Malindi Guide: October 2025

The Malindi Press City Guide is your curated map to the most compelling dinners, openings, performances, parties, and spaces where Black culture pulses loudest. Whether you're in New York, London, or Paris, this month offers something deeper than just plans; it offers presence. This guide is mainly for New York, but we snuck in some things to do in London and Paris at the end. Enjoy!

New York

• BAM’s Celebration of African Diasporic Dance — Oct 4, Liberty Lawn, Brooklyn
  Outdoor workshops and performances highlighting dance traditions of the African diaspora.

• CultureCon NYC 2025 — Oct 4–5, Brooklyn Navy Yard
  A gathering of Black creatives across media, business, and culture, themed “Take Space.”

• New York African Restaurant Week Festival — Oct 11–12, Restoration Plaza
  Two days of food, music, and vendors showcasing Africa’s culinary and cultural diversity.

• International African Arts Festival — mid-October, Brooklyn
  A long-running celebration of African and Caribbean music, dance, and craft.

• ABFF Pop-Up Tour — Oct 25–26, AMC Lincoln Square
  The American Black Film Festival brings indie cinema and filmmaker talks to New York.

• The Black Linkup Series — throughout October, Harlem/Brooklyn/Manhattan
  Rotating nightlife events from soul classics to soca-infused DJ nights.

• Black & African American Singles Speed Dating — Oct 10, Chelsea
  A social night designed for connection in a Black-centered space.

• Cinema with a Cause: Who We Are — Oct 22, Crown Heights
  Screening and discussion of the acclaimed documentary on racism in America.

• LES Arts & Culture Open House — Oct 18, Lower East Side
  Neighborhood tours and events spotlighting Black history in downtown New York.

Paris

• AKAA — Also Known As Africa Art & Design Fair — Oct 24–26, Carreau du Temple
  Paris’ leading African art and design fair, celebrating a decade of exhibitions.

• “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” — Grand Palais (Until October 9)
  A sweeping survey of Abloh’s work across fashion, music, and design.

• Centre Pompidou: Paris Noir (1950–2000) — ongoing
  An exhibition exploring artistic movements and anti-colonial resistance in Black Paris.

• Joséphine (dance tribute to Josephine Baker) — Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
  A contemporary dance performance inspired by Baker’s life and legacy.

• Contemporary gallery shows — Le Marais, Belleville, 13ᵉ arrondissement
  Solo and group exhibitions featuring African and diaspora artists.

London

• 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair — Oct 16–19, Somerset House
  The premier African art fair brings over 100 artists and 50 exhibitors to London.

• BFI London Film Festival — Oct 8–19, across London
  International cinema festival showcasing Black directors and diaspora stories.

• Black British Book Festival — October, Barbican Centre
  The largest celebration of Black British authors and publishing.

• Black Culture Market — Oct 4–5, Brixton
  A weekend of Black-owned businesses, food, and crafts.

• Othello, starring David Harewood — opens Oct 23, Theatre Royal Haymarket.
  A major West End production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, led by Harewood.

• Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical in Concert — Oct 11, Queen Elizabeth Hall
  A musical tribute to the pioneering R&B legend.

• Black Lives in Music: Classically Black — Kings Place
  A concert series spotlighting Black composers and classical performers.