Celebrations for Kwanzaa in Columbus

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture that lasts from December 26 to January 1, ending in a communal feast called Karamu.

Kwanzaa honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions.

The name, Kwanzaa, comes from the Swahili word that means “first harvest” and is based on the principles of Nguzo Saba.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy at King Arts Complex

December 22, 23, 26, 29-31, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3 PM
Kindergarten through 8th grade (Ages 5 – 13)

KWANZAA is an African-American celebration of family, community and culture. Youth participants will learn about the principles of KWANZAA by working with local, visual, and performing artists.

There is something for everyone at the 2025 Winter Academy. Find registration details on the website.

Kwanzaa 614 – A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture 

Dec. 26, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. at the King Arts Complex
Tawi Family Village will have the storyteller come around 10:00 for the Winter Academy and others from the neighborhood.  Tawi Family Village will also provide programming to the community from 1-3:00 and vendors will be setting up around 5:00 and Kwanzaa Opening night will begin at 6:00 pm.

Dec 27 & 28, Noon–4 p.m. at the Ohio History Center
The Ohio History Connection and TAWI Family Village will celebrate Kwanzaa with African drumming, music, dance, food demos and hands-on art activities. This is a free, family-friendly event. The events at the museum will be part of events that are taking place throughout the community.

Dec. 27, 6–9 p.m. at the William H. Thomas Art Gallery
Dec. 29, 2 p.m. at the Millenium Community School
Dec. 30, 5–7 p.m. at the All People Arts Gallery

Read more about each event on the website. 

Presenters for the event include: 

TAWI Family Village, founded in the 1970’s, is an establishment of systems based on the ancient Egyptian concepts of Ma’at (truth, balance, order, harmony, righteousness, morality, and justice) and the seven principles of Nguzo Saba (Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani, Kugichagalia and Umoja).

The organizational structure is designed to identify, develop, restore, promote and protect Afrikan people, values and cultures.    

We’ll add more Kwanzaa celebrations in Columbus as we find them!