What’s On
Day One
11:00 am - 10:00pm
Kicking off Friday from 11am until 10pm, AMCF opens with a cinematic vibe featuring African Australian short films, live music, and spoken word performances.
Whether you're a city worker winding down, a school group on excursion, or simply curious about African culture, this is your moment to savour Afro-fusion food and ease into the weekend in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Day Two
10:00 am - 10:00pm
Day Three
10:00 am - 8:00pm
A continuation of day two, Sunday, features 10 hours of non-stop entertainment plus a forum addressing a topical issue affecting African Australians, with a panel of engaging and insightful speakers.
The festival’s main day, Saturday, offers 12 hours of back-to-back programming that showcases the richness of African culture. Expect live music, fashion parades, traditional dance, drumming workshops, market stalls, and a wide range of authentic food.
Families are well catered for too, with drumming workshops, African board games, Santa’s grotto and face painting, ensuring there’s something for all ages.
The day also includes the popular Jollof Rice Wars, where Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal compete to win the title of best jollof rice, as judged by a panel of special guests.
Mancala Challenge
Step into one of the world’s oldest games! Mancala, also known as Oware, Bao, Ayo or Kalah, is an ancient African board game, easy to learn but as strategic as chess. Played with stones or seeds on a wooden board, it’s a test of planning, foresight and skill.
Whether you’re 8 or 88, everyone can join the fun. Entry is a gold coin donation on the day, with great prizes up for grabs.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be Champion?
Sign up by 10 November 2025 to secure your spot.
Raffle Draw
Win a Trip to Africa – Thanks to Ethiopian Airlines!
Each year, our festival raffle gives you the chance to win big!
We’re giving away three return economy tickets to anywhere in Africa, proudly sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines.
Ready to turn your dream trip into reality?
Stay tuned — full raffle details are coming soon.
African Drumming
Across all three days of the festival, our free drumming sessions invite you to dive into the rhythm and spirit of African culture. Whether you're five or eighty-five, you'll be tapping along in no time.
Led by passionate master drummers and open to all, these sessions are a festival favourite and once you start, you won’t want to stop!
Jollof Rice Wars
Who does it best — Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon or Liberia?
Each year, our talented chefs bring the heat, serving up their take on the beloved West African classic. Our passionate judges have the tough job of choosing a winner... and trust us, the competition is fierce.
Flavour, pride and bragging rights are all on the line.
Don’t miss the most delicious showdown of the festival.
African Short Films
Come and watch a powerful selection of short films exploring heritage, identity, migration and the richness of the African diaspora.
Told by authentic voices and bold storytellers, these films aren’t just to be watched — they’re to be felt.
This is more than a screening. It’s a platform. It’s connection. It’s impact.
Fashion
Each Year, the AMCF Catwalk Tells a Story
Talented designers take the stage, showcasing bold, beautiful styles that go far beyond fashion. You see the fabric. The colours. The way it moves.
But look closer — you’ll find heritage, pride and identity woven into every thread.
Panel Discussion
Each year, our AMCF panel discussion dives into the issues that matter most across the African diaspora.
Last year, we explored “Empowered Voices: Women Redefining Leadership in Arts and Public Service” — a powerful conversation on identity, representation and creating your own opportunities. 2025 will be no different.
Stay tuned as we reveal this year’s topic and panellists — it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Kids Zone
AMCF is a free, family-friendly event — and the Kids Zone is where the magic happens.
From hands-on drumming workshops and colourful face painting to African board games and Santa’s grotto, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Bring the whole family and make a day of it — the fun’s on us.