AFRICAN FESTIVAL

What We Do

Celebrating Africa's Culture, Connecting Communities

Welcome to the home of the African Festival of Boston (AFOB), a powerful celebration of the diverse cultures, rhythms, stories, and artistry of the African continent.

Born on July 17, 2010, this festival was created as a response to the growing need for African immigrants and Africans in the Diaspora in Boston to preserve their heritage and foster a deeper cultural connection across generations and backgrounds.

Boston, often referred to as the “City on a Hill” has long been a landing place for African immigrants seeking opportunity, education, and community. Over the years, these communities have infused the city with vibrant traditions, resilient histories, and dynamic contributions to its cultural fabric.

The African Festival of Boston emerged as both a platform and a sanctuary where families, artists, elders, and youth gather annually to celebrate their roots, tell their stories, and connect with the wider New England community.

What began as a vision to share the “sights and sounds of Africa” has now blossomed into a signature multicultural event in New England—drawing thousands of attendees and featuring renowned performers, artisans, and cultural ambassadors from across the African diaspora.

Our Mission

To serve as a catalyst for increased public appreciation of African arts, foster artistic dialogue and cultural exchange, and celebrate African heritage at the very heart of Boston, City Hall Plaza. We exist to honor the ancestral legacies of African peoples while inspiring pride and unity among a new generation.

Our Vision

The African Festival of Boston provides a unique and inclusive platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their creativity and cultural roots. We aim to build bridges between communities, facilitate collaboration with international artists, and amplify the rich voices of the African diaspora, sharing our stories with Boston, New England, and the world.