Open to the Public · Free & Ticketed Entry
MAFEST
Festival Village
Three days of fashion, music, cuisine and culture at the heart of the Meet Africa Fashion Festival. The Festival Village is the public soul of MAFEST — an open-air celebration where emerging designers meet the world and all of Africa takes the stage.
Venue
Old Parade Ground, Abuja
Duration
3 Days
Daily Hours
10 AM – Late
15,000+
Daily Visitors
120+
Vendors & Brands
30+
Emerging Designers
3
Days of Celebration
The Heart of MAFEST
Where Africa Meets
the World
The MAFEST Festival Village is the public-facing centrepiece of the Meet Africa Fashion Festival — a three-day open-air celebration that transforms the Old Parade Ground in Abuja into a living showcase of African creativity, enterprise and culture.
While the Grand Finale runway and B2B Policy Conference speak to industry leaders and investors, the Festival Village speaks to everyone. It is where families, students, buyers, tourists and fashion lovers experience the full breadth of African fashion and culture firsthand — from emerging designer runways to a vibrant retail marketplace, an African food court, live music and cultural pavilions representing nations across the continent.
The Village runway shows are strictly dedicated to emerging models and designers — a unique platform where new talent takes the spotlight before the global audience MAFEST gathers. It is discovery, trade, entertainment and community in one extraordinary place.
What to Expect
Village Highlights
Emerging Designer Runways
Daily runway shows featuring the next generation of African fashion talent — open to all emerging designers and models.
Retail Marketplace
Shop ready-to-wear collections, accessories, textiles and beauty products directly from African brands and artisans.
African Food Court
A culinary journey across the continent — savour street food, gourmet African cuisine and signature cocktails.
Live Music & Performances
Afrobeats, highlife, traditional drumming and headline performances from celebrated African artists each evening.
Cultural Pavilions
Immersive pavilions celebrating the heritage, crafts and traditions of participating African nations.
Community & Networking
Open-air lounges, pop-up studios and meet-the-designer sessions connecting creatives with the public.
Three Days of Celebration
Festival Village Schedule
Village Grand Opening
Opening ceremony, cultural parade and the first emerging designer runway showcase.
2 Daily
Runway Shows
3 Sets
Live Bands
40+
Food Stalls
120+
Vendors
Entry Options
Festival Passes
Day Pass
General Village Access
Free
- Entry to Festival Village
- Retail marketplace access
- Food court access
- Open-air stage viewing
Most Popular
Runway Pass
Per Day · Per Show
From $25
- Reserved runway seating
- Front-row emerging designer shows
- All Day Pass benefits
- Festival Village programme
- Welcome drink
VIP Village Pass
3-Day Full Access
From $120
- All three days of runways
- VIP lounge & hospitality
- Backstage meet-and-greet
- Priority food & bar access
- Festival Village goodie bag
- Concert front-stage access
All passes include entry to the Festival Village. Runway and concert seating is limited — reserve early.
Find Us in Abuja
Old Parade Ground
The Festival Village takes over one of Abuja's most iconic public spaces — the Old Parade Ground — transforming it into a continent-spanning celebration of African fashion, sound and taste.