Festival Sundiata Celebrates 45 Years of Community, Culture, and Connection

The free, family-oriented event returns to Seattle Center, August 23–24

SEATTLE— Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest returns to Seattle Center Festál on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1–8 p.m. at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Mural Amphitheatre.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest. The free, family-friendly festival serves as a citywide family reunion where guests of all backgrounds can come together to learn, celebrate, and share in the rich tapestry of African American culture.

“The divide between cultures has broadened in recent years. The more we know about each other, the more we can come to trust, admire, and even treasure each other. We feel it's extremely important for young adults, children, and the elderly to feel the love, admiration, and acceptance of other cultures, and we reciprocate accordingly,” said Roberto Jourdan, Board President of Sundiata African American Cultural Association. “This is a weekend we all come together and enjoy the vibe and glimpse into the African American culture created at Festival Sundiata.”

Festival Sundiata offers an even broader range of activities and performances designed to engage, entertain, and inspire everyone — from the youngest children to cherished elders. Guests can expect a rich cultural experience that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Black art and culture.

Featured artists in the Ultimate Art Experience exhibit include Robert H. King, LeShawn Gamble, Devonna Roy, Alan Graham, Kay Burnett, Charles Tatum Jr., among others.

The music performance lineup features headliners The Bar-Kays, Dazz Band, Binky Womack, and Kalimba; and includes Andy Stokes, Toni Bailey and Friends, Gustavo Clark “El General,” CT Thompson, Baldy, Arzelia Jones, Omega Band 300, Jason Williams, Andre Hobson, Michael Powers, and Lady Mercedes, among others.

In addition to world-class entertainment, Festival Sundiata will host an expansive vendor marketplace showcasing goods, services, and more from a wide range of local businesses and community organizations. Confirmed vendors include Afrocentric Essentials, Bling by Leslie Bailey, Dae2Dae Creations, Kenya Direct Fashion & Decor, Nefertiti Holistics, Nikky’s Niche Design, Hummingbird Consulting Services LLC, and many more.  

Stop by A Taste of Sundiata and enjoy a delicious array of foods and treats, including Dowd's BBQ & Catering, Simply Soulful Cafe, Original Philly’s, UNA’s Kettle Corn, Monster Dogs, Soul Fusion Food, Sweet Krazy Corn, and others.

The Seattle Children’s Museum inside the Armory will be partnering with the festival to offer free admission for children with an accompanying adult. Stop by the Sundiata booth for more details.

“Festival Sundiata’s Black Arts Fest is a tribute to Black culture, Black brilliance, and the deep love we share for our community,” said Heidi Jackson, Seattle Center’s Managing Artistic Director of Cultural Programs. “Seattle Center is honored to host this vibrant gathering.”

This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.

About Festival Sundiata 

Festival Sundiata is a premier cultural event that celebrates Black art, music, and culture. Named after Sundiata Keita, the historic king and founder of the Mali Empire, the festival aims to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the African diaspora. Each year, the festival brings together artists, performers, and community members to honor Black Love and Black Excellence.  

Information on the festival is available at festivalsundiata.org and www.seattlecenter.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.