AWA Festival Niagara

African Women Acting (AWA),  is the leading pan-African not-for-profit organization. We are thrilled to announce the return of the AWA Niagara Festival on August 16th and 17th, 2025, at the scenic City Hall grounds in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The 2025 AWA Niagara Festival is set to be a vibrant, two-day celebration full of music, dance, food, and fun! Esther Ijewere, a multi-award-winning Media Strategist, Social Impact Advocate, and founder of Women of Rubies, will be your MC for this exciting event. 

The festival will showcase dynamic performances, engaging workshops, artisan vendors, and rich cultural experiences that highlight talent from Africa, the diaspora, and beyond. With an expected attendance of over 6,000 people, including families, youth, adults, and visitors from diverse backgrounds, the AWA Niagara Festival is one of the region’s most anticipated multicultural events. 

Special guests will include government dignitaries, corporate sponsors, CEOs, business owners, leaders of women’s and Indigenous organizations, artist collectives, community activists, and media personnel. They’ll all gather to foster cross-cultural collaboration and dialogue.

Festival Performance Schedule

Saturday, August 16th
12:30pm – 1:00pm: African Dance Workshop (BIG DAMZ (Ph.DJ))
1:30pm – 2:00pm: African Dance Workshop (BIG DAMZ (Ph.DJ))
2:00pm – 3:55pm: DJ Moussa – Live DJ Set
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Dahlia Anderson – Reggae Music
5:15pm – 6:15pm: Infrared Music – Calypso Music
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Lady Son – Afrobeat & Cuban Music
8:00pm – 9:00pm: Amadou Kienou – West African Music
9:15pm – 10:00pm: DJ Moussa – Global Music 
 

Sunday, August 17th
12:30pm – 1:00pm: African Dance Workshop (BIG DAMZ (Ph.DJ))
1:30pm – 2:00pm: African Dance Workshop (BIG DAMZ (Ph.DJ))
2:00pm – 3:55pm: DJ Moussa – Live DJ Set
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Brandon Agnew and the Night Shadows – Live Band
5:15pm – 6:15pm: Okay Camper – Live Band
6:40pm – 7:40pm: Sillasky – Live Performance
8:00pm – 9:00pm: Quincy Bullen – Live Performance
9:15pm – 10:00pm: DJ Moussa – Closing Set & Festival Wrap-Up

Extend the festivities with a stop at the majestic American and Horseshoe Falls, a sight you won't want to miss. Be sure to catch the summer fireworks each night at 10:00 PM from Queen Victoria Park. Paired with the nightly Falls illumination, it’s a stunning show that adds an unforgettable experience to your visit to the Falls.

Don't forget to take a walk down Clifton Hill, located just a block from the might Falls themselves. Clifton Hill has earned a reputation as the "Street of Fun," and lights up Niagara until 2:00 AM every night.

Whether you want to enjoy panoramic views from the Niagara SkyWheel in your very own private gondola, or experience the most innovative, and only elevated go-kart track in Canada, the Niagara Speedway; there is something for everyone to enjoy!