× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

There might be as many reasons for people to attend Africa Fest as there are cultures in the world’s second-largest and arguably most diverse continent.

Music and entertainment, food, history, craft market, education, storytelling, dancing, demonstrations, fashion, community and camaraderie — all are big draws for the event that’s in its 18th year in Madison, said Aggo Akyea, board chair of the African Association of Madison, which sponsors the festival.

But no matter why they come, Akyea added, all who attend are likely to leave with a similar feeling: a better understanding of and admiration for Africa.

This year’s Africa Fest, also supported by UW-Madison’s African Studies Program and Central Park Sessions, will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday in Madison’s Central Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

A “Strides for Africa” fundraising run/walk precedes the festival at 6 p.m. Friday, also at Central Park. Proceeds from that 5K or 2-mile event for all ages helps to fund safe drinking water projects in rural areas of Africa, including Ethiopia and Liberia.

Also Friday, the Central Park Sessions free music series will feature an Africa-themed “Sahara Session,” 5 to 10 p.m.