If you're looking for something to do the last weekend of October, the 7th annual Wontanara Festival runs Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1, at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton, in the Atlanta metro area. According to ArtsATL, the name comes from a Susu phrase meaning "We Are Together," and that idea shapes the whole weekend. The event is produced by Wontanara Institution Inc., and it centers on African and Afro-diasporic arts, culture, and education.
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The festival kicks off on Friday, with the first program starting at 3:00 PM. ArtsATL mentions a film screening that focuses on community and student storytelling. Saturday and Sunday programming begins earlier, at 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, according to Creative Loafing's listing. Between those hours you can sign up for hands-on drum and dance classes that are open to all skill levels, or sit in on panel discussions, wellness sessions, and business and entrepreneurship workshops. Discover Atlanta also describes Roots & Rhythm, a mini cultural museum experience, and the festival includes a Kids Zone for younger visitors, which makes it easy to bring the whole family.
The headline concert is The Awakening, held on Saturday night. ArtsATL highlights Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, a Bessie Award-winning group that is performing as part of its 25th anniversary national tour, "The Revival: Djembe in the New Millennium." The lineup also includes Liveband and Wontanara Entertainment Group, and Discover Atlanta lists Morehouse Band and Giwayen Mata as well. Once the concert wraps up, the festival's website mentions late-night DJ sets and a social dance session called Fête Function, so the evening can keep going for those who want to stay on the floor.
During the day, the outdoor-style marketplace called Le Marché gives you a chance to browse and shop. ArtsATL describes it as a curated market with Black-owned artisans, food vendors, and wellness practitioners, and the festival's website puts the number of vendors at more than 30. Admission is free, according to both ArtsATL and Discover Atlanta, so you can drop in for an hour or spend the whole day moving between the classes, panels, and stage performances. For the full schedule and any updates, the festival website at wontanarafestival.org has the most current details.
Published Date
20 October 2026
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