On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Cahaba Brewing Company patio in Avondale, Birmingham, will pulse with the sounds, tastes, and colors of Africa at the Journey to Africa Cultural Arts Street Festival (J2A). From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this celebrated one-day event invites residents and visitors to immerse themselves in African dance, music, art, fashion, and food—all converging to foster community, understanding, and cultural pride.
A Festival With Roots & Vision
Founded by Dance Levels, a local multicultural dance organization, J2A was born from a vision to highlight African artistic expression and its connection to the Black diaspora in Birmingham. The festival aims to:
Celebrate African influence on global creativity
Provide platforms for local artists, dancers, and vendors
Educate the public about African traditions and cultures through interactive experiences
Generous support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts underscores its role as a community-centered cultural institution Facebook+6AllEvents+6Bham Now+6Facebook+1Eventbrite+1.
When & Where
đź“… Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
🕚 Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. CDT
đź“Ť Location: Cahaba Brewing Company (4500 5th Ave S, Building C), Avondale, Birmingham, AL Dance Levels+2Bham Now+2AllEvents+2
The choice of Cahaba Brewing’s outdoor courtyard provides a relaxed and accessible urban setting—perfect for families and festival-goers to connect in an open-air festival atmosphere.
What to Expect
In 2025, J2A promises a vibrant mix of dance, art, food, and interactivity:
Live Performances & Dance Workshops
Local and regional dancers will showcase traditional and contemporary African choreographies. Audiences may also join interactive workshops—potentially teaching West African dance styles and drumming techniques Alabama Travel+7AllEvents+7Facebook+7.
Artisans & Vendor Market
Expect 50+ vendors offering handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, visual art, cultural apparel, and street art, celebrating both African and African-American artistic heritage AllEvents+1Birmingham 365+1.
Food Trucks & Culinary Delights
Savor diverse offerings—from local soul food to African-inspired street eats—courtesy of a curated food truck selection seasoned and vetted by the festival team .
Youth-Driven Programming
Auditions held earlier in July indicate strong youth involvement with performances for adults (18+), teens (13–18), and children (4–12) Instagram—ensuring a generational celebration of culture.
Community Engagement & Education
Expect educational storytelling, spoken-word, and artist talks—designed to share African cultural knowledge meaningfully. Dance Levels highlights the event’s mission to facilitate cross-cultural understanding Wikipedia+7AllEvents+7Dance Levels+7.
Participation & Scale
Vendor & Sponsor Registration: Remains open and well-structured—costing $40 for vendors and $80 for sponsors. Electricity isn’t provided, and vendors must supply tents and supplies Dance Levels.
Size & Scope: Over 50 vendors, multiple food trucks, and around 900–1,000 participants—with hundreds more as spectators Dance Levels+1Birmingham 365+1.
Free Entry: Admission is free and open to the public, encouraging maximum accessibility AllEvents.
Cultural Impact & Significance
1. Centering African Culture in the South
J2A’s focus on African arts is vital in a region where such traditions are often underrepresented. The festival builds local cultural literacy and fosters pride.
2. Empowering Local Artists
By providing performance stages, market spaces, and programming roles, the festival invests in the local Black arts ecosystem. For young artists and kids, it is a gateway to creative development.
3. Community Cohesion & Cross-Cultural Bridges
On the festival day, families, neighbors, and newcomers convene—co-creating an atmosphere of openness, connection, and intercultural exchange.
Planning Your Visit
Logistical Tips
Transportation: Cahaba Brewing is accessible by personal vehicle; limited parking is available nearby. Consider carpooling or rideshare.
Schedule: Arrive early (~10:30 a.m.) to set up picnic spots and explore vendor booths.
Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, folding chairs or blankets, and cash (some vendors may not accept cards).
Accessibility: The courtyard and pathways are wheelchair-friendly. Festival staff can assist as needed.
For Vendors & Performers
Setup: 7:30–10:30 a.m.—strict no-late-arrival policy Facebook+5Dance Levels+5Birmingham 365+5.
Performers: Created tracks based on age groups; no fees—performers participate freely upon audition Bham Now+3Instagram+3Facebook+3.
Vendor Fees: $40 for booth/table; sponsors pay $80 (includes branding). A 4% tax is collected and remitted by festival organizers Dance Levels.
Community Voices
While official quotes are pending, the festival's enthusiastic social media presence shows high interest—over 1,700 people marked interested and more than 120 confirmed attendees on Facebook Facebook.
The Future of J2A
Scaling & Sustainability
Organizers aim to expand vendor reach, programming, and attendance—positioning J2A as a key multicultural event in Alabama.
Year-Round Cultural Activation
Beyond the summer event, Dance Levels may host workshops, performances, and residencies that sustain the momentum of African cultural expression.
Strengthened Artistic Partnerships
Support from the State Arts Council and NEA suggests future funding for youth arts programs, touring ensembles, and public installations.
Final Reflections
J2A is more than an arts festival—it’s an expression of cultural pride, unity, and aspiration. It brings together generations through song, dance, craft, and conversation, and transforms a local brewery courtyard into a celebration of shared heritage.
By spotlighting African roots and fostering community engagement, Journey to Africa Cultural Arts Street Festival enriches Birmingham’s cultural landscape—offering a day of joy, learning, and belonging.
