Join Crocodile River Music for the return of MaliFest 2025, a two-day series of performances and workshops celebrating the rich and vibrant art, music, and dance of Mali, West Africa. All events will take place December 6 and 7, 2025 in downtown Worcester, MA and will be free, public, and open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and capabilities.
Experience the energy of Malian culture through drum and dance workshops and dynamic concert performances by master musicians, with an African Marketplace featuring original artworks, handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry for sale by artists across Africa and the diaspora.
All MaliFest 2025 events are free and open to the public thanks to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Project Grant, Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Creative Experiences Grant, the J&J Fund and Further Forward Foundation, with additional support from Country Bank.
Register for individual events and learn more about MaliFest 2025 at:
https://www.crocodilerivermusic.org/malifest
MaliFest 2025 - Saturday, December 6, 2025
Drum + Dance Workshops at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory
• 9:30am - 10:30am: Drumming with Abdoul Doumbia
• 10:30am - 11:45am: Dance with Djeneba Sako
• 11:45am - 12:45pm: Drumming with Sory Diabate
• 12:45pm - 2:00pm: Dance with Joh Camara
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm: Drumming with Issa Coulibaly
• 3:00pm - 4:15pm: Dance with All-Star Dance Workshop
Concert + African Marketplace at the JMAC
• 5:00pm - 8:30pm: African Marketplace
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm: Bala Fanga in concert, featuring Balla Kouyate and Mamadou Diabate. Doors open at 6:00pm.
MaliFest 2025 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Drum + Dance Workshops at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory
• 10:00am - 11:00am: Kids & Family Drum Workshop
• 11:00am - 12:00pm: Kids & Family Dance Workshop
Concert + African Marketplace at the JMAC
• 11:00am - 2:30pm: African Marketplace
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Crocodile River Music in concert. Doors open at 12:30pm.
Register for individual events and learn more about MaliFest 2025 at:
https://www.crocodilerivermusic.org/malifest
Also check out other Entertainment events in Worcester, Workshops in Worcester, Music events in Worcester.
