The African Festival of the Arts, a beloved event held annually on the South Side of the city, has been postponed until next year. The festival’s organizers made this announcement, citing the rising costs of production as the main reason for the delay.
The event has been a tradition for 35 years, transforming Washington Park into a lively African village, complete with art, music, and performances from around the world. However, due to financial challenges, including those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers felt it was necessary to take a break this year.
In their statement, the organizers from Africa International House emphasized their commitment to keeping the festival accessible to the community. They explained that taking a year off will allow them to plan an even better event for the future.
The festival is set to return on Labor Day weekend in 2025. Organizers are eager to welcome the community back to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the African Diaspora in Chicago. They promise that next year’s festival will continue the tradition of being a vibrant and uplifting experience for all who attend.
