HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS & CULTURE
CELEBRATION DAY
Saturday February 7, 2026, 12PM –7PM
Horizon Events Center, Clive Iowa
FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING!
​
"We gather to honor a culture rich with pride, hope, resilience and joy. We gather to honor those who have toiled and paved the way and those that now push powerfully forward. We gather to lift spirits and touch hearts. We gather to remember, to share, and to educate. We have made our world in Iowa and we gather to celebrate." ~~ Betty C. Andrews, IMMAWII Executive Director
Iowa’s Premiere African American Festival is pleased to celebrate 28 years of showcasing African American Culture in Iowa. This exciting festival celebrating I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa’s status as the first major festival of the year; the kickoff to Black History Month; the home of Iowa’s newest official state song (titled “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa”); and as the inspiration for other major ethnic festivals with thousands in attendance.
2026 FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Community Connections, Celebrity Headliners, Iowa Performers, Soul Food, Wellness Expo, Kids Carnival, Animals of Africa, Art Activities, Historical Presentations, Supportive Resources​
PRE-FESTIVAL MOVIE PREMIERE
.png)
The Movie Premiere will feature Iowa’s own Gregory Alan Williams and his full-length family film, PAW PAW, along with works by other Iowa filmmakers. I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa proudly welcomes Mr. Williams home, honoring him as the festival’s very first headliner and celebrating Iowa’s creative talent in film. Details coming soon...
IOWA PERFORMERS
Music, drama, dance, fitness, vocals, mimes, painting, sculptors and much more. Each year I'll Make Me a World in Iowa brings over 40 performing artists, visual artists and artist groups from Iowa and throughout the country performing on multiple stages and an expanded array of cultural and soul food vendors. Are you an established performing artist or group? Click here to apply for a spot on our roster.
SMALL BUSINESS, NON PROFIT EXHIBITORS & VENDORS
There is something for everyone at I'll Make Me a World in Iowa! Whether its delicious soul food; that unique item that you can only find from that special small business: a nonprofit that is sharing its helpful information or a local artist or author showcasing the fabulousness of Iowa, you will want to check out our vendors and exhibitors at the festival. Also our corporate sponsors will make available a number of engaging opportunities during the festival. Small businesses and small non-profits visit our vendor page to get your booth today! Click Here.
.png)
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
Offering Free Screenings and Preventative Consultation
IMMAWII acknowledges that showcasing African American culture is vastly important but also knows how critical it is to improve the lives of the community through outreach efforts like the IMMAWII Health & Wellness Expo. The expo provides numerous opportunities to improve the health of community members including fitness activities, free tests and screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, vision and others. Services are available to all attendees.
IMMAWII STEM FESTIVAL
.png)
It's a festival within a festival! The IMMAWII STEM Fest offers an engaging, hands-on experience where you can explore STEM through interactive stations focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Participants will also learn about African American history makers in STEM, highlighting their contributions and inspiring future innovators to see themselves in these fields.
LOCATION
Horizon Event Center Both Education Day and Celebration Day will be held at the newly renovated Horizon Events Center at 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325. The venue boasts beautiful stages and a great environment for I'll Make Me a World in Iowa's audience. Parking is free and widely available.
.png)