The 25th annual African Festival of the Arts kicks off tomorrow, August 29, and runs through Monday, September 1, in Washington Park, 51st and Cottage Grove.
Hundreds of vendors participate in this popular event. In addition to the art, crafts and clothes, there’s music on several stages throughout the day, a wide array of food, and a good time for everyone. The festival is also the occasion for numerous family and social gatherings and reunions in the park.
The park is a Chicago treasure, but the Washington Park neighborhood has been severely distressed in recent years. The city is considering a $25 million tax-increment financing proposal for part of the neighborhood to address some of the problems.
You can see some of the park and the neighborhood in the YoChicago video, above, from 5 years ago, and see more of our photos of Washington Park and the African Festival of the Arts at Flickr.
You can see 100s more of our aerial photos of Chicago at Flickr.
If you visit the festival, set aside some time to explore the park.