African Descent Festival

The African Descent Festival is a celebration of African music, arts and culture in Metro Vancouver. The event takes place in the summer at English Bay Beach.

In 2025 the festival was going to happen on August 9th and 10th. Sadly, it was cancelled due to permitting issues with the Vancouver Parks Board.

The event is scheduled to return in 2026. Originally it was announced as being a two-day festival once again on August 22nd and 23rd. As of early July, however, it seems like it might just be a one-day event on August 23rd.

Visit africandescentfestival.com for the event’s official website.

Eddy Kenzo at English Bay

African Descent Festival in Vancouver

The African Descent Festival is an African arts and cultural showcase. The first edition of the event took place in 2015 and since that time it has grown into the largest festival for people of African descent in Western Canada. The event is a great opportunity for the African community in Metro Vancouver to get together. It’s also a fun way for others to learn about the different cultures of Africa.

The African Descent Festival promotes cultural diversity and brings people together to enjoy art and entertainment by African talent. There are plenty of live performances at the festival each year. There’s also usually a marketplace with handmade crafts, clothing and more for sale. Food vendors sell African food on-site and there are also family-friendly activities for all ages.

The theme for the 2026 festival is celebrating the legacy of Joe Fortes. Fortes was a Trinidadian man who ended up living in Vancouver (then known as Granville) beginning in 1885. Credited as the founder of English Bay Beach, Fortes petitioned the city’s mayor to build a better road to the seldom used beach, and later served as a lifeguard and then special constable for the area.

Organized by the African Descent Society BC, the event is free to attend. Donations, however, are encouraged and appreciated.

See the African Descent Festival website for full details about the event.

African Descent Festival at English Bay

When and Where is the African Descent Festival?

The African Descent Festival is likely to be on the Saturday and Sunday of August 22nd and 23rd in 2026, at English Bay Beach (although there’s a chance it ends up being just on the 23rd). The event runs from around 11:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Located along Beach Avenue near the end of Denman Street, English Bay is one of the best and most popular beaches in Vancouver. The beach is connected to Stanley Park and near popular stores and restaurants.

For more information about the event, visit africandescentfestival.com.

African Descent Festival

Entertainment Schedule

The entertainment lineup features all sorts of talented people of African descent. There are musicians, singers, dancers and more.

Headliners in 2026 include Emmanuel Jal, Hanson Baliruno, and Friction and Roots Drivers.

Other artists expected to perform at the festival this year include Alpha Yaya Diallo, Ezra Kwizera, Alex Kajumulo, Yung Recklessness, Afrocity Music, Samba Fusion, DJ Sanchez Cuba Band, and more.

As of early July, a full schedule with times for each performers has not yet been released.

African Festival at English Bay Beach

See the African Descent Festival website for full details about the event.

Festival Video

For an idea of what to expect at the next African Descent Festival, check out the video below. It features footage of singer Eddy Kenzo from the 2023 event.