St. Louis Celebrates Africa Day

Events across the region

May 25th is Africa Day, a day that commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and celebrates African culture and people. The OAU was superseded by the African Union (AU) in 2002. The AU, comprised of 55 member states, promotes the participation of African citizens in driving political and economic goals across the continent. Not only does the organization drive economic development, but it also maintains peace, ensures human rights are respected through legal channels, and guides global policies and long-term development.

The 2026 AU Africa Day theme is “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” This theme centers water and sanitation development at the heart of Africa’s agenda.

In St. Louis, the African community celebrates with a series of events each year. This year, several activities are scheduled from May 23rd through the 30th.

Here are a few highlights:

• May 23–25: African Arts Festival

• May 24: Sip & Spill – An Afternoon of Tea & Tips tickets

• May 25: Africa Day 5K Race and 1K Walk

• May 25–30: African Restaurant Week (discounted dining at participating restaurants)

• May 28: African Day at City Hall

• May 30: African Diaspora Council and Credit Union Wealth Summit (the first and only African diaspora credit union)