger Hunt is for festival attendees of all ages to explore answers to “the clues”. There are questions about renowned African American visual and performing artist, and the African Diaspora. In addition to being an educational experience, this activity encourages exploration of all the festival’s offerings, as no stone will be left unturned. Prizes will be awarded. This is a fun family or friend activity.

Art Garden is a principal venue for all to enjoy. It is expected to be one of the biggest audience draws of the Festival where there is a concentration of festival goers whose attention is focused on the beauty of visual arts. The Art Garden will be set in the beautiful, grassy and tree garlanded historic Denver City Park. Set among large sculptures will be bottle trees. Come see and learn the history of the bottle tree that has its roots in the Congo area of Africa in the 9th Century A.D. The practice of bottle trees was brought over by the slaves to ward off evil spirits.

The “Watu-Sakoni” People’s Marketplace is the heart of an African village. You can enter a place decked with colorful merchandise, handmade crafts, and aromas. Whether you are looking to adorn the body with beautiful and unique clothing, exotic jewelry, fabrics, headgear, beadwork or natural balms and oils. You will also find hand weaved African baskets, home décor, and African artifacts.

Food Court will have an assortment of tasty and affordable food offerings prepared and presented by local restaurants, caterers and confectionaries. The food court will feature delicious foods from the American South, the African continent, the Caribbean, and American favorites at affordable prices.

The Boogaloo Celebration Parade is an electrifying exhibition of community talent and pageantry. Spectators are dazzled by the various local and regional drum and drill teams, step teams, dance teams, themed floats, youth groups, sports and media personalities, social groups, businesses, and the community-at-large as they strut in a colorful and exciting street celebration.