For three days, Fed Square will come alive with live music, traditional and contemporary dance, spectacular mask and drumming performances, fashion, film, market stalls and food from across the continent.
Day One - 20th Nov 2026
10:00 am - 10:00pm
The festival kicks off on Friday as Fed Square comes alive with African-Australian short films, live music, spoken word, food and cultural experiences.
From school groups and city workers to families and festivalgoers, Friday sets the scene for the weekend, with Zimbabwean artist Niasha closing day one.
Day Two - 21st Nov 2026
10:00 am - 10:00pm
Saturday sees Fed Square come alive for the festival’s biggest day, with 12 hours of live music, dance, fashion, food and cultural performances.
From the first performances of the morning through to Kenyan artist Elsy Wameyo closing the Main Stage from 9pm, Saturday is a full day of African music, culture and celebration.
Day Three - 22nd Nov 2026
10:00 am - 8:00pm
Sunday kicks off with giant Somali puppetry followed by a fireside chat exploring “African Australian medical pioneers” and the return of the crowd-favourite Jollof Rice Wars.
South African act Afro Space Interchange will then take over the Main Stage for a high-energy finale to three incredible days of music, culture and celebration at Fed Square.
What’s On
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?
Art Workshop
Join us for a day of creativity with free art workshops for all ages.
Enjoy sessions, plus mini canvas art, bookmark making and African-inspired fabric designs.
Workshops run 30–60 minutes with 30 spots per session.
Workshops run at The Edge, Fed Square
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!
African Drumming
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.
Jollof Rice Wars
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.
African Short Films
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.
Fashion
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. 2026 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.
Panel Discussion
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.