The incredible African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) is coming back to Melbourne for its 13th year. See over 40 African countries and community organisations represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance and culture. This festival attracts over 50,000 people to Fed Square each year, and is completely free to attend. It’s great for all ages, and on from Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22.
African Music and Cultural Festival
Founded in 2014, this is Australia’s largest and longest-running free celebration of African culture. Centred around the theme of ‘Celebrating Diversity and Harmony’, this festival offers a space for cross-cultural understanding and community pride, uniting visitors through shared experiences.
Across the three days, you can look forward to free drumming sessions, dance performances, face painting, African board games, art workshops and more. Performance highlights this year include Sun of Africa, combining live drumming, masks and dance, and the Boîte Schools Chorus, where 70 children will perform Akoma – The Heart, a celebration of Ghanaian music and culture.
Foodies will find plenty to try, with West African jollof rice and fufu, East African injera, sizzling BBQ, street food, traditional dishes and sweets.
Browse through the market stalls, and find a showcase of creativity, with bold print fashion, jewellery, beauty, homewares and more.
Here is the schedule:
Friday, 10am to 10pm
See a selection of African-Australian short films, exploring heritage, identity, migration and the richness of the diaspora. There will also be live music, spoken word, food, and cultural experiences, with Zimbabwean artist Niasha closing out the night.
Saturday, 10am to 10pm
With 12 hours of live music, dance, fashion, food and cultural performances, this is the biggest day of the festival. Kenyan artist Elsy Wameyo will end the night on a high note on the Main Stage from 9pm.
Sunday, 10am to 8pm
Start things off with some giant Somali puppetry, followed by a fireside chat exploring African Australian medical pioneers. Check out the Jollof Rice Wars, where talented chefs will present their take on this beloved dish. For the festival finale, South African act Afro Space Interchange will bring their energy to the stage.
To learn more about the festival, click here.
