The 34th Down Home Family Reunion will bring a full day of music, dance, storytelling, food, shopping and cultural enrichment to downtown Richmond on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The event, organized by the Elegba Folklore Society, is scheduled from 4 to 11 p.m. at Abner Clay Park, 200 W. Clay St. in Jackson Ward.

The annual festival explores African American folklife by tracing heritage and traditions from West Africa to the Americas. It is designed to connect cultural practices of West African and African American communities and highlight their influence on the American South.

Headlining this year’s event is the iconic R&B group Blue Magic, known for hits such as “Sideshow” and “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely.” Also performing will be Nigerian musician Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa, who blend traditional Nigerian music with rock, pop and jazz in a style called “AfriJam.”

The Elegba Folklore Society’s performing company will present African dance, music and oral traditions, featuring an expanded djembe orchestra including strings.

Other performers include blues guitarist and vocalist Corey Harris, who merges African roots with American blues, and the Proverbs Reggae Band, known for socially conscious roots reggae music.

Soul singer Rodney Stith will open the main stage with a set blending gospel and contemporary soul.

The festival also offers interactive folkloric demonstrations and cultural education sessions. Children and teens can enjoy activities at the Annie Tyler Children’s Place, including crafts and talent showcases tied to the festival’s theme, “Bringing the World Home.”

Attendees can shop at the Juanita Ragland Heritage Market, featuring arts, handmade goods and imports and explore community resources at the Waverly Crawley Community Row. Food vendors will serve African-inspired dishes alongside Southern favorites.

Organizers advise visitors to use designated parking areas and shuttles and to avoid parking on residential streets with time restrictions. Coolers and animals are prohibited, but two tent villages will be available for personal use, and a drop-off point will be set up at the park entrance.

The Zeke Allison Main Stage schedule begins at 4:15 p.m. with Stith, followed by the Proverbs Reggae Band at 5:15 p.m. Harris takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. The Elegba Folklore Society performs African dance and music at 7:30 p.m., followed by Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa’s West African AfriJam at 8:30 p.m.

The night closes with classic R&B from Blue Magic at 9:45 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m.

For more information, visit efsinc.org or call (804) 644-3900.