Free Kwanzaa Children's Festival

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 36 Park Pl, Newark, NJ | Get Directions »
FREE

Bring the entire family for this afternoon of free Kwanzaa activities, from 12:00pm-5:00pm, including hands-on workshops (for adults and children) in African dance and music, storytelling, Capoeira, drumming and more. These workshops give families the opportunity to learn more about the Kwanzaa holiday and the African Diaspora. There will also be a Children's Book Fair, an Arts and Crafts Village featuring face painting, hands-on activities such as spirit masks, sekere crafting, Kwanzaa wish scrolls, and more.

Activities take place at NJPAC and next door at the Center for Arts Education, 24 Rector Street. 

Arts and Crafts Village     12:00–5:00pm

GlassRoots - Demonstration of glass art

Programs for Parents - Learn about services to help parents, family child care providers, and child care centers balance the complex needs of today’s families and children.

Supporting Our Sisters and Embracing Arms - A Who Am I workshop for young adults and children to reflect on their cultural pride.

Drumming Workshop with Giwayen Mata
Families work with company members on drumming and dancing techniques.

Experience Liberia - Create a craft and learn the history and culture of the region.
Presented in association with United Way and The Mayor’s African Commission, City of Newark.

Children’s Storyrooms
1:30–2:15pm - Experience the wonder of the African-American culture through stories with Julie Pasqual.

2:30–3:30pm - Learn about the history of Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba with C Katunge Mimy.

3:30–4:30pm - Celebrate Family, Community, Culture and ancient heritage through stories and songs with Wincey Terry.

African Dance Classes
2:00–3:30pm - Brother Jerome, Artistic Director of the LaRocque Bey School Of Dance, will lead an Afro-Caribbean dance class for all ages.

4:00–5:30pm - Learn West African dance with past Ailey teaching artist Imani Faye.

World Music Demonstrations
2:00–4:00pm   Afro-Haitian drumming with Bonga Jean-Baptiste
Master Haitian drummer Bonga leads an upbeat Afro-Haitian music workshop with traditional percussion instruments.

3:00–4:00pm and 5:00–6:00pm   Heritage OP
Traditional rhythms, songs and dance are performed with hand crafted instruments.

3:30–5:00pm   Capoeira Workshop
Learn Afro-Brazilian history and experience the beautiful artistry of Capoeira with Instructor Macaco.

Please note that all artists and times are subject to change.

Presented in association with United Way, the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beta Alpha Omega Chapter, and the KAPPAS.

NJPAC's Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace is made possible through the generosity of Leon and Toby Cooperman.