Taste, See, and Feel Africa and Its Diaspora at AfroVibes Festival: A Multi-Sensory Celebration of Black Culture, Excellence, and Community
“AfroVibes has always been bigger than just an event — it’s a reflection of who we are as a people and what happens when community comes together.”
- Peter Pearse-Elosia, Founder of AfroVibes Festival
Waterloo, ON. May 5, 2025. AfroVibes Festival is back for its third and biggest year yet, promising a dynamic multi-sensory celebration that brings together the sounds, sights, and flavours of Africa and its global diaspora. Happening July 18-19, 2025, this FREE two-day festival has quickly become a cultural staple in Ontario’s Waterloo Region, offering a bold platform for Black excellence through music, food, art,
fashion, and storytelling.
More than 10,000 people attended last year’s festival, which transformed Downtown Kitchener into a hub of rhythm, colour, and culture. This year, AfroVibes returns with even more to experience — from jerk chicken to jollof rice served by local African and African diaspora vendors, to curated fashion and retail offerings, games, and visual showcases.
“AfroVibes has always been bigger than just an event — it’s a reflection of who we are as a people and what happens when community comes together,” says Peter Pearse-Elosia, founder of AfroVibes Festival. “When we launched in 2023, we were hoping for 250 people — and over 4,000 showed up in the heart of Kitchener. That moment showed us there’s a real hunger for spaces that celebrate us, our culture, and our stories. In just three years, we’ve already achieved milestones we thought were part of a five-year plan — and we’re only just getting started. Every year, we’re committed to growing, levelling up the experience, and continuing to create a space where Black joy and community thrive.”
The festival weekend kicks off with the return of the AfroVibes Panel Sessions on Friday, July 18th at Den 1880. These panels will spotlight Black
leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation across sectors, including business, content, tech and media. The main festival on Saturday, July 19th at Carl Zehr Square will feature a special performance by Juno Award-nominated artist, Nonso Amadi, a live party experience with DJ Lambo, family-friendly games and community activations, and a vibrant vendor market featuring over 30 black-owned businesses.
New for 2025 is the VIP Experience, offering guests an elevated view of the main stage, fast-track access to food vendors, complimentary premium bites, and the only bar on-site.
And just when you think it’s over — it’s not. Stay tuned for details on the official afterparty, hosted by DigiMillennials and featuring internationally acclaimed DJ Neptune (tickets can be purchased here).
Photo credit: @stuffedbox
This year, AfroVibes expands its footprint with the Road to AfroVibes event series — a line-up of local activations leading up to the festival, including:
- A free AfroKaraoke experience at Uptown Waterloo Square on May 16th
- A free Afro Dance Workshop on June 25th
- A special activation in partnership with Uptown Waterloo BIA at their Night Market series on July 10th.
Make it a weekend! Festival attendees
can enjoy special hotel rates through AfroVibes’ accommodation partners, including DoubleTree by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and The Walper Hotel. Visit AfroVibesTheFestival.com for full details.
AfroVibes Festival 2025 is FREE to attend, but VIP Tickets are now available. Space is limited — early booking is highly recommended.
For tickets, updates, and more information, visit AfroVibesTheFestival.com.
About AfroVibes Festival:
AfroVibes Festival is an annual celebration of African and African diaspora culture, founded in 2023 in Waterloo Region. Through music, food, fashion, art, and dialogue, the festival aims to spotlight Black creativity, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster community connection in one of Canada’s most diverse regions.
