The Columbus African Festival is a bold, yet comprehensive approach to cultural reconversion and reconstruction within the African Diaspora in Central Ohio. It is grounded in the fact that many festivals which take place in the African communities are either singular or dual-focused (Film, Performing Art, Fine Art., etc.)

The Columbus African Festival as a theoretical and conceptual framework seeks to take a Renaissance approach to art and various forms of artistic expression. In this context, art is not just art for art’s sake, but is the creative cultural production of a people’s common history, common lifestyles, and their common and collective aspiration for a higher form of life and humanity. Building on the notion that 2011-2021 is the UN-sanctioned, International Decade for People of African Descent, the Columbus African Festival will showcase the breadth and expansiveness of African and Diasporan creative productive capacity with an emphasis on sustainability.

Festivals are not only for entertainment but are the artistic manifestation of a people’s values, collective personality, cultural creativity, and ultimately, their aspiration and vision of a higher level of life. Thus, in this context, the African-centered Approach to Wholistic Medicine becomes an art form. The Columbus African Festival approach would also highlight the Africanity in Music, Food, Dance, Fashion, Language, and even the artistry of the way we love when in harmony with our African self.

Please join us to celebrate community partnership and collaboration, while also supporting Freedom a la Cart’s
vital mission of empowering survivors of human trafficking towards self-sufficiency.

This uplifting evening will feature survivor stories, art and literary pieces, live local music, and delicious cuisine. The event will include both silent and live auctions, with all funds raised directly contributing to Freedom’s workforce development program and supportive services for survivors. The night is dedicated to honoring the remarkable thrivers served by Freedom a la Cart, while also highlighting the collaborative support within our community.

This year, Eat Up guests are encouraged to wear blue to represent solidarity with human trafficking survivors and thrivers. Blue is internationally recognized as the universal color for human trafficking prevention.

Join us as we come together to work toward positive change in our community.

NEW MARKET, WHO DIS?!?! NYMCM is pairing up with The Kee for a weekly Farmer’s Market/Vintage Flea every Sunday, May 19th through September 29th. We are calling it The Warehouse District Farm & Flea! These markets will look a little different than the NYMCM Markets you are used to. Although we will still be hosting handmade vendors at these casual traditional farmers market style markets, food and produce will be the big event with the addition of a few vintage and handmade vendors. On the first Sunday of every month, we will kick it up a notch by adding additional vintage vendors to the farmers market mix for a shopping extravaganza we are calling our SUPERMARKET SUNDAY! 

In addition to the Farm & Flea, The Kee will also be hosting its famous Sunday Brunch and will have its indoor cornhole, arcade and simulated games open. This is the perfect Sunday family outing you were looking for! Mark your calendars to stay and eat, grab a drink, listen to music, play games, enjoy an art exhibit, or just hang out in their indoor and outdoor space. 

Join us for fountainside fun this summer at Bicentennial Park! All summer long you can enjoy live music and performances, tabletop games, food trucks, sweet frozen treats and more. The whole family can splash at the fountain (for free!) so come on out to the Scioto Mile for a splash-tastic time. 

Join us for year two of the hit Dorrian Days at Dorrian Green! With giant inflatables, games, the COSI curbside van, a themed activity station, and a food truck, bring your kids to the park for an afternoon of FREE fun. Plus, cool off in the Dorrian Green water feature. Make a day of it by heading to COSI before or after, or heading across the river to Bicentennial Park for double the free fun! 

On Tuesdays you can find us at our historic location on Gay and Pearl Streets with the freshest produce downtown.