International BBQ & Culinary Programming
We convene pitmasters and chefs from the African diaspora to share fire, flavor, and foodways with the city.
Who We Are
About The Kicheko Project
"Kicheko" means laughter in Swahili — and laughter is at the heart of everything we do.
Who We Are
"Kicheko" means laughter in Swahili — and laughter is at the heart of everything we do.
The Kicheko Project is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) building bridges between African and diaspora communities and the broader Seattle public through culturally resonant programming.
Choma Festival — named for the East African tradition of communal grilling — is our largest annual fundraiser and community activation. Proceeds support year-round cultural programming, youth education, and community events.
What We Do
How we show up
Live Music & Performance Curation
Afrobeats, jazz, R&B, and live bands fill the amphitheatre from open to close.
Youth & Community Education
Family programming, cultural learning, and a kids zone that keeps every generation on the grounds.
Vendor & Small-Business Platforming
We put BIPOC food entrepreneurs and makers in front of thousands of engaged Seattleites.
Why Kicheko
Cultural pride. Community first. Lasting impact.
"Kicheko" means laughter in Swahili — and laughter is at the heart of everything we do.
01
Cultural Pride
We celebrate African and diaspora identity with joy and dignity — never as decoration. Every stage, stall, and story is built with the communities we serve.
02
Community First Vision
Kicheko means laughter. We design gatherings where belonging is the point: neighbors, elders, kids, and newcomers sharing one table.
03
Lasting Impact
As a 501(c)(3), festival proceeds fuel year-round programming, youth education, and economic opportunity for Seattle's African and diaspora communities.
Venue Info
Magnuson Park Amphitheatre
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 — Part of Magnuson Park -- one of Seattle's largest and most beloved waterfront parks, 350 acres on the shores of Lake Washington, with ample room for festival grounds, stages, and vendor areas.
By car
On-site and street parking around the park; arrive early on festival day.
By transit
Served by Metro bus routes with a stop near the park entrance.
Accessibility
Paved paths through the main festival grounds; accessible restrooms on site.