What to expect at the 10th annual Dayton African American Cultural Festival

Festival season is in full swing, and the Dayton African American Cultural Festival might be the most swinging one yet.

Live performances of jazz, Gospel, hip-hop, R&B, blues, plenty of dancers and more are planned for the two-day festival happening Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19.

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"The Dayton African American Cultural Festival provides for the coming together of diverse people to celebrate the richness of the African American experience through activities that promote art, education and health," according to the festival's Facebook page.

"Living legend" and "Cause I Love You" artist Lenny Williams is set to perform at the 10th year for the festival, this year located at Island Park. Other bigger names making appearances and performing at DAACF include 565 Nation, Renee Pate and others.

The festival not only focuses on sharing cultural experiences, but activities are also planned to educate and inform. A lecture series by local professionals and activists on health, relations, politics, economics, culture, history, education and more will run on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday portion will run from 4:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. at Dayton Island Metro Park, while the Sunday portion will take place from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Courthouse Square in Downtown.

An arts pavilion will also be set up displaying paintings, visual displays, authors and literature. At the “African Village,” drumming and storytelling will take place throughout the weekend.

And as you would expect at any great Dayton festival, plenty of delicious food vendors will be on site.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Dayton African American Cultural Festival

WHEN: 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 & 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug.19

WHERE: Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St., Dayton

INFO: FacebookDAACF.com

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