Celebrations 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.

Kwanzaa honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions.

The name, Kwanzaa, comes from the Swahili word that means “first harvest” and is based on the principles of Nguzo Saba.

Deposit photos

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy at King Arts Complex

December 26th- 29th, 2023 | 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 2023 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 

December 26 and December 30, 2023

Ohio History Connection and TAWI Family Village will present two evenings of Kwanzaa that will feature African drumming, music, dance, storytelling and hands on art activities. Other days feature events at locations in the community.

December 26: Umoja
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening ceremony at Lincoln Theater (Free)

December 27:  Kujichgulia
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. King Arts Complex Kwanzaa Market Place

December 28: Ujima
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. King Arts Complex Kwanzaa Market Place

December 29: Ujamaa
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ohio History Center Kwanzaa Celebration (free, details)

December 30: Nia 
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ohio History Center Kwanzaa Celebration (free, details)
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Nia with Urban Strings – MLK Library (free, details)

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.    

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