LOS ANGELES - Marylandian -- Leimert Park will welcome the public for a weeklong Kwanzaa Festival celebrating Black history and culture from Friday, December 26, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026, presented in partnership with the Leimert Park Merchant Association. The festival will feature music, food, art, and shopping, along with free food and community giveaways throughout the week, inviting residents and visitors to "join the family and break bread" in the heart of Leimert Park.

The celebration begins on Friday, December 26, with the Kwanzaa Parade stepping off at 11:00 a.m. from the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Adams Boulevard, leading into the first day of festival programming in Leimert Park. The Leimert Park Kwanzaa Festival is a week of gatherings and local business activations rooted in cultural tradition and the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, building unity, purpose, and connection across the community.

The Festival Kickoff (Umoja/Unity) runs 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring live entertainment, cultural activities, vendors, and community-centered offerings.

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Festival Kickoff: Umoja (Unity)

Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m./Candlelight Ceremony 5:00 pm
Sika (Fri/Sat/Sun) — 4325 Degnan Blvd
Imani Gardens, Chefamin Jr
@kathyskitchen — 7701 Crenshaw Blvd

2025–2026 Kwanzaa Festival Schedule (By Principle)

Additional week-long activities include a Candlelight Ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) — Sat, 12/27

Queen Aminah's — 4339 Degnan Blvd
Kaos Networkz — 4343 Leimert Blvd

Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) — Sun, 12/28

Sika — 4325 Degnan Blvd
Plant Chica — 4311 Degnan Blvd
Sole Folks — 4317 Degnan Blvd

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) — Mon, 12/29

Neighbors Skate Shop — 4344 Degnan Blvd

Nia (Purpose) — Tue, 12/30

Nappily Naturals — 4342 Degnan Blvd

Kuumba (Creativity) — Wed, 12/31

All Chill Ice Cream — 3415 W 43rd Pl

Imani (Faith) — Thu, 1/1

Queen Aminah's — 4339 Degnan Blvd

Media are invited to cover the parade, opening-day festivities, and principle-based activations throughout the week. Visual opportunities include the parade procession, live performances, vendor marketplace, family activities, community "break bread" moments, and giveaways.

For more details, call: 323-873-7885