African Food Festival returns to Waltham with authentic cuisine, culture and community

African cuisine, music, fashion and businesses will take center stage Saturday as the Africa Connect Food Festival returns to Waltham. 

Hosted by ReNew Africa, the festival will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at Waltham Common, 610 Main St. The free event is open to everyone and will feature authentic African vendors, performers and local entrepreneurs representing several African countries.

For organizer Sarah Kazibwe, president and founder of ReNew Africa, the festival showcases the contributions of African culture to the Waltham area.

“I offer this platform to entrepreneurs and small-business owners to bring out what they have and show it to the community,” Kazibwe said. “It’s an opportunity for the world to see that they exist.”

This year’s festival, the third annual, will feature vendors from Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya, with offerings ranging from traditional cuisine to handmade jewelry, clothing, candles, honey and other locally made products. Representatives from nonprofit organizations will also be present.

Kazibwe, a Waltham resident for more than two decades, said the annual event has grown steadily since it began three years ago.

“Every year we learn from the previous [one] how we can do the event better,” she said. “This year is going to be bigger because more people know who we are.”

She said the festival’s increased visibility has helped attract more attendees and vendors, allowing it to continue expanding each year.

Kazibwe said one of her long-term goals is to grow the festival so more African-owned businesses have an opportunity to participate.

“My dream is to have 10 to 20 vendors, maybe even 30,” she said.

Beyond showcasing food, Kazibwe said the festival serves as a platform for small businesses to gain exposure that extends beyond a single day of sales.

“People get to know who you are,” she said. “Even if you don’t make a lot that day, people know where to find you afterward. That exposure can lead to much more.”

Kazibwe said Waltham was a natural home for the festival because of its diversity and welcoming atmosphere.

“Waltham has diversity in cultures,” she said. “It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to connect, be known and enjoy good hospitality.”

Festival attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the afternoon. A DJ will provide music throughout the event, creating what Kazibwe described as a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can connect with members of the African community while experiencing different cultures through food, art and conversation.

“We want everybody to join us,” she said. “It’s a good day to connect and get to know what it feels like to be among the African community.”

Kazibwe hopes residents will also support the vendors who have traveled to showcase their businesses.

“It would mean a lot to our vendors when people come, support them, get to know who they are and connect with them,” she said.