Louisville's African Heritage Festival returns July 15

Bridge Kids International and the Kentucky Old School Sports Association are celebrating the African Heritage Festival on July 15. The event will be held at Ben Washer Park & Spalding University Soccer Fields, between Fifth and Eight on West Kentucky Street and returns after a three-year hiatus, a release from the event said.

The festival puts a spotlight on the African, African-American and Caribbean cultures. There will be food, music, cultural demonstrations, storytelling, activities for children and health resources.

“The African Heritage Festival is growing into a much-anticipated cultural event in Louisville," Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye festival committee chair and executive director of Bridge Kids International, said. "Whether their families have just arrived or have been here for hundreds of years, people of African Heritage bring so many positive assets to this city. That’s certainly worthy of celebration!”

The festival will host a soccer clinic between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and there are activities between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

African Heritage Festival schedule

Spalding University Soccer Field, 921 S. Eighth St.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.: African Heritage Festival International Soccer Tournament (featuring teams from Louisville and surrounding states with players representing 20 countries)
• 11 a.m. - noon: Lou City and Racing Lou Foundation soccer clinics for children between the ages of 8 and 16. Space is limited.

Ben Washer Park, 519 W. Kentucky St.

• 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Vendors (MELANnaireMarketplace will have more than 50 food, merchandise and informational vendors.
• Noon - 6 p.m.: Live entertainment including music, dance, poetry and cultural demonstrations.
• 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: How-to Fair (Community members will teach "fun and useful skills")
• Noon - 6:30 p.m.: Kids' Zone (Teens from the Louisville Rites of Passage will lead activities including inflatables, games and crafts.)
• 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Generational Wealth Extravaganza (Kiazzi Fund will have financial wellness information, activities and giveaways for all ages.)

Mohammed Karneh of the Kentucky Old School Sports Association said there is still "work to be done" in strengthening community relationships and the soccer game is intended "to bring together Africans and African Americans.”

The festival is back this year after three years since taking a pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More:Louisville Summer Beer Fest is back on Main Street July 29

Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.