At a Glance
- What: 11th Annual Pan-African Festival Weekend
- When: May 1–3, 2026
- Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
- Cost: Free and open to the community
- Highlights: Food, fashion, film, cultural festival, and guest speaker Anthony T. Browder
Families Are Invited to Experience Food, Fashion, and History During the 11th Annual Pan-African Festival Weekend
San Antonio will host the 11th Annual Pan-African Festival Weekend 2026 from May 1 through May 3, bringing together residents for a multi-day celebration of African culture, history, and community connection.
The weekend features a mix of events including food experiences, cultural discussions, film, and live entertainment — all designed to highlight the global influence of African heritage.
A Weekend of Events
The celebration begins Friday, May 1, with A Taste of Africa, a family-focused event featuring food, fashion, and film from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 225 N Swiss St.
Later that evening, attendees can hear from special guest Anthony T. Browder, a renowned cultural historian, Egyptologist, and author, during a presentation titled The Pan-African Contribution to Civilization from Africa to America. The talk will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the same location.
Main Festival Day
The main Pan-African Cultural Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3310 E Commerce St. and is a free event. The event will feature:
- Live entertainment
- African marketplace vendors
- Food and shopping
- Community conversations
Organizers describe the event as a family-friendly community celebration, open to all.
Closing With Film and Reflection
The weekend concludes Sunday, May 3, with a film showing titled Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence in San Antonio, TX, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 3455 Martin Luther King Dr. Tickets for this event may be purchased here.
Why It Matters
Now in its 11th year, the Pan-African Festival Weekend continues to serve as a space for cultural education, connection, and celebration in San Antonio. By bringing together history, food, art, and dialogue, the event highlights the lasting impact of African contributions both globally and locally.
