City: Nashville, TN

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (615) 963-5561

Description: This 3-day family-oriented ethnic celebration is held the second or third weekend of Sept. It is a major event, drawing tens of thousands to the historic Jefferson Street area. The festival features more than 100 merchants from 25 states, exotic food concessions, and 8 hours of daily entertainment. There is something for everyone. The stage show features art, lots of music—blues, gospel, African drums, jazz, rap, and reggae—as well as poetry and drama. Other attractions are African dance lessons, children’s storytelling, a teen tent, art show, fashion show, and lectures. Day-care assistance is provided on-site. It’s held on the west side of the TSU campus, a mile from downtown, near 28th Avenue N. and I-40. Admission and parking are free. An MTA trolley provides free transportation around the campus.