Black River 2025
Photo Recap
Black River African Dance Fest
Black River Fest 2026
Oct 17 & 18
Since 2012, Black River African Dance Fest has been about creating and presenting new African dance productions and bringing celebrated global artists to Pittsburgh, connecting the city to the depth and artistry of African culture it wouldn't otherwise get to experience up close. The name comes from Balafon founder Mama Kadiatou Conte, who drew on the Bafing River — Manding for "black river" — running through Guinea and Mali to form the Senegal River, near the historic seat of the ancient Mali Empire, as her metaphor for connecting cultures from the rivers of West Africa to Pittsburgh.
Join Balafon in an experience of lifting spirits and putting burdens down together, through music, song, and movement. This intimate studio setting holds space for the joy and safety these traditions have long carried, together with Balafon's full live orchestra and special guests Sankofa Village for the Arts and Kaloum Djembe, joined by members of Pittsburgh's African dance community, for an all-generations celebration up close.
Tickets at Pay-What-Moves-You prices, $20–45, available at kelly-strayhorn.org.
Alongside the performances, don't miss the immersive weekend Black River fête: a celebration of African culture in the truest sense with cultural crafts and workshop.
Browse the lobby market for African cultural finds, from jewelry to textiles to goods from local vendors. Try African dance or music for the first time, or deepen your practice with Balafon members and guest artists.
