African American Culture & Arts Festival (AACAF)
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Black Art, Culture & Education, Inc.$0
raised by 0 people
$10,000 goal
Every October, Black Art, Culture & Education (BACE) turns Suwanee Town Center Park into a free, day-long celebration of Black creativity. The African American Culture & Arts Festival brings together live music, dance, poetry, a youth showcase, a kids' zone, local Black-owned vendors, and food trucks, and admission is always free for everyone.
Since 2020, the festival has grown from a grassroots idea into one of the region's largest celebrations of African American art and culture. In 2025, more than 2,500 people came out, about 1,000 of them young people, to enjoy 20+ Black performing artists and shop with 90+ small businesses. Three young performers made their stage debut. One of them, high school student Nile Hassell, told us, "Performing here gave me courage."
In 2026, heavy rain tested us, and the community still showed up: about 1,500 guests, 60 vendors, and 20 artists celebrated together in the rain. That's the spirit of this festival, and it is why we are already planning the next one.
Saturday, October 2, 2027, at Suwanee Town Center Park.
Why your gift matters
We keep the festival free so cost is never the reason a family misses out. We reach out directly to Title 1 schools near the festival site and to low-income neighborhoods, and we offer reduced booth fees to youth and nonprofit vendors. Booth fees and sponsorships cover only part of the cost, so your gift closes the gap. Vendor revenue also helps fund our annual Black History Program and the BACE Community Learning Center in Decatur.
"The event was positive and fun. It truly represented the Black Experience for our time." – Sabrena Farmer, festival guest
"The energy, the laughter, and the love, we SOLD OUT!" – FYAHOUSE Seasoning & Marinade, festival vendor
Use of Funds:
- Stage, sound, and lighting for live performances
- Stipends for performers and youth showcase artist organizations
- Park venue fees, permits, and insurance
- Tents, tables, chairs, and accessibility services
- Kids' zone activities and supplies
- Videography and photography
- Flyers, ads, and outreach to Title 1 schools and low-income families