Events

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The Inaugural OWAMBE Black History Month Festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community honoring the richness of the African and African American experience. Rooted in the spirit of “Owambe”—a joyful, lively gathering—the festival brings people together through music, dance, food, art, and storytelling that reflect the depth and diversity of Black heritage.

This premier event offers an immersive cultural experience featuring live performances, local and regional vendors, historical showcases, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment. Guests will have the opportunity to learn, celebrate, and connect while exploring the enduring contributions and achievements of Black communities past and present.

More than a festival, the Inaugural OWAMBE Black History Month Festival is a cultural homecoming—an unforgettable kickoff to an annual tradition that uplifts identity, honors legacy, and inspires unity. Join us for this historic first celebration and be part of a new chapter in cultural pride and community empowerment.

A 5K run/walk over the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge above the Mobile River. Event includes a 5K, a fun run, and a post-race celebration.

Organized by:

Africatown Community Development Corporation

Benefits:

ACDC Operating Expenses and community programs.

Location:

Packet pick-up and race day registration will take place at the former Farmers Market located 645 Shelby Street, Mobile, AL 36610 (close to intersection of Shelby Street and Tin Top Lane) from 6:00 - 7:15 AM.

Distance:

The certified out and back 5K course (USATF #AL23019JE) will take participants from Tin Top Lane, over the Africatown Bridge and back. The 1 Mile course will take participants from Tin Top Lane and to the foot of the Africatown Bridge and back to Tin Top Lane.

Registration:

Register by mail (entries should be postmarked by June 1, 2025), in person at McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri, or Fleet Feet in Mobile until noon on June 5, or online until 4 AM, June 6. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be available from 6:00 – 7:15 AM at the former Farmers Market on Shelby St.

Clotilda: The Exhibition at the Africatown Heritage House will host the second annual Culture Fest, a day of jubilant celebration, meaningful reflection and community, in July 2026. This FREE event at the Africatown Heritage House will open a lens to the African American experience and celebrate the legacy of Africatown through an array of engaging activities, enriching experiences and soul-stirring entertainment that provide a taste of Black culture for all to enjoy. Culture Fest will feature vendors, entertainment, food trucks, community quilt-making, speeches, arts and crafts, dancing and music. 

Join us for a powerful and moving reenactment of the historic landing of the Clotilda—the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States. This event, sponsored by The Clotilda Descendants Association, honors the legacy, resilience, and stories of the Clotilda survivors and their descendants. Experience a vivid portrayal that brings this significant moment in history to life, fostering remembrance, education, and community connection. 

Join the Africatown Community Teach and Outreach for this FREE community event! Free food, drinks, gift and more from Africatown Community Teach and Outreach, Collectives. Featuring performances by local artists: Africatown Drummers, Africatown Kids Korner, CC the Artist, Chef Zoe, Storyteller from the Elders, Kenya and Christian Formation Booth, Tours, Vendors and much, much, more! 

The Africatown Community Teach and Outreach is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the rich history of Africatown, promoting community engagement, and fostering opportunities for growth and development. Over the past 10 years, our Community Day has become a cherished event, bringing together residents, local businesses, organizations, and visitors to celebrate the heart and spirit of Africatown.

Mobile County Training School is part of Saturday's Africatown Lantern Walk.  At a time when Africatown has captured global attention, organizers are looking to restart a tradition that has not occurred in the community since 1952. The walk is being hosted by the MCTS Alumni Association; Clean Healthy Educated, Safe, Sustainable (C.H.E.S.S); the Churches of Africatown; the African American Redress Network; the International Center for Transitional Justice; the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University; the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern College; Mobile County; and the City of Mobile.  

Celebrate the season with us at Africatown Heritage House! Join in the holiday spirit as we honor the survivors of the Clotilda and their descendants—the community they helped create. This joyful event unites everyone through music, entertainment, and festive cheer. Enjoy a museum tour, take photos with Santa, and have fun with games, train rides, hands-on activities, special performances, and delicious treats. This FREE event is open to all—no reservations needed. Come be part of this heartwarming celebration!

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Free Admission

Africatown Heritage House

 2465 Wimbush St, Mobile, AL 36610