37th Annual GhanaFest Returns to Chicago After One-Year Hiatus (Chicago, IL) – GhanaFest, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Ghanaian culture, will return to Chicago on Saturday, July 25, after a one-year hiatus, bringing a full day of music, food, art and cultural traditions to Washington Park.
Presented by the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) and sponsored by PassportPay, the 37th Annual GhanaFest will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Washington Park, 5600 S. Russell Drive.
This year’s theme, “Connecting Our Community Through Culture and Commerce,” highlights the festival’s focus on celebrating Ghanaian heritage while creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations.
For nearly four decades, GhanaFest has drawn thousands of attendees to experience authentic Ghanaian cuisine, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors, African fashion, handcrafted goods and family-friendly activities.
The festival’s return also marks a new chapter under the leadership of Effah Ameyaw, president of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago.
“GhanaFest is more than a festival—it is a celebration of who we are as a people and an invitation for everyone to experience the richness of Ghanaian culture,” Ameyaw said. “As we return this year, we are excited to strengthen the connection between culture and commerce by creating opportunities for businesses, families, and communities to come together in fellowship and celebration.”
Headlining this year’s evening concert will be acclaimed Ghanaian recording artist Kofi Kinata, whose performance organizers expect will attract fans from across the Midwest.
PassportPay Founder Kofi Conduah said the company’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting both cultural celebration and economic opportunity.
“At PassportPay, we believe that investing in communities is just as important as investing in innovation,” Conduah said. “GhanaFest is a remarkable celebration of culture, entrepreneurship, and community that brings together people from all walks of life.”
Festival attendees can also experience the Parade of Chiefs and Queen Mothers, one of GhanaFest’s signature attractions. The colorful procession features traditional leaders representing Ghana’s 16 regions and numerous historic kingdoms, showcasing centuries-old customs and royal traditions.
Ahead of the festival, the Ghana National Council will host Chicago’s inaugural Ghana Flag-Raising Ceremony at Daley Plaza on July 1 in observance of Ghana Republic Day. Organizers say the ceremony will officially kick off the GhanaFest season while recognizing Ghana’s democratic history and the contributions of Chicago’s Ghanaian community.
Since its beginnings as a neighborhood gathering in Jackson Park, GhanaFest has grown into one of the largest Ghanaian cultural festivals in the United States, attracting more than 6,000 attendees annually and inspiring similar celebrations nationwide.
Additional information and tickets are available at www.vipsocio.com/event/ghanafest2026.
37th Annual GhanaFest Returns to Chicago After One-Year Hiatus
