Now in its fifth year, the festival was founded by David Vargas (chef/owner of Vida Cantina), Evan Mallett (chef/owner of Black Trumpet), and Joanna Kelley (owner of Cup of Joe Café & Bar). After finding a new home at Strawbery Banke in 2024 to accommodate its growing audience, the festival returns in 2025 with even broader community participation and regional reach.

It is now organized by Cultivate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2023 and led by Kelley and Marie Collins, Cultivate treasurer and Ph.D. candidate at the University of New Hampshire. The event reflects Cultivate’s mission to foster dialogue and inspire collective action to promote equity and social justice..

Cultivate hosts this dynamic festival to uplift BIPOC voices across New England. Guests can expect live music, dance, and martial arts performances; a curated culinary experience from more than 30 food vendors; and an opportunity to connect with over 40 local organizations committed to building a more equitable future.

“This event is a celebration—but it’s also a platform,” said Kelley. “We’re proud to hold space for BIPOC artists, chefs, business owners, and advocates to come together, be seen, and share their work. We’re also excited to partner once more with Strawbery Banke to offer free Museum admission during the festival, giving attendees a chance to explore the site and learn about initiatives related to Abenaki and Black history.”

Service Credit Union has proudly supported the New England BIPOC Festival since its inception in 2020.

“We’ve always been so excited about Service Credit Union’s commitment to community services,” continued Kelley. “Their continued support of this festival shows how much they care about uplifting all members of our community.”

In addition to enjoying food and performances, guests are invited to:

• Tour the Strawbery Banke campus, including historic homes, heirloom gardens, and interpretive exhibits

• Meet with community organizations doing critical work in health equity, education, housing, civic engagement, reproductive rights, and more

Food & Beverage Highlights Include:

• A Southern Girl Bakery

• Ansanm

• Casa Mexico / South Philly Barbacoa

• Flame Jamaican Cuisine

• Mei Mei Dumplings

• Mr. Tuna

• One Love Cuisine

• Pagu

• Red’s Good Vibes

• Shalimar India

• Tulsi Indian Restaurant

• ZaoZe Café & Market

Community Vendors Include:

• BIPOC Kids on the Block

• Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire

• Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People

• Gather

• Korean-American Society of NH

• NH Center for Justice & Equity

• Numbi Crafts

• Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH

• Seacoast Climb

• Stena Rose LLC

• Welcoming NH

• and dozens of BIPOC-owned small businesses, artists, and wellness practitioners

The success of the New England BIPOC Festival depends on the generosity and energy of community members. Those interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at newenglandbipocfest.com.

The 2025 New England BIPOC Festival is sponsored in part by Service Credit Union, Eversource, WIN Waste, JGroup, and more. The Music Hall is generously donating the stage and technical services for the day’s performances.

About New England BIPOC Fest:
The New England BIPOC Fest is an annual celebration of diversity and culture, founded by David Vargas, Evan Mallett, and Joanna Kelley. The festival aims to create a space where Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the New England region can come together to showcase their talents, share their stories, and build community connections. For more information, visit newenglandbipocfest.com.


Photoa courtesy David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com

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