Afrofestival Ottawa is an admission-free cultural festival celebrating African music, arts, food, and community in Canada’s Capital. Created as a space for connection, expression, and cultural pride, the festival brings people together through live performances, cultural showcases, and shared experiences rooted in African heritage. The festival is produced by Africa Live Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting African Canadian culture and supporting community-led creative initiatives. Afrofestival Ottawa reflects Africa Live Canada’s mission to increase representation, amplify African voices, and create accessible cultural experiences for all.
Our Story
Afrofestival Ottawa was established in 2020, at a time when communities around the world were seeking new ways to stay connected. In response to the global pandemic, the festival launched its first edition as a fully virtual event, streaming performances, conversations, and cultural content online. This inaugural digital festival allowed Afrofest to reach audiences beyond physical boundaries while staying true to its purpose of celebration and community-building.
As public gatherings returned, Afrofestival Ottawa evolved into a live outdoor festival, continuing its commitment to free admission while expanding its programming, audience, and impact. Today, Afrofest is a multi-day annual event that showcases African talent, supports local businesses, and creates a welcoming space for cultural exchange in Ottawa.
Our Commitment
Afrofestival Ottawa remains free to attend, ensuring that culture, creativity, and community remain accessible to everyone. As the festival grows, we strive to maintain a safe, high-quality experience for all guests - without compromising our commitment to inclusivity. Through Afrofest and other initiatives, Africa Live Canada continues to empower artists, entrepreneurs, youth, and community members while celebrating the richness and diversity of African culture in Canada. Afrofestival Ottawa is more than a festival; it’s a platform for culture, connection, and community.
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Africa Live Canada
Africa Live Canada is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting African Canadian culture through culturally responsive programs, services, and community-based support. The organization’s work is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage collaboration within Black and African Canadian communities.
Africa Live Canada is committed to the empowerment of marginalized youth by providing access to mentorship, leadership development, skills training, financial literacy education, volunteer opportunities, and programming rooted in music and the arts. These initiatives aim to reduce barriers to participation, build transferable skills, and support positive social and economic outcomes.
Through inclusive and culturally relevant programming, Africa Live Canada contributes to community development, youth engagement, and cultural representation. The organization plays an active role in creating platforms that support talent development, community cohesion, and long-term capacity building within African Canadian communities.
