CELEBRATE AFRICA ACROSS THE DMV
From stepping into an African embassy to settling a long-running jollof rivalry, the D. C. region offers many ways to connect with the continent’ s people and traditions. Some events fill stadium grounds with Afrobeats fans; others focus on dance, dining, or the customs of a particular community. Together, these annual events reflect the breadth of the African diaspora across the DMV.
AROUND THE WORLD EMBASSY TOUR
For one day each spring, some of Washington’ s most intriguing addresses open their doors. Part of Passport DC, the Around the World Embassy Tour offers free admission to participating embassies, giving the public unusual access to the diplomatic missions representing countries around the globe. African nations traditionally have a strong presence, with individual embassies and shared locations providing introductions to their home countries through exhibits, demonstrations, performances and conversations. The appeal is as much about access as entertainment: Where else can you spend a single day moving from one country to another simply by crossing a D. C. street? May 1, 2027, Participating Embassies washington. org / visit-dc / reasons-to-tour-an-embassy-in-dc-duringpassport-dc
DANCEAFRICA DC
At DanceAfrica DC, movement takes center stage. Presented by Coyaba Dance Theater and Dance Place, the weeklong event has spent nearly four decades exploring African dance and drumming through performances and hands-on workshops. Traditional forms share the program with contemporary interpretations, showing how movement and rhythm are carried forward across generations. The experience spills outdoors with community activities and a marketplace, yet dance remains its heartbeat. In 2027, DanceAfrica DC marks its 39th year. A Week in June, Dance Place, Arts Park and Edgewood Arts Center Danceplace. org
JOLLOF FESTIVAL
Ghana or Nigeria? At the Jollof Festival, choosing sides is practically required. The annual event taps into one of West Africa’ s great culinary rivalries, bringing cooks together to decide whose version of the beloved tomato-and-rice dish deserves bragging rights. Recipes and loyalties vary by country, making the competition as much about national pride as about flavor. Now in its ninth year, the festival surrounds the cook-off with live music and a vendor village. General admission gets you into the party, while premium tickets come with the essential responsibility: sampling the jollof and casting a vote. Mid-August, Union Market Jolloffestival. com
AFRO PLUS FEST
After selling out its 2025 debut, Afro Plus Fest moved into a larger venue and expanded to three days, bringing Afrobeats, hip-hop, Amapiano, dancehall and other sounds from Africa and its diaspora to multiple stages. Billing itself as the world’ s largest Afro-Caribbean hiphop festival, Afro Plus is built on the scale and energy of a major music festival: big-name performers, large crowds and sets that keep the Northwest Stadium Complex moving throughout Labor Day weekend. Food, fashion and merchandise round out the experience, but the main attraction is firmly onstage. Labor Day Weekend, Northwest Stadium Complex, Landover, MD Northweststadium. com / events / afro-fest
CELEBRATE AFRICA FESTIVAL
Celebrate Africa Festival puts the DMV’ s African communities in the spotlight. Launched in 2018, the free Prince George’ s County event recognizes the contributions of African immigrants who have made the region their home. Held during African Heritage Month, it brings families and community members together at Fairwood Park for an afternoon of heritage and connection. Artists and performers showcase traditions from across the continent, while an expansive marketplace highlights artisans’ work in textiles, jewelry, and handmade goods. Rather than focusing on a single country, the gathering reflects the range of African communities represented throughout the region. Mid-September, Fairwood Park, Bowie, MD Pgparks. com
DC AFRICAN RESTAURANT WEEK
Consider this an invitation to eat your way across the diaspora. For several weeks each fall, DC African Restaurant Week turns restaurants throughout the Washington area into destinations for exploring African, African American, and Caribbean cuisine. Prix fixe menus make it easy to try something new, while cooking classes, chef dinners and other special events offer a closer look at the people and techniques behind the dishes. Past participants have included Appioo African Bar & Grill, specializing in Ghanaian cuisine; Eatopia, serving Ethiopian fare; and the Nigerian restaurant Zion Kitchen DC. The result is less a single festival than a self-guided dining tour of the region. Mid-September to Early October, Participating Restaurants Africanrestaurantweek. com / dc-washington /
ETHIOPIAN FALL FESTIVAL
At the Ethiopian Fall Festival, a simple cup of coffee tells a story. Organized by the Ethiopian Community Support and Advocacy Center, this one-day event highlights various Ethiopian traditions in Alexandria. Attendees can experience a traditional coffee ceremony while enjoying dishes like wat— flavorful, hearty stews served with soft injera bread. The festival also features live music, dance performances, honey wine tastings, and vendors. Instead of covering Africa broadly, the event concentrates on Ethiopia, showcasing customs that hold significant meaning for one of the DMV’ s largest African communities. Mid-October, Alexandria, VA For exact time and location: contactesac @ gmail. com
AUTUMN / WINTER 2026
33 FLYWASHINGTON. COM