Kuumba Festival

This multicultural arts and entertainment celebration is back for its 19th year, presented by African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. that promotes creative education through cultural arts and social and community programs.

“KUUMBA” is Swahili for “creative” and the festival will enliven the group’s mission with four days of musical performances, arts, crafts, food and performances June 26 to June 29.

The Taste of Africa begins the festival at the Knoxville Museum of Art June 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a buffet, art exhibits, the Kuumba Watoto Drum and Dance Company, a spoken word café and interactive arts and crafts. Admission is $10.

The Youth Arts Extravaganza will be held June 27 at the Emporium Building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by the JUNKANU parade featuring the dance and drum company, the Free Spirit Stilt Walkers and community members dancing through the downtown streets from Central Avenue in the Old City to Market Square, where the parade will end with a live concert.

The African Market Place at Chilhowee Park June 28 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and June 29 from noon to 9 p.m. will offer traditional crafts, clothing and food for sale, with a World Children’s Village and two entertainment stages. Admission is $5. Gospel in the Park and the Knoxville Zoological Garden’s Petting Zoo will round out the festival events from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 29 at the park.

Avon Rollins, director of the Beck Cultural Center, says in an AAAA press release the largest African American cultural arts festival in East Tennessee is “more than just an event, it is a cultural celebration.”