Washington, D.C., is getting a flavorful celebration of West African food and culture this weekend as the Jollof Festival – D.C. ’26 takes over Union Market.
The festival is centered around jollof rice, with cooks representing different West African culinary traditions competing in the highly anticipated Jollof Wars.
Along with plenty of food to sample, attendees can expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere celebrating African culture, community and, of course, the ongoing debate over who makes the best jollof.
If you’re looking for something different to do in D.C. this Saturday, this food festival could be a particularly tasty way to spend the afternoon and evening.
When and where is the Jollof Festival taking place?
The Jollof Festival – DC ’26 is happening on Saturday, August 15, from 2 pm to 9 pm at Union Market, located at 1309 5th Street Northeast in Washington, D.C.
The event is organized by Calabash Entertainment and is scheduled to run for seven hours.
The festival is part of the Jollof Festival’s 2026 tour, which is bringing its celebration of jollof rice and West African culture to cities across the country.
Washington, D.C., is one of the stops on this year’s tour, with the event taking place in the Union Market District.
For anyone who hasn’t experienced the festival before, the main attraction is the Jollof Wars, where West African countries compete for the title of Jollof Rice Champion.
Attendees get the chance to sample the different versions and cast their vote for their favorite.
What to expect if you’re thinking about attending
The Jollof Festival is about much more than simply grabbing a plate of rice.
The event promises a combination of food, friendly competition, culture and family-friendly entertainment, making it an option for groups of friends and families alike.
The Jollof Wars will be the centerpiece, with vendors showcasing their own regional takes on the dish.
According to the festival organizers, the competition has become particularly interesting in D.C., where Ghana has won back-to-back titles and will be looking to defend its position against the other contenders this year.
Beyond the competition, attendees can explore a variety of jollof rice vendors and experience the different flavors and styles associated with the dish.
The festival’s broader mission is to celebrate West African culture, music and culinary traditions, so expect a lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon and evening.
And if you’re unfamiliar with jollof rice, this could be a fun introduction: the popular West African dish is typically made with rice, tomatoes, peppers and a blend of spices, with each country and cook putting their own spin on it.
How much does it cost to attend?
Tickets for the Jollof Festival start at $7, according to current event listings, although the final price can depend on the ticket option available when you purchase.
Because the festival runs for seven hours, a ticket gives attendees plenty of time to arrive, sample the food, check out the competition and soak up the atmosphere at Union Market.
With tickets starting at just a few dollars, the Jollof Festival could be one of the more affordable ways to spend part of your Saturday in D.C. — particularly if you’re interested in trying several different takes on a dish that has become a major part of West African food culture.
