PHILADELPHIA, PA — African dance, drumming, art, storytelling, and family activities will fill Philadelphia Zoo’s Impala Plaza as the Zoo and ODUNDE365 bring a daylong celebration of African culture to visitors.
African Culture Fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, continuing the spirit of South Philadelphia’s annual ODUNDE Festival through performances, creative workshops, music, and hands-on activities for children and adults. The celebration is included with Zoo admission or membership.
Guests can spend the day moving between a live DJ, African bracelet and mask making, a painting class, henna art, a children’s dance performance, and an interactive African drumming class. West Philly Reading Captains will also distribute themed books throughout the event.
The program will conclude with an ODUNDE365 finale on Impala Plaza, bringing the afternoon’s music, dance, and cultural activities together for one final celebration.
A Full Afternoon of Activities
The scheduled lineup includes:
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Live DJ
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: West Philly Reading Captains book giveaway
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: African bracelet and mask making
- Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Painting class
- Noon to 2 p.m.: African henna
- 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.: Children’s African dance performance
- 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: African drum class
- 2:15 to 3 p.m.: ODUNDE365 finale on Impala Plaza
The event gives families an opportunity to experience African artistic traditions through movement, music, visual art, and shared community activities while enjoying a day at the Zoo.
Event Details
- What: Philadelphia Zoo African Culture Fest, presented in partnership with ODUNDE365
- When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Cost/Tickets: Included with Philadelphia Zoo admission or membership; children younger than 2 receive free general admission, while other admission prices vary by date.
- More Info: https://philadelphiazoo.org/events/african-culture-fest/
From making masks and bracelets to learning a drum rhythm or watching young dancers perform, African Culture Fest offers families a lively and welcoming way to connect with African culture while creating new memories together at Philadelphia Zoo.
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