Cost: $5-10, $30 for a weekend pass

Organizer: Africa International House

What to expect: Live music, ethnic food, vendors, fine arts and more in Washington Park. The theme for the 20th-anniversary edition: "Traditions, History and Legends."

Why to go: The music should be great as usual. George Clinton & The Funkadelics return to headline, while other top names include Ahmad Jamal, the Ohio Players, Booker T. Jones and the Soukous Stars.

Additional info: Exclusive VIP main stage seating for four is available every night of the festival from 5 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. The VIP package includes cabaret seating for four guests, one bottle of The Wine Cellars preferred red or white wine, a six-pack of African Festival of the Arts preferred beer, festival linens and lighting and a private entrance.

The full entertainment schedule:

Friday, September 4
12:15 p.m.: L'Evated Pre Show
5:30 p.m.: Spirit
5:45 p.m.: African Dancers
6:45 p.m.: K'Don
8:15 p.m.: Ohio Players

Saturday, September 5
All day: Zon del Barrio
1:30 p.m.: Apostolic Faith Church Mass Choir
2:30 p.m.: Fashion show 3:30 p.m.: Chicago Multi Cultural Dance Center
4:30 p.m.: Julia Huff
5:45-8:15 p.m.: Camp Lo, Souls of Mischief, The Pharcyde
8:45 p.m.: Booker T. Jones

Sunday, September 6
All day: Kenya Safari Acrobats
1:30 p.m.: Latin Street Dancing
3 p.m.: Trizonnz McClendon
4 p.m.: Los 3 de la Habana
5:30 p.m.: The Merchants and Company Big Band
7 p.m.: The Soukous Stars
8:45 p.m.: Ahmad Jamal

Monday, September 7
11:45 a.m.: L'Evated Pre Show
12:45 p.m.: Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church Choir
1:45 p.m.: Ugochi/The African Butterfly & SJS
3 p.m.: Fada Dougou
5:15 p.m.: Khalidahs North African Dance
6:15 p.m.: Lorraine Klaasen
7:30 p.m.: Closing Ceremony
8 p.m.: George Clinton & The Funkadelics

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein