Kwetu Festival
Kwetu Festival is a celebration of culture, creativity, belonging, and community in our neighbourhoods. We are inviting volunteers, vendors, artists, performers, and speakers to help shape a powerful festival experience for families, youth, elders, and the wider public.
Why Kwetu?
“Kwetu” means “ours” or “home.” This festival creates space for people to feel visible, valued, and connected through music, food, storytelling, arts, and cultural exchange.
Who It’s For
Families, newcomers, youth, elders, artists, entrepreneurs, and neighbours from all backgrounds who want to celebrate culture and build stronger community ties.
What to Expect
Live performances, cultural showcases, community dialogue, children’s activities, local vendors, food experiences, and meaningful moments of connection.
KWETU 2026
KWETU 2026
Presence. Pride. Belonging.
Presence. Pride. Belonging.
Join us for a two-day full-circle experience of a community-rooted cultural festival and learning experience that deepens engagement, expands access, and strengthens community connection across West Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, moving from reflection and connection to visibility and celebration.
Open Calls for Festival Participation
Whether you want to serve, sell, perform, or speak, there is a place for you at Kwetu Festival.
Call for Volunteers
Help us bring Kwetu Festival to life
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Support guest welcome, setup, cultural activities, youth spaces, artist support, and cleanup.
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Gain community service experience, leadership opportunities, and festival-day access.
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Open to students, families, community members, and service-minded neighbours.
Call for Vendors
Share food, crafts, fashion, wellness, and community resources
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We welcome local businesses, artisans, social enterprises, and community organizations.
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Priority will be given to culturally rooted offerings, family-friendly products, and mission-aligned vendors.
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Vendor spaces are limited, so early applications are encouraged.
Call for Artists & Performers
Help us bring Kwetu Festival to life
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Support guest welcome, setup, cultural activities, youth spaces, artist support, and cleanup.
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Gain community service experience, leadership opportunities, and festival-day access.
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Open to students, families, community members, and service-minded neighbours.
Call for Speakers
Voices that inspire, educate, and connect communities
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We invite speakers, facilitators, storytellers, and cultural leaders.
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Topics may include belonging, migration, culture, healing, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-building.
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Short talks, panels, fireside conversations, and interactive sessions are all welcome.
Application Information
What to Prepare
To help us review your interest, please prepare a short description of who you are, what you would like to contribute, and any links, photos, or samples that help us understand your work.
Volunteers
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Availability
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Interests
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age,
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Any relevant experience.
Artists
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Performance type
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Bio
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Technical needs
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Sample work.
Vendors
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Business name
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Products
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Booth needs
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Social links.
Speakers
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Topic
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Audience fit
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Format preference
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Short profile
KWETU 2025
Rhythms of Identity
Celebrating Culture, Unity & Community
The Bavubuka Foundation and BC Ugandan Social Society launched the First Kwetu Cultural Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at John Lawson Park in West Vancouver.
This vibrant, family-friendly event is free and open to all with a full day of music, dance, food, art, and cultural dialogue, the festival invites communities from all walks of life to experience the beauty and richness of African traditions while exploring shared values of unity, resilience, and joy.
Join the Movement
Kwetu Festival is more than an event. It is a growing community platform where culture is honoured, stories are shared, and people feel that they belong. We would love to hear from you. For questions, partnerships, or media inquiries, please contact the festival team
Contact
