Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace

Chicago celebrates the seven-day, African American holiday of Kwanzaa with performances, plays, story-times and festivals throughout the city. Head to the Washington Park refectory for a free day of music, cultural experiences and a marketplace with the Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration and Marketplace on December 20, 2025.

Celebrate Umoja, the first Kwanzaa principle, which means unity, by particpating in this community event that features local performers, vendors and restaurants. Enjoy live music, storytelling, African and Caribbean food and an artisan marketplace highlighting art and gifts from the African Diaspora.

Kwanzaa commemorates African traditions within African American culture with a seven-day celebration from December 26-31, which focuses on the seven principles of the holiday, known as Nguzo Saba. The principles use Swahili words for unity (umoja,) self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).

The Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration & Marketplace will supply African drumming and cultural demonstrations, music performances, crafts and vendors selling artisan goods, food, apparel, jewelry and beauty products. The free event runs from 11 am to 8 pm at the Washington Park Refectory, at 5531 S. Russell Drive, in the Hyde Park neighborhood.