This year’s festival is happening on September 19-20, 2026.
The African Street Festival is one of Nashville’s most iconic cultural institutions, drawing over 50,000 people for three unforgettable days of art, music, movement, food, and community. The festival has been a community connector and one of the longest-standing annual events in the city with a legacy of 40+ years. The three-day festival happens this year on September 18-20, 2026 at Hadley Lillard Park, one of the first public parks established for African Americans in the United States. This year it will enter a new era, evolving into a national cultural powerhouse: a multi-day convergence of creativity, wellness, innovation, and joy. This is where the city will show up and show out.
Organized by the The African American Cultural Alliance (AACA), the festival is a part of their mission to bring awareness to African culture in Nashville. AACA has been present force pushing community forward in the city, celebrating and connecting the extensions of Africa to America by way of education, arts, business, family and community. Created and led by the dynamic Kwame Leo Lillard until his passing in 2020, the organization now led by Jeneene Blackman is keeping community at the forefront through enriching programs and intentional events like Juneteenth 615 and the African Street Festival.
What to expect:
Live performances
Attendees will have a chance to experience live music from local artists and performers throughout the day on two different stages – Main Stage and Fusion Stage. From Afrobeats, gospel, jazz, hip-hop to spoken word there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The marketplace
This is by far one of the best parts of the festival. Guests can shop local businesses, artisans and vendors throughout the day offering a variety of products from home, bath and body to apparel and beyond. Plus, a diverse range of food offerings and trucks.
Children’s Village
The festival has always been a family centered place where you can bring the kids for a day of true outside fun. This year’s village will have a robust schedule filled with activities including storytelling, crafts, games and dance.
Health + Healing Village
Wellness is becoming a focus for many in everyday life and the festival wants to ensure they are honoring that during this year’s event. There will be yoga, wellness activities and screenings on-site.
Dates:
Friday, September 18, 5PM-9PM
Saturday, September 19, 11AM-9PM
Sunday, September 20, 11AM-9PM
Location: 1037 Hadley-Lillard Park, Nashville, TN
More than just an event, the festival creates a space where people of all ages can celebrate, learn, and connect through the beauty of African traditions and creativity.
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Man, the Saturday schedule looks packed with a lot of interesting performances.
I really hope some of the Tennessee “Capoeira” groups show up.
Is your team going to be able to take photos and interview the different groups in attendance ?