The 18th Annual Pan African Festival of Georgia
Embracing cultural diversity while celebrating 18 years of African influence in middle Georgia
Join us on April 24, 25, and 26 of 2014, as we drum up a lot of excitement, entertainment and fun in downtown Macon as our Pan African Festival of Georgia prepares for another successful year, with some subtle changes the whole family will enjoy. For a third time, all of the activities will take place on – Cherry Street Plaza, near our beautiful new, 49,000 square-foot Museum, slated to open in early 2015.
The 2014 Pan African Festival will be bigger and better than ever and is jam-packed with activities (music, dance, food, film, art, and the International Children’s Village) the entire family can enjoy. Vendors will line Cherry St. Plaza with unique items, food, and art people can purchase at our Pan African Marketplace. At center stage, in front of the Terminal Station, regional and local artists, musicians, and performers will entertain the crowds, and a special kick-off event, the Poetry Theatre, will launch the Festival on Thursday evening, April 24, at 7pm at the Douglass Theatre. Other features and offerings of the 2014 Festival include a community services village, an Interfaith Unity Service, activities at the Georgia Children’s Museum, and specials at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
Founded in 1996, by artist and community leader, Chi Ezekwueche, this festival is one of the Tubman African American Museum’s signature events. Enjoy the celebration, the experience, and the presentations of music, dance, food, film, art, and spoken word, as we explore the dynamic and diverse cultures created from the African Diaspora. This weekend community event celebrates African influences from around the world, is open to all and is formed around the principles of Love, Peace, Unity and Hope.
Schedule of Events are as follows:
Poetry Theatre – Thursday, April 24, 7-9pm
Douglass Theatre
Local artists step forward to deliver authentic poetic pieces. This event is a collaboration between Poetic Peace, the Douglass Theater, and the Tubman African American Museum.
Festival Kick-off – Friday, April 25 7- 10 pm – FREE
Douglass Theatre
Opening Ceremony & Interfaith Unity Service Saturday, April 26th 11am – FREE
Cherry Street Plaza
A diversity of faiths come together in a celebration of unity. Program lasts one hour.
Marketplace & Entertainment Saturday, April 26 11am – 10pm
Cherry Street Plaza
Enjoy the day with the whole family! Local artists take to the streets in the form of song, music, dance and much more. Performers in every genre of music from gospel to R&B to Alternative will take to the stage. Vendors provide unique items and exquisite culinary treats.
FREE
Children’s Corner Saturday, April 26
Georgia Children’s Museum – $2
A special place just for our little festival goers. In a world of their own, children enjoy arts & crafts, face painting and more.
International Children’s Village Saturday, April 26
In the Plaza
Take a journey throughout Africa, from A to Z, no passport needed! Games, face painting, performances, and lots of fun is in store for the entire family. Your children will be able to take their very own pinch pot home, thanks to the art leaders with the Ocmulgee National Monument.