Staunton celebrates Black heritage and a multicultural community this weekend with the 36-year-old African-American Heritage & Multicultural Festival at Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand.
Staunton Schools joined the festival two years ago and expanded the celebration into a multicultural festival with student and family voices.
“Our goal is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our schools and community. Our students and families speak 16 languages other than English, and we continue to welcome a growing English Learner population. The festival gives us a chance to highlight and honor many cultures while building belonging and connection for our students and families,” said Staunton Schools Director of Strategic Planning & Public Relations Ruth Jones Turner.
According to Turner, 2025 will be the third year for the school system’s participation, but a strong turnout has been seen, as well as enthusiastic students and staff.
New for 2025 is a community art project to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Festival visitors can stop by our tent to help paint a canvas (project led by Sanaa Design Art Studio). The finished piece will celebrate both Hispanic heritage and have a message of kindness. It will be a lasting reminder of the beauty we can create together when we honor and celebrate our rich cultural backgrounds. It’s something we hope to display across our schools,” Turner said.
ICYMI: African-American Heritage Festival news
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Staunton Schools will be found under a big tent near the bandstand on Saturday only at Gypsy Hill Park with the community art project, outdoor games, origami, a mask-making activity, face painting, free books and Latin and Soul music.
The African-American Heritage & Multicultural Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Rebecca Barnabi
