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Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019! This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions. Visit the Bimbé History page for information on how the festival has evolved throughout the years.
Visit the Bimbé Weekday Events page for information on all of the events happening May 12-17.
50th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Saturday, May 18, 2019
12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive
Free | All Ages
Festival Activities
- Live Music
- Family Fun Zone
- Arts and Crafts
- Community Resources
- Ethnic Food
- Local Talent
Seating will not be provided, please bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The following is not allowed at the festival:
- No coolers
- No smoking
- No alcohol
- No personal canopies/tents
- No pets
The 50th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is presented by
BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina in partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation.
| Main Stage Performances | |
|---|---|
| 12 p.m. | Welcome |
| 12:05 p.m. | Salute to Elders - African American Dance Ensemble |
| 12:50 p.m. | History Hype & Bimbé Logo Contest Presentation |
| 1 p.m.-3:20 p.m. | Bull City's Best (All artists were born in Durham) 1 p.m. - Trez Falsetto 2 p.m. - Homegrown Heroes Presentation 2:20 p.m. - Empower Dance Company 2:40 p.m. - Sh8kes the Poet 2:45 p.m. - Digital Brilliance by Samori Reed-Bandele 2:50 p.m. - The Beast featuring Pierce Freelon 3:20 p.m. - Homegrown Heroes Presentation |
| 3:35 p.m. | Sahara Reggae Band |
| 4:50 p.m. | The Marching Eagle Regiment Band |
| 5:20 p.m. | Imani |
| 6:20 p.m. | Homegrown Heroes Presentation |
| 6:35 p.m. | Brian Dawson's DJ Medley |
| 6:50 p.m. | Headliner Performance (TBA) |
| Schedule subject to change |
|
Family Fun Zone
The Family Fun Zone will celebrate the spirit of African community, engaging kids of ALL ages to bring out the “Kuumba,” (koo-OOM-bah) or creativity, within each of them. Join us for a fun-filled day exploring African cultural traditions! The Family Fun Zone will include:
- Drum Circles
- Arts & Crafts
- Story Telling
- Inflatables
- Face Painting
"Who Knew?" Corner
Visit the “Who Knew?” Corner to hear about important issues affecting the African American Community. Speakers will talk each hour and provide good tools, tips, and information to help you live your best life! Check back soon for the schedule.
Bullying is NOT a Game
Durham Police Department (DPD) officers will be raising awareness about the issue of bullying while operating a gaming station where festival attendees will be able to compete against some of Durham’s finest in Madden, NBA Live, and other games.
History Hype
As we enjoy a year of celebration for the City of Durham’s Sesquicentennial and the 50th Anniversary of Bimbé we will take a look back to the road that got us here. Fun Facts will be shared and we will take time to recognize the important people and events that occurred along the way.
Homegrown Heroes
Durham boasts many great leaders, influencers, and role models. People who have helped shape our community and have touched the lives of many. It's time to celebrate a few of these Homegrown Heroes and their accomplishments!
Bull City’s Best
Talent abounds in all artistic forms here in Durham and we will feature some of our best! The leads in these acts are from the Bull City and will show up and show out!
Book Giveaway and Registration
The Durham County Library will be on site with their awesome Bookmobile. Participants can take advantage of this mobile service, where they can register for a library card and even receive a free book!
Bring your own water bottle
Don’t forget to bring your refillable water bottle! The Durham H2O 2 Go Hydration Station will be on site offering fresh drinking water to event attendees.
Event Cancellation Information
Events may be canceled in the case of severe inclement weather.
- Call the weather line at 919-560-4636 and press Number 8 for the status of the event.
- Visit Facebook and / or Twitter
Volunteer Information
Interested in volunteering? Visit our Ivolunteer site to sign up. Volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt, snacks, and water.
Vendor Information
| Vendor Booth Fees | City Resident | Non-City Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Food (Price includes a refundable deposit. CR $50 | NCR $65) | $300 | $340 |
| Education/Non-Profit | $30 | $45 |
| Artists/Natural Crafts | $50 | $65 |
| Non-Food Vendors | $100 | $115 |
ALL NON-FOOD RELATED VENDORS:
- Click on the links below based on the type of vendor you are to begin the application process.
- Review the information on the page and then click the “add to cart” button.
- If you have registered for any DPR event in the past you should already have an account. If you do not know your login information you can click the “forgot your login name” or “forgot your password” links. If you are still having trouble logging in please call the front desk at 919-560-4355.
- If you are new and have never registered for any programs with DPR in the past, click create new account and follow the prompts.
- Once you are to the end of the process you will pay for your booth space and your application will be forwarded on to staff. At this point you will also have the ability to print and/or email your receipt. Please do so for your records.
Artist/Natural Crafts
All items must be hand-crafted, original design made by the exhibitor, authentic antiques (NO REPRODUCTIONS), original visual art, photography, graphics & fabric art, hand-crafted originals in wood, leather or metal, handmade pottery, sculptures and ceramics, hand woven baskets (NO KITS), and hand-made jewelry
Non-food vendors
All items being sold that are mass produced, reproduced, etc. Commercial Businesses are considered
https://apm.activecommunities.com/dprplaymore/Activity_Search/bimbe-festival-vendor-non-food/6026
Education/Non-profits
Education/Non-profits who are not selling items; intended only for giving away printed literature/materials describing their community services and/or organization.
Food Vendors:
All items being consumed by participants (whether it is beverages, food, desserts, frozen treats, ice cream, etc.) are considered to be a food vendor.
The process for food vendors is different so that we can screen menu items and not have multiple vendors with the same menu. We will still try our best to accept vendors on a first come first served basis based on menu items. To apply please click on the link below. It will take you to a Food Vendor Application Form. Please fill in all the required fields. You also have the ability to upload your menu and insurance. Once the form(s) are complete it will be sent on to festival staff. Staff will review it, cross reference menu items and let you know of your standing.
If you are accepted you will be sent an email from both our registration system as well as an email from staff about the fees that are due. You will login to our registration system and pay. You will have 2 business days to pay. If you fail to pay you must contact staff to see if your space is still available. If space is not available you will be placed on the waiting list.
https://www.dprplaymore.org/FormCenter/Vendor-Registration-8/Food-Vendor-Application-50
If you have any questions about the Bimbé application or vendor regulations, email Kevin Jones, or call 919-560-4355.