The Afro-CariBrant Festival, a growing celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture in the County of Brant and the City of Brantford, is returning this fall with a major expansion.
Organizers announced this week that the 2025 edition of the festival will be held over two days—Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7—at Paris Lions Park in Paris, Ontario. Admission is free.
Now in its third year, the festival has quickly become a regional cultural fixture.
Founded in 2023, it drew more than 3,000 attendees in its first year and over 4,000 in 2024. This year, organizers expect attendance to exceed 7,500.
Themed “Our Roots. Our Rhythm. Our Future.”, the event aims to celebrate the heritage of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora while promoting community connection and cultural pride.
“This year, we are taking a bold step forward,” said Tobi Adedayo, CEO of Darmont GivesBack, the nonprofit that organizes the festival.
“The festival has grown into a space of belonging, joy, and cultural pride. With a full weekend of programming, we’re creating deeper opportunities for families, youth, artists, and community members to come together and celebrate.”
The expanded festival will feature live performances by local and national Afro-Caribbean musicians, cultural dance and fashion shows, food and artisan markets, children’s activities, and storytelling and wellness workshops.
Programming runs from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Darmont GivesBack, based in Ontario, focuses on community development through education, health, equity, and outreach initiatives.
The festival reflects the organization’s three pillars: heritage, healing, and harmony.
For more information, or to apply as a vendor, volunteer, or sponsor, visit www.afrocaribrantfestival.org.
