It is my pleasure to blog about the unique opportunity to experience Africanity in the city of Chicago. Chicago, a city that over the years has become the cradle of immigrant expression, also hosts one of the greatest events of the year for Africans and lovers of African culture, art and music: The African Festival of the Arts. It takes place every year at the beginning of September. This year will be no different. Between September 4^th and 7^th locals and visitors are expected at the Washington Park, the heart of Chicago where most annual events such as the Blues Festival, the Taste of Chicago and so on take place. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the event and it promises to be something really special. You can purchase the tickets online or at the gate. If you use the events’ website to buy the ticket it will cost you 10 dollars a day. If you don’t know what days you can attend I recommend buying the tickets at the gate for 15 dollars a person. A 4 day weekend pass costs 30 dollars. A daily family pass (1 adult and four children under 12) sells for 30 dollars as well. Chrystal Financial is the main sponsor this year as well.

After 20 years of organizing this event (it started in my neighborhood, Hyde Park, but became a city event soon after) the organizers know exactly what to offer to attract a wide audience of people with an interest in African culture. The following opportunities will most likely be available this year:

Film Pavilion

Short and feature length movies with an African thematic will be shown throughout the festival. You should expect watching independent movies that will otherwise not be easily available to you.

Fine Arts Pavilion

About a dozen artists – musicians, drum players etc – will sing for us during the 4 day festival. Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Stacey Brown are among the most famous artists that delighted the audience with their beautiful voices in the past. As soon as I get an updated version of this year’s schedule I will post it on this website. So stay tuned!

Author and Book Pavilion

Some of the bestselling or rising African historians, political scientists or writers will be present at the festival selling and signing their books for those interesting in making such a worthy investment.  Books make our life better and richer so you should definitely consider coming by to see what books will be on display this year.

Meet the Artists Media Tent

Get your autographs and the gorgeous pictures with your favorite artists attending the event. They are priceless.

African Marketplace

Expect hundreds of African craft makers and sellers to attend the event and offer their best deals (some of them are actually the best deals) for African crafts, drums, paintings,  statues etc.

The Drum Village
you can either learn how to dance or to play drums in the educational workshops offered every year. You know you can’t stay away from it, right?

Spirituality Pavilion and Children’s pavilion are also destinations that you should visit at least for half an hour. Engage in theoretical discussions with African priests, healers, nutritionists or simply offer your children the chance to have fun at the festival.

Tens of other opportunities might also be available!!!

Come to Chicago at the beginning of September to enjoy one of the most interesting, most inspirational, most beautiful representations of African culture. Or read this blog to find out how the event went. And be envious of me for being there instead of you ))

If you’re from out of town, I strongly suggest considering staying at the International House at the University of Chicago. One room costs 60 dollars a night and you simply cannot get a better offer for the conditions they advertise. It is located less than a mile away from the venue of the event.

Also, if you’re a blogger and we’ve been in touch over the last two years, you can definitely crash at my house for the duration of the event.

PS: The organizers have a pretty weird policy regarding potential security related issues. I quote directly from their website: “No backpacks or coolers will be allowed on Festival grounds. Large bags are subject to search. Recording devices, including video, audio and/or photo is strictly prohibited.” So, yeah, no comment