Howard Street Carnaval

Celebrate the colorful and joyful carnival traditions of Africa and the Caribbean at the second annual Howard Street Carnaval on April 26, 2025, in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of Howard Street Carnaval

Join the free festivities which include a parade of costumed dancers, music and a festival in Willye B. White Park. The celebration features dancing, spoken word, live music and food vendors selling jerk chicken, jollof rice and other African Caribbean foods.

Dance along to traditional African and Latin dances like samba, kizomba and merengue as performers demonstrate joyful moves from around the Diaspora. Live music will inspire you to join the celebration with whatever movements that come to you as you munch delicacies from local restaurants like Badou Senegalese Cuisine.

A $500 prize for the best costume will be awarded to the best participant so attendees are encouraged to dress up. The parade kicks off at 11 am at Triangle Park and marches east on Howard St. The carnival runs through 5 pm.