A Citywide Family Reunion: Festival Sundiata Returns to Seattle Center

Aug 10

The heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest is about to get a whole lot louder and more soulful. On August 22 and 23, Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest is taking over Seattle Center, and this year, it’s all about creating a citywide family reunion.

For over four decades, Festival Sundiata has stood as a pillar for our community. As the longest-running African American festival in the region, it is a "living bridge," as Sundiata African American Cultural Association board member Charles Tatum Jr. put it in a recent press release, connecting our ancestors' history to the modern energy of today. It’s a space where the richness of the African diaspora is celebrated by all of us, together.

You can’t have a family reunion without some serious music. This year’s lineup is absolutely stacked. We’re talking about the legendary Morris Day and The Time bringing that Minneapolis funk, alongside Zimbabwean-American hip hop force Draze. From the Pacific Northwest Community Gospel Choir to local favorites like Tha Skunk Mob and Mercedes Montgomery, the stages at the Mural Amphitheatre and Armory will be jumping from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. all weekend long.

There’s also a brand-new addition this year: Skate Sundiata. The festival is transforming the Fisher Pavilion into a full-on roller rink. Whether you’re a pro or just trying not to fall, you can come out and glide to the sounds of a live DJ. It’s that authentic, community energy we love to see.

Between the food, the visual art installations in the Armory, and the kids' activities hosted by the Seattle Children’s Museum, there is something for every generation. This is about cultural continuity and making sure our stories, our art, and our joy are accessible to everyone in the city.

Bring the kids, bring the cousins, and bring your best energy.

We’ll see you at the Center for the biggest family reunion in town from 1 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23. For more details, head over to festivalsundiata.org.