Commodore Barry Park
Navy St (between Flushing and Park Aves)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 638-6700
Subway: B, M, N, R to DeKalb Ave; 2, 3 to Nevins St.
Cost: Free
For all ages
This Festival began in 1971 as a fundraiser for the Uhuru Sasa School--a community based initiative that educated youth and adults about African culture. At first, it was a small festival with about 20 arts and crafts vendors, local entertainers, and food prepared by parents. The fundraiser was a success with entertainment, food and market place and became known as the African Street Carnival.
Today the festival is known as the International African Arts Festival and has an estimated annual audience of 75,000. That original line-up of local folk arts entertainment has also remained but has since been accompanied by artists such as: The Mighty Sparrow, Fela Kuti, KRS-1 and Lauryn Hill; artists who grew out of these traditional arts to achieve national and international acclaim.
The small vendor market has grown to over two hundred micro-enterprise memberships. As the audience grew, our services and reputation also increased and the Festival is now a central part of Brooklyns African arts community. We have presented the works many of local, national and international artists from across the Diaspora.
The dance, music and spoken word programs consist of a range of traditions from Yoruba to Rastafarian; art forms from steel bands to gospel choirs; genres from jazz to reggae; and nationalities from Senegalese to Garifuna.
There’s all kinds of music and dance performances. Some family fun highlights: Happy Healthy Ever After Puppet Show, Fun Fitness Fest, Silly Line Dancing, balloon twisting workshop, Joe the Majic Man, PurElements--Children's Dance, Story Telling by Sistah Shaha, Puppet Show--Let Kuji Dance, Kiddie Carnival w/Fancy People Production and more. Some all day activities are a UrbanGoGreen-Green Pavilion, Mancala/Warrl Game Zone, Kid Rides Zone, Free dance workshops and MetroPlus health screenings. See the schedule for the full listing.
For schedule:
Main site:
http://www.iaafestival.org 
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