Fed Square transforms into a continental celebration with jollof rice battles and Guinness World Record-breaking cuisine.
The African Music and Cultural Festival returns for its 12th year from 21-23 November at Fed Square.
The free three-day festival represents over 40 African countries and attracts more than 50,000 visitors annually. The African Music and Cultural Festival brings together live music, fashion parades, traditional dance, market stalls and food from over 20 African nations across the weekend.
African Music and Cultural Festival
- Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
- When: 21-23 November
- Entry: Free
What to expect
- African-Australian short films
- Live music
- Spoken word performances
- Fashion parades
- Traditional dance
- Drumming workshops
- Market stalls
- Food vendors from over 20 African countries
- Evette Quoibia (Guinness World Record holder serving Liberian cuisine)
- Panel speakers (for the Sunday forum)
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
@amcfoz Ever wanted to visit over 30 countries in one go? Join us at Fed Square for the 2025 African Music and Cultural Festival and experience the incredible variety of Africa, from Moroccan spices to South African rhythms. It’s a whirlwind tour without the jet lag!
Evette Quoibia makes her festival debut
Guinness World Record holder Evette Quoibia makes her festival debut, serving Liberian cuisine after cooking non-stop for 140 hours. The African Music and Cultural Festival kicks off on 21 November from 11am to 10pm with African-Australian short films, live music and spoken word performances alongside afro-fusion food vendors.
Saturday 22 November runs from 10am to 10pm with 12 hours of programming including the Jollof Rice Wars, where Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal compete for the title of best jollof rice. Families can access drumming workshops, African board games, Santa’s grotto and face painting throughout the day, alongside fashion parades and traditional dance performances.
Sunday 23 November continues from 10am to 8pm with 10 hours of entertainment plus a forum addressing issues affecting African Australians, featuring a panel of speakers and senior representatives from government and corporate organisations.
The festival operates under the theme Celebrating Diversity and Harmony, with each day beginning with a Welcome to Country by the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. Founded in 2014, the African Music and Cultural Festival has grown from a local celebration into a nationally recognised cultural event.
For more information, head here.
