Sep 10, 2026 - Things to Do

Ethiopian Festival returns to City Park

Esteban L. Hernandez

Indoor buffet at a Gursha restaurant event. Servers in black shirts labeled Gursha stand beside chafing dishes as guests queue; a Gursha banner and a chalkboard menu are visible. — Vendors from Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant in Aurora at the Taste of Ethiopia Festival. Photo: Courtesy of Nebiyu Asfaw

The Taste of Ethiopia Festival returns to City Park on Saturday for a free, two-day fair celebrating the East African country's culture.

Why it matters: The Denver bandstand's March fire prompted questions about the festival's future, but organizers say they found a workaround to ensure the event moved forward.

State of play: In addition to showcasing Ethiopian food, art, music and fashion, this year's festival will mark Enkutatash — the Ethiopian New Year, event co-founder and organizer Nebiyu Asfaw tells us.

The nonprofit behind the scenes is the Ethiopian Heritage Foundation, which aims for civic empowerment and health equity in addition to celebrating traditions.

Vendors at the festival include:

Flashback: Past events have drawn more than 15,000 attendees.

Between the lines: Organizers worked with the city to provide a standalone stage, keeping live music in the festival lineup, Asfaw adds.

If you go: The 12th annual festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the City Park Pavilion (2001 Steele St.).

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Ethiopian Festival returns to City Park

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