The Elegba Folklore Society will present the 2025 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall B.

The festival, one of the largest Kwanzaa celebrations on the East Coast, happens on the second day of Kwanzaa, which celebrates Kujichagulia, or self-determination. This year’s theme is “Knowledge of Self.” 

“Knowledge of the African origin stories of African Americans, and the world, and knowledge of the legacies that support the power of identity can create a strengthening cultural affinity by offering a foundational reference for thinking and wellbeing,” said Janine Bell, the society’s artistic director. 

The festival will feature the Mishumaa candlelighting ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by performances from the Elegba Folklore Society, educator and author Bayyinah Bello, Washington-based group Crank LuKongo, and Togolese musicians Dogo du Togo and The Alagaa Beat Band. 

The Ujamaa Market and Karamu Kitchen will offer cultural merchandise and African and Pan-African cuisine throughout the day. Children can participate in Watoto Kwanzaa activities, while adults can attend Nia Sessions workshops focused on personal and community development. 

General admission costs $7 in advance or $9 at the door. Students ages 12-18 and seniors 65 and older pay $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Children under 12 admitted free. Parking is available at Fifth and Marshall streets; at the convention center’s deck at Third and Marshall; and at Seventh and Marshall. 

The Elegba Folklore Society has presented the festival since 1990. The event is supported by the City of Richmond, Dominion Energy, BLK RVA, WTVR-CBS 6 and the Arts and Cultural Funding Consortium. 

Tickets are available at the Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St., or online at efsinc.org. For more information, call (804) 644-3900.