Africana Festival includes authors, activities & music

The Africana Arts & Humanities Festival in Fort Lauderdale reflects the dignity, resilience, and rightful place of Black voices within the American story.

The Africana Festival in 2026 is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, and entry is free. There are also several events on Friday, March 27, one free and one a ticketed fund-raiser.

African-American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale. Photo/Broward Library

The festival includes 

• Authors and book signings
• Youth activities 
• Speakers
• Performance featuring the Bryan Carter Sextet

Here is the schedule of events, with links to reserve space at the events:

Friday, March 27

6 to 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead
Get tickets here.

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Evening Keynote Conversation plus Eat. Drink. Read. reception and concert (21+)
Get tickets here.

Saturday, March 28

11 a.m.
My First Library Card celebration (family activity)
Get tickets here.

11:30 a.m.
Author talks and literary discussions (various speakers)
Get tickets here.

1 to 2 p.m.
Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks: My America – Langston Hughes on Democracy
Get tickets here.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson: Refusal as Resistance
Get tickets here.

6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Bryan Carter Sextet live performance
Get tickets here.

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ongoing activities: book signings, cultural exhibits, author meet-and-greets and family programming

The African-American Library is at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33311 and parking is free. 

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Other free and inexpensive events