African Music & Cultural Festival

live music

all day

11 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

AMCF 2024

This three-day celebration of the very best of African culture is a spring highlight and the only place where you will see over 35 African countries and community organisations represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance, art, and culture – right in the heart of Melbourne.

With the rhythms, sounds, and tastes of Africa spread throughout Federation Square, the atmosphere is electric and guaranteed to make you feel good. With so much happening throughout the three-day festival, it can be hard to know where to start! We recommend grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner on the River Terrace at one of our African street food stalls and then immersing yourself in the incredible main stage live performances and shopping at the many market stalls. The essence of AMCF lies in embracing the theme of “Celebrating Diversity and Harmony,” through cross-cultural awareness, mutual respect, education, understanding, and unity, while providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate Africa’s diversity.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

DAYS

HRS

MINS

SECS

DAY ONE

A fantastic outdoor cinema vibe, broadcasting African Australian short films, spoken word performances and live jazz music. Friday night at the AMCF will be the ideal opportunity for our fans and city workers to pop by with friends and colleagues, enjoy a delicious African Street Food lunch, dinner and drinks in a great festival atmosphere. The perfect way to start the weekend.

DAY TWO

The main festival day returning with a multi-layered program delivering 12 hours of non-stop live entertainment – showcasing cultural band performances, music, dance, fashion, arts, shopping at a swag of market stalls selling African wares, free drumming lessons, for adults and children alike; along with authentic mouth-watering African street food. There is plenty of opportunity to learn about the diverse African continent.

DAY THREE

A continuation of day two featuring 10 hours of non-stop entertainment plus a forum on a topical African Australian issue with interesting panelists. Across all three days there is a fantastic opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy even more authentic flavours of Africa.

For families, there is kid’s entertainment including free African drumming classes, Australian Football League (AFL) activities, face painting, jumping castles, Santa’s grotto, mascots, balloonist, African board games, and more!

Attracting over 55,000 Victorians and interstate and international visitors, including senior representatives from government and corporate organisations, it is the “must-do” event of the spring. Time Out Melbourne, which is Melbourne’s most respected arts, entertainment, and food guide magazine, rated the AMCF as one of the top 5 events to do in summer for 2018 and 2019.