Celebrations and events 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, held on the 6th day.

Deposit photos

The Official Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

November 27-28, 2021 from 12 pm – 7 pm on Saturday and 12 pm – 5 pm on Sunday. Learn about Kwanzaa and the seven principles during 2 days of dancing, drumming, and community performances. There will also be a marketplace where you can shop. See more details on the Kwanzaa 614 Facebook page.
2740 South Hamilton, Columbus.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy at King Arts Complex

December 20-23 & December 27-30, 2021 (M-Thurs) | 9 AM – 4 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 2021 Winter Academy. Find registration details on the website.

Programming: $125 per child
Registration Fee: $25 per child

Kwanzaa – A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture

The Ohio History Center is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration from December 26-January 1, 2022 from 4-8 pm.

Kwanzaa, which means first fruits or harvest in Swahili, is a celebration honoring African American culture. Based on the Seven Principles of Nguzo Saba, the event will showcase high energy and engaging performances of African drumming, dance, poetry, theatre and storytelling.

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.

Aziza and Tony West, Master Drummer and Dancer (of the Imani Dancers)

Elder Phyllis Ransom

Akwaaba – female drumming group led by Babaritah

Lawrence Lemon, Nomel Dance Ministries

See Ohio History Center website for more information.

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