Cultivate’s 4th Annual New England BIPOC Festival to be held at Strawbery Banke on Aug. 18

PORTSMOUTH – On Sunday, Aug. 18, from 12-5 p.m., the 4th Annual New England Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Festival will be held rain or shine at Strawbery Banke Museum. Organized by Cultivate, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, this festival is dedicated to furthering the mission of cultivating conversations and collective action about the important threads of equity and social justice. The event is free and open to the public, with a suggested $10 donation to Cultivate.

The New England BIPOC Fest showcases an array of performers, artisans, and food vendors. Attendees can indulge in a global culinary experience at no extra cost, with vendors offering a variety of dishes included with admission. The festival also features an exciting lineup of performances, including music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations by a diverse group of artists, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, attendees are encouraged to connect with local organizations and vendors who share a commitment to equity and social justice, learn more about the impactful work these groups do, and learn how you can get involved.

"The New England BIPOC Fest is a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” said Joanna Kelley, NE BIPOC Fest Co-Founder, Portsmouth's assistant mayor, and Strawbery Banke Museum Trustee. “This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new features, including exciting beverages and diverse artistic showcases. We’re also highlighting unique performances and providing opportunities to engage with organizations dedicated to equity and social justice.”

The 2024 event promises to be even more exciting with the addition of globally-inspired cocktails for attendees 21-plus to sample for an extra fee. This year, the Festival has partnered with the NH Art Association to showcase a diverse range of artists of color and the Korean-American Society of New Hampshire will host the finale of their K-Pop competition at 4 p.m., enhancing the dynamic mix of artistic and cultural experiences to the day’s festivities.

Additionally, attendees are encouraged to tour Strawbery Banke Museum’s nearly 10 acres, historic houses, and heirloom gardens free of charge during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the Museum’s current work to create an exhibit on Geraldine (Jeri) Cousins Palmer, a Black resident of the Puddle Dock neighborhood in the 1930s.

“We’re excited to partner with Strawbery Banke to offer free admission to the Museum for Festival attendees on Sunday, August 18,” continued Joanna Kelley. “This collaboration allows attendees to explore the historic buildings and learn about initiatives related to Abenaki and Black history.”

2024 participating organizations, restaurant, retail, and entertainment vendors include:

Organizations

Gather, Foodies Without Borders, CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research), NH Community Loan Fund, Seacoast NAACP Youth Council, Black Heritage Trail of NH, Korean Society of New Hampshire, Racial Unity Team, Braiding Circles, NH Panther (Plymouth Area Network to Help End Racism), Portsmouth Police Department, Occupy NH Seacoast, Welcoming NH, City Year

Food & Beverage

Vida Tortilla, Comfort Kitchen, Little Ipoh Chinese Malaysian Food, Vida Cantina, Pagu, Shalimar India Restaurant, Ugly Duckling, Chang Thai Cafe, Ansanm, A Southern Girl Bakery, Mei Mei Dumplings, Mr. Tuna, Red’s Good Vibes Inc., ZaoZe Cafe & Market, Yardi Ting, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, Cup of Joe, Diddy Burger, One Love Cuisine, Indigo Oyster Company, Caffe Kilim

Entertainment:

Adrienne Mack-Davis, Diannely Antigua, Unicorn Cove Hula Hui, B. Positive, Onyx Reigns, Mariachi Estrellas de Boston, Kouchera, Parks Taekwondo School, K Culture Musical Performance, Little Indonesia Cultural Center (ICC), Seacoast West African Dance & Drum

New England BIPOC Fest is sponsored in part by Service Credit Union, Eversource, JGroup Hospitality, Flatbread Company, Innovative Technologies, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Chinburg Properties, Edward Jones, Martha Fuller Clark, Rutman Foundation, Key Auto Group, Rye Dental, Community Loan Fund, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Senior Helpers, and Black Trumpet Bistro.

Event attendees should note that parking at Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, is reserved for visitors with handicap-accessible placards only.

For more information about the New England BIPOC Fest and to stay updated on event details, visit newenglandbipocfest.com .

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Cultivate’s 4th Annual New England BIPOC Festival to be held at Strawbery Banke on Aug. 18