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Event Overview

Festival Sundiata is a vibrant celebration of the arts that aims to educate the community about individuals of African descent, showcasing a rich blend of cultures and ethnicities. The festival features an array of activities, including music, spoken word performances, delicious food, a variety of vendors, and an impressive art exhibition, among many other attractions. Thousands have been inspired by the Festival Sundiata experience, returning year after year. This year’s festival promises to be even more engaging, boasting high production values and timeless performances. Most importantly, Festival Sundiata fosters an opportunity for families and diverse communities to connect in extraordinary ways.

The Black Arts Fest encapsulates centuries of cultural expression in a vibrant and universally appealing showcase of rhythm, styles, interaction, and free location-based entertainment. The Sundiata African American Cultural Association has a strategic vision to expand the festival over the next decade, aiming to establish a new
standard for branded music, arts, and cultural events. Festival Sundiata: The Black Arts Fest stands out as the only event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

Festival Sundiata Festival of the Year Awards

Thanks to the leadership of the Sundiata African American Cultural Association, along with the dedicated efforts of the committees, volunteers, talented entertainers, excellent vendors, and the Seattle Center staff, Festival Sundiata received the prestigious title of Outstanding Festival of the Year in both 2013 and 2015.

Memorable Moments from Past Events

Highlighting our success through captivating visuals and experiences

Celebrating our successful music events and experiences together

Moving and Growing

Festival Sundiata is held at the Seattle Center, a stunning location in the Pacific Northwest and the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. With the right approach, the festival has the potential to become as popular and entertaining as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s JazzFest and the Essence Festival, both of which attract visitors from across the globe and generate significant revenue for their cities.

After over 40 years, numerous concerts, and a diverse array of talented performers, Festival Sundiata aims to strengthen its connections with current sponsors and partners while attracting new ones and rekindling relationships with previous sponsors.

In 2010, the festival shifted from February’s Black History Month to August, taking advantage of opportunities with recording labels, radio stations, and other media that support this month and prefer warmer weather. Increased funding will enable the festival to explore new brandingopportunities, develop community programs that nurture young talent, enhance online promotions, and organize yearround events.

Impact

As part of the Sundiata African American Cultural Association’s comprehensive strategy, the festival plans to enhance its crossover appeal by booking more A-list and international artists, hosting art exhibits, and organizing cultural events that resonate with a multicultural audience. Additionally, the festival is seeking to establish a partnership with an airline sponsor to facilitate travel for talent, provide cargo services for art collections, and offer travel packages and incentives for attendees. This collaboration will help Festival Sundiata expand its marketing efforts in Seattle and work alongside the state Arts Commission and Tourism Department to promote the festival in nearby markets, including Vancouver B.C., Portland, and San Francisco. Furthermore, the festival aims to tap into international markets such as London, the Caribbean, and Canada to attract those seeking family-friendly entertainment, art, music, and a celebration of Black culture.

Festival Sundiata is a glimpse into and a celebration of African American culture.

Why Festival Sundiata?

The festival has significantly raised awareness of the African American contributions to the Pacific Northwest’s history, dating back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the settlement of African Americans in Washington State in the 1850s. Founded by the Sundiata African American Cultural Association, Festival Sundiata has established its importance in Seattle, evolving into a kind of family reunion. The enduring familial connection between the festival and the surrounding community has been the driving force behind its successful 40-plus years of operation.

King Sundiata

Sundiata African American Cultural Association and the Black Arts Fest celebrate the rich traditions associated with King Sundiata Keita, the notable Mansa (King of Kings) of the Mali Empire in West Africa.

King Sundiata played a crucial role in establishing one of Africa’s most significant cultural and economic kingdoms. His courageous actions, commitment to justice, and dedication to tradition contributed to the restoration and prosperity of the Mali Empire.

The Black Arts Fest continues these traditions by promoting and preserving the music, arts, and the profound history and culture that are deeply embedded in African heritage worldwide. The film The Lion King was inspired by the life of King Sundiata Keita.

Memorable Moments from Past Events

Festival Sundiata Timeline

The timeline for our music event highlights the essential stages of planning and execution. We begin with initial discussions, prioritizing our ongoing partnership with the Seattle Center, and then finalize the lineup and media strategy. Next, we will actively promote the event across various platforms to draw in our target audience. As the event date nears, we will organize logistical details, including sound checks and accommodations for artists. On the day of the event, our team will oversee everything to ensure smooth operations, from setup to crowd management. After the event concludes, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify successes and areas for enhancement, aiming to make our next event even more successful.

Dates:

August 23-34, 2025

Location:

Seattle Center Campus

Est. Attendance:

25,000

Volunteers:

100