There will be several opportunities in 2023 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.
Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this series of seven-day events are non-heroic and non-religious observances, that are celebrated by millions throughout the world.
The holiday is based on African “First Fruits” harvest celebrations, which were times of gathering. The Kiswahili language is used to express the seven principles.
Kwanzaa lasts seven days, starting December 26th, each one with a focus on a different principle:
- Day 1. Umoja means unity.
- Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination.
- Day 3. Ujima means working together.
- Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other.
- Day 5. Nia means purpose.
- Day 6. Kuumba means creativity.
- Day 7. Imani means faith.
Kwanzaa Programs with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Kwanzaa Charlotte Family Workshop
Saturday, December 2, 2023
12 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
Free (registration is required)
This special family workshop is designed for families who want to learn the origins, fundamental activities, essential values, and the seven basic symbols of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Presents, A Kwanzaa Special: What’s the Tea in Genealogy
Thursday, December 28, 2023
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Sugar Creek Library
4045 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
Learn how to discover your roots with Charlotte Mecklenburg genealogist Danielle Pritchett. Listen to Front Porch Stories and Backyard Tales with Charlotte Mecklenburg Storyteller Antuan Hawkins. Sip a Cup of Culture with Tea Cakes and enjoy other related activities.
Family Storytime: Africa!
Saturday, December 30, 2023
10:30 to 11 a.m.
ImaginOn
300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.
In honor of the building-wide Family Kwanzaa celebration later in the day, the storytime will feature music and stories from Africa for ages 0-5.
ImaginOn Family Kwanzaa Fest
Saturday, December 30, 2023
1 to 3 p.m.
ImaginOn
300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
Join the Teen Loft and Spangler Library at ImaginOn in celebrating Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1. Fill up your Kwanzaa passport by getting a stamp from each Kwanzaa principle-themed activity station, test your knowledge with a game of trivia, and enjoy a special themed storytime with Charlotte’s very own, Mother Minter! All are welcome to participate in the fun and learn about the history of Kwanzaa.
Registration is not required, but it is helpful.
- 10:30 a.m.: Family Storytime: Africa!
- 1 to 3 p.m.: Kwanzaa Activity Stations
- 1:30 p.m.: ICAN Step!
- 2 p.m.: Kwanzaa Storytime with Mother Minter
- 2:30 p.m.: Kwanzaa Jeopardy
Town of Matthews Kwanzaa Celebration
On Wednesday, December 29, 2023, from 7 to 8 p.m., the Town of Matthews is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews, North Carolina. This is a free event that features music, dancing and informative presentations about the holiday.
Kwanzaa at Harvey B. Gantt Center
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Gantt Center, at 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration, which will include a workshop, arts and crafts, drumming, family portraits and more. This free event is part of Wednesday Night Live, during which the Gantt Center, as well as Mint Museum and The Bechtler are free to visit.
KwanzaaCharlotte 2023 Programs
Kwanzaa Charlotte presents daily, in-person celebrations each night of Kwanzaa. Each event takes plce at the Movement School, 2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC. These are free events. On most evenings, there will be an African Marketplace before and after the celebration. The market will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., the celebration will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and the market will also take place 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. On January 1, 2024, there will be no market.
- Tuesday, December 26: Umoja (unity), hosted by A Sign of the Times
- Wednesday, December 27: Kujichagulia (self-determination), hosted by The Jzar Family
- Thursday, December 28: Ujima (collective work and responsibility), hosted by The Males Place
- Friday, December 29: Ujamaa (cooperative economics), hosted by Brother Ali Steele
- Saturday, December 30: Nia (purpose), hosted by The Nation of Islam
- Sunday, December 31: Kuumba (creativity), hosted by Charlotte Drum & Dance Collective
- Monday, January 1: Imani (faith), hostec by A Sign of the Times
Day by Day Kwanzaa Events
Check back soon.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library (formerly Beatties Ford Regional Library)
2412 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
