The museum will be closed October 18th-20th except for previously scheduled group tours.

40th Annual African World Festival FAQs

Need more information about the 40th Annual African World Festival? Check out our FAQ's below.

2023 AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is the African World Festival this Year?

Our 40th Anniversary event returns to our roots and will be held at Hart Plaza in the Downtown Detroit Riverfront. 

Where can I park to attend the festival?

The Wright offers free bike valet to bicyclists who ride to African World Festival. Find more parking options including Q-Line and Parkopedia here.

Why won't the Festival be at The Wright Museum?

While we loved hosting AWF at the museum for 13 of our 40 years, Hart Plaza is designed to host large festivals and will help the museum welcome as many participants as possible without worrying about the management and impact of large crowds.  

What are the dates and times this year for AWF?

July 14, 15, 16, from 11am 11pm daily.   

How much does it cost to attend AWF?

Attending is free for museum members, $15 for Adults, $10 for Seniors and Students.  Also, stay connected as we’ll share numerous opportunities for free or discounted admission leading up to the event.   

Why are you charging an Admission Fee for AWF?

African World Festival features internationally renowned artists and a full, three-day schedule of world class entertainment for the entire family. As with many other festivals, the fee is an investment to help offset and manage the rise of inflation and what it means to host large-scale events in a post pandemic world.  

As always, members of the Wright Museum and children 12 get in free.

Do I have to buy a ticket for all 3 days? Or can I buy 1 ticket for just one day?

You can buy each day separately.

How many tickets to AWF are included with my membership?

One Ticket Memberships - You will receive one (1) ticket to AWF with the following membership types:

  • Students
  • Senior
  • College Student
  • Individual
  • Divine 9 Individual

Two Ticket Memberships - You will receive two (2) ticket to AWF with the following membership types:

  • Senior Dual

Two Adult Tickets & 4 Kid Memberships:

  • Family
  • Divine 9 Family
  • Contributor
  • Supporter
  • Partner
  • Lifetime

Note: Please arrive each day with your entire party if you have multiple tickets.

What if I don’t have my membership card?

When you sign up for your membership you get an email from The Wright that directs you to your QR code. You can use this to check into the festival. If you don’t have this email, you can visit The Charles H. Wright Museum to check your status and renew or join.

Can I buy my membership at the gate?

No. Memberships will not be sold at the entrance. You can skip the line and purchase your membership online anytime by visiting www.thewright.org, or you can visit The Charles H. Wright Museum at anytime during museum hours. You can also visit the museum’s store onsite inside the Hart Plaza Gates to purchase your membership.

Will food and drinks sold at the festival?

Yes. We will feature food vendors including food trucks. You can also purchase soda, juice, and water at one of our five beverage booths. 3 of our booths will also sell alcohol, and you must be 21 and older to purchase.

Will there be a designated area this year for seniors and those with disabilities?

Yes, we will provide a seating area for seniors and those with disabilities.

Will there be a bike valet again this year?

Yes.

How can I become a vendor at AWF?

We are no longer accepting vendor applications this year, but welcome you to express interest for next year’s festival.
 
Please submit the 41st African World Festival Interest Form if you would like us to contact you next year about participating in the 2024 African World festival.

Submit Form