The African Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people. This annual event, also known as STLAAF or St. Louis African Arts Fair, has been a cornerstone of St. Louis, Missouri's cultural landscape since its inception in 1991.
A Brief History
The St. Louis African Arts Festival began in 1991 as an artistic and cultural arm of the African Studies Association's 34th Annual Conference hosted by Washington University in St. Louis. A year prior to the conference, a group of academic, business, and community leaders came together to explore ways in which a forum could be established that would bring the diverse community of St. Louis together for the purpose of learning and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people.
The St. Louis African Arts Festival is headquartered at Washington University in St. Louis. A variety of festival programs and activities were held throughout Greater St. Louis. Cynthia L. Cosby, Manager of Special Projects and Program Coordinator for the Black Alumni Council for Washington University in St. Louis.
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Mission and Impact
The mission of the festival is to increase the awareness of the global contributions of African people and people of African descent have made through art, cultural, and educational programs. Each year the festival attracts a diverse audience of thousands of local residents and out-of-town visitors during the Memorial Day weekend. The Festival draws the community together in celebration of the rich contributions of Africa and the African Diaspora (diaspora-people settled far from their ancestral homelands).
The annual event enjoys partnerships with major local cultural institutions as the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Public Library, the Muny, and Washington University in St. Louis.
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The African Heritage Association of St. Louis, the parent organization of the St. Louis African Arts Festival, receives support from the Missouri Arts Council and the Regional Arts Commission. The festival is free and open to the public.
Event Details
Typically, the STLAAF is a three-day event that takes place over the Memorial Day weekend. The St. Louis African Arts Festival is held in beautiful Forest Park.
Typical Event Schedule
Please note that the event for 2025 has been canceled due to damage in Forest Park as a result of the May 16 tornado. However, here's what a typical schedule looks like:
- Dates: May 24, 25 & 26, 2025
- Location: World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park
Event Times:
- Saturday, May 24 | 10am - 8pm
- Sunday, May 25 | 11am - 8pm
- Monday, May 26 | 10am - 6pm
Additional Events by Africa International House(AIH)
Africa International House (AIH) also presents various events to celebrate African heritage and culture. Here are a few examples:
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African Festival of the Arts
The African Festival of the Arts is AIH’s flagship event-a four-day outdoor celebration held annually in Washington Park, Chicago. It features art, music, food, fashion, and culture from across the African diaspora.
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration & Marketplace
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Washington Park Refectory, 5531 South Russell Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637
Celebrate Umoja (Unity)-the first principle of Kwanzaa-through community, creativity, and culture. Enjoy a lively marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted products, delicious foods, live music, engaging conversations, storytelling, and so much more.
The Black Chicago Renaissance: A Presentation with Dr. Amira Millicent Davis
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Location: Police District 3 | 7040 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Dr. Davis will guide participants through the cultural, social, and political impact of Chicago’s Black Renaissance in the early to mid-20th century. Through African drums, percussion, stories, and scholarship, Dr. Davis brings history to life while encouraging reflection and community dialogue.
The Art of Figurative Artist Dayo Laoye
- Opening Reception: Saturday, October 4th | 1 PM - 4 PM, Africa International House, 6200 S. Drexel Ave, Chicago, IL
- Exhibit runs through: October 31st, 2025
- Gallery Hours:
- Mon-Fri | 12 PM - 6 PM
- Sat | 11 AM - 4 PM (Closed Sundays & Public Holidays)
Experience the powerful artistry of Dayo Laoye, inspired by African traditions, spirituality, and the human form.
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