07/28/2026
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Culture Fest 2026 a success! More than 1,900 people participated in the event, making it the largest year since the festival’s inception. Kalenski Adams (DJ Dirty Dan) kept the crowd engaged as acts ranging from drummers, dancers, and speakers rounded out the lineup. Victor Simmons, the son of the first African American Air Force One steward Lee F. Simmons, presented the audience with the story of his father’s exceptional career spanning his work with several U.S. presidents. Eklectic ended the day's festivities with a lively concert of songs that incorporated soulful melodies and upbeat tempos.
While cultural vendors and entertainment kept the crowd engaged at the Robert Hope Community Center, festival goers had an opportunity to tour the Africatown Heritage House to familiarize themselves with the story of the Clotilda and its survivors. Hundreds poured through the Heritage House doors to learn about the history of Africatown. In addition, students participated in a scavenger that furthered their education of black cultural icons and institutions throughout Mobile’s history. After completing the scavenger hunt history lesson, students were given school supplies.
Culture Fest also incorporated health as a part of this year’s festivities. Health vendors lined the gymnasium of the Mobile County Training School. While patrons went from vendor to vendor gathering information about healthcare organizations, line dance groups Studio 54, Let’s Dance Mobile, and Step Brothers and Sisters provided dance lessons to get the crowd active. Line dancing is known to be a form of cardio exercise for many people who want to add excitement to their dance routine.
Culture Fest 2026 received rave reviews as participants felt the festival was an outstanding display of culture and community.
