African Festival Melbourne at Queen Victoria Market Sunday 22nd Jun 2025

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, Cuisine & Community

Step into a world of colour, rhythm, and flavour at the African Festival Melbourne 2025, where the sights, sounds, and tastes of Africa come alive!

A Feast for the Senses

Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of authentic African dishes, lovingly prepared by passionate vendors eager to share their culinary heritage. From aromatic tagines and sizzling grilled meats to delicate pastries and refreshing drinks, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.

Immerse Yourself in African Culture

Beyond the delicious food, experience the vibrant spirit of Africa through live music, dynamic dance performances, and cultural showcases. Watch talented artisans at work, explore handcrafted goods, and take part in interactive workshops that celebrate the continent’s rich traditions.

Fun for the Whole Family

The African Festival is a celebration for all ages! Bring the little ones along for engaging kids’ activities, face painting, drumming sessions, and storytelling that will transport them to another world.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're deeply connected to African culture or simply curious to discover something new, this festival is an open invitation to celebrate diversity, unity, and community. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy a day of cultural discovery like no other!

📅 When: Sunday, 22nd June 2025
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Where: Queen Victoria Market (C & D Shed)

For sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@foodietrails.com.au or call 1800 667 791 to receive a sponsor pack.

Main Stage Entertainment Line-Up

Join us for a full day of high-energy performances that celebrate the vibrant music, dance, and cultural traditions of Africa. From powerful drumming to Afro-Latin beats and acrobatic spectacle—every moment is a celebration!

Your host is Dorcas Maphakela! A South African-born Mopedi powerhouse, Dorcas brings her multidisciplinary creativity—spanning writing, visual arts, and holistic well-being.

🕥 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Super Mande Percussion
Kick off the festival with the heartbeat of West Africa! Led by master drummer Mady Keita from Mali, this electrifying performance brings the rhythms, songs, and dance of the African Drumming Academy to life. A powerful and authentic cultural experience not to be missed.

🕦 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
WALA – West African Drummers & Dancers
Direct from Ghana, WALA sets the stage alight with high-energy drumming, soaring vocal harmonies, and infectious dance. Featuring 10 drums played with hands, feet, and sticks, this performance is a celebration of joy, rhythm, and community.

🕧 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
Kwabo Events – Afro Beats Dance Show
Feel the energy of Africa’s streets! This dynamic showcase blends popular styles like Ndombolo (Congo), Kuduro & Afrohouse (Angola) with South African dance to get the crowd moving and grooving.

🕐 1:20 PM – 1:30 PM
Official Speeches
A warm welcome from the City of Melbourne and event organisers, celebrating the diversity and unity of our multicultural city.

🕜 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Sonik Waves – Mauritian Island Vibes
Get transported to the islands with Sonik Waves, a Mauritian cultural band performing traditional Sega music and infectious island rhythms. Their soulful sounds and lively beats are sure to have you dancing.

🕑 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
David Smile Dance – Afro-Latin Fusion
Join David Smile for an upbeat dance session that fuses Cuban salsa, reggaeton, kizomba, and Afro grooves. Perfect for all ages and levels—come ready to dance and have fun!

🕝 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Asanti Dance – Acrobatics & Drum Workshop
End the day with a bang! Be amazed by the Asanti Dance Troupe, combining jaw-dropping African acrobatics with a hands-on African drumming workshop. This performance invites you to move, drum, and feel the spirit of the continent.

💫 Plus: Roving entertainment, face painting, henna art, food stalls, market traders, and more!

📍 Free entry – all ages welcome

Highlights from the food offerings include Taste of Senegal, serving up their famous West African Jollof Rice, and The Real Jerk Food Truck, delivering the bold flavours of authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. Fatush Catering will offer a rich mix of African and Middle Eastern dishes, while Amas Delight tempts with traditional African desserts. For lovers of flame-grilled fare, Braz Oz Brazilian BBQ will be serving up smoky South American favourites straight from the grill.

Alongside the culinary delights, festival stalls will feature a vibrant mix of artisan goods and interactive experiences. Savannah Fashions will showcase bold and colourful African clothing and accessories, while Saba Naaz brings creativity to life with face painting and designs that delight children and families alike.