Louisville Kwanzaa Festival 2025
Kwanzaa is a time for us to practice Sankofa, to return to the wisdom of our ancestors and intentionally learn, live, and practice the Nguzo Saba in ways that ground us not just for seven days, but for all 365. It is our responsibility to teach our children who they are, who we are together, and to share with them the abundance, strength, and possibility that already exists within our community. All members in our community are needed, including our children. They must be oriented in time and space, linked to their elders and ancestors, aware of the generations that will follow them, and rooted in a community with a powerful history they can take pride in and are called to add to.
To make this practice accessible, we will be going live on our Facebook page at each gathering, inviting families to observe in person, online, or at home. Families can support home observance by purchasing a kinara and candles from Gye Nyame Books and More and by using our Family Workbook (linked below), which offers reflections, crafts, book ideas, and games to help children and caregivers practice together throughout the week.
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Louisville Kwanzaa Festival 2025
A Week of Gathering, Reflection, and Community Care
From December 26 through January 1, families across Louisville are invited to gather for a week of shared experiences rooted in culture, connection, and collective care. Each day offers a unique opportunity to come together, through storytelling, learning, creativity, mentorship, history, movement, and community exchange, across multiple neighborhoods and partner spaces.
All gatherings are free and open to the community. Each event includes the traditional Kwanzaa ceremony and live drumming by the Akoben Drummers, grounding the week in rhythm, remembrance, and celebration. Whether you join us for one day or walk with us through the full week, Louisville Kwanzaa Festival is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and step into the new year surrounded by community. Swipe through or read on for the full calendar of events, locations, and times. Register to attend HERE.
Umoja, Unity
Friday, December 26
6:00–8:00 PM | Saint Martin de Porres Church
We open the week by gathering the community together through the Drum Call tradition and storytelling. Families are invited into an evening of reflection, shared history, and collective grounding led by trusted community artists and culture bearers.
Kujichagulia,
Self Determination
Saturday, December 27
12:00–2:00 PM | Republic Bank YMCA
A family-friendly career and book fair designed to help children see themselves in a wide range of possibilities. Youth engage in literacy activities, dress-up, crafts, and hands-on learning while meeting community members who reflect the many paths available to them.
Ujima, Collective Work
& Responsibility
Sunday, December 28
3:00–5:00 PM | Roots 101 History Museum
An interactive museum experience featuring a history and scholarship scavenger hunt. Families explore local history while learning how community organizations support one another and how individuals can both give and receive help within their neighborhood ecosystems.
*Bring new clothes and/or toiletries to support Clothe The West!
Ujamaa,
Cooperative Economics
Monday, December 29
4:00–8:00 PM | Camp Edwards
An evening centered on local entrepreneurship and community exchange. Families can explore a Black vendor marketplace, connect with small business owners, and experience the power of circulating resources within the community.
Nia, Purpose
Tuesday, December 30
5:30–8:30 PM | Nia Center
A mentorship-focused gathering where youth and adults reflect on their gifts, passions, and goals. Community leaders and mentors support participants in identifying how their talents can be applied toward personal growth and community well-being.
Kuumba, Creativity
Wednesday, December 31
3:00–5:00 PM | Baxter Community Center
A celebration of imagination, innovation, and free thinking. Families engage in nature-based play, science and art experiences, recycled-materials invention building, and interactive displays highlighting creativity and problem-solving.
Imani, Faith
Thursday, January 1
12:00–2:00 PM | AMPED (1701 West Market)
A closing gathering focused on reflection, grounding, and renewal. The afternoon includes gentle movement, journaling, and a collaborative art experience that invites participants to visualize what they are carrying forward into the new year.
*Childcare provided in the Play Cousins Space.
Participant Survey
Give us feedback on your experience at Kwanzaa! Tell us what you enjoyed and help us imagine how we could better our gatherings in the future!
Become a Kwanzaa 2025 Sponsor
Louisville Kwanzaa is made possible through the generosity of community partners, businesses, and neighbors who believe in celebrating culture, strengthening families, and investing in collective care. Sponsorships support citywide programming, paid artists and cultural workers, children’s activities, food for families, and equitable access across neighborhoods.
To become a sponsor, click below to complete the sponsorship form.
You’ll be able to select your giving level, share how you’d like to be recognized, and submit information for marketing and acknowledgment.
All sponsors receive an official tax acknowledgment letter from Play Cousins Collective.
Donations can be made at Playcousinscollective.com/donate or by mail to
Play Cousins Collective
1701 West Market Street
Louisville KY 40203
