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 20, 23-24, 26-27, 30-31, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 3 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 2024 Winter Academy. Find registration details on the website.

Programming: $125 per child

Kwanzaa 614 – A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture 

December 26, Umoja

6 to 9 p.m. at the King Arts Complex with performances and vendors throughout the evening. Willa Bingham will perform as the guest storyteller. See website for updates. (per Ohio History Connection website)

December 27, Kujichgulia

6 to 9 p.m. at the William H. Thomas Art Gallery. No details posted, info per Ohio History Connection website.

December 28-29, 2024
Ohio History Connection

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 28, Ujima

DJ: TrigNo, Emcee: Annie B. The event features dancing, demonstrations, food tastings, drumming, and activities.

December 29, Ujaama

DJ: TrigNo, Emcee: Annie B. Featuring poetry, food tastings, excerpt from “A Different Way” Kwanzaa Opera, music, and activities

Read more about both days and REGISTER on the website. 

Monday, December 30, Nia
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library with a performance by Urban Strings at 2 pm.

The events, which all feature free admission, are supported by contributions from Honda, Huntington and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

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!