Nigerian Center and Guinness Baltimore to Host Nigerian American Festival This October
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Guinness Open Gate Brewery Baltimore, Collins + Company <OGB@collins-company.com>
Nigerian Center, Olayinka Sarayi <olayinka@nigeriancenter.org>
Three-Day Celebration of Nigerian Culture, Food, Music and Community Set for October 16–18, 2026
BALTIMORE, Md. (July 16, 2026) — The Nigerian Center and Guinness Baltimore today announced the inaugural Nigerian American Festival, a vibrant three-day cultural celebration taking place October 16–18, 2026, at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore County.
The festival will showcase the richness and diversity of Nigerian culture through live music, cultural performances, authentic cuisine, interactive experiences, retail vendors, and family-friendly programming. Organizers expect thousands of attendees from across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond to participate in the celebration, with Saturday, October 17, serving as the festival's signature headliner day.
The team at Guinness Baltimore will collaborate with the Nigerian Center on a custom limited-time beer release, which will be exclusively available at the brewery during the festival. Festival programming will feature dedicated areas showcasing Nigerian arts and culture, live entertainment, food experiences, shopping opportunities, and special brewery-led activations celebrating the longstanding connection between Guinness and Nigeria.
That connection runs deep. Guinness has been part of Nigeria's cultural fabric for decades, becoming one of the country's most beloved beverages and a staple at celebrations, gatherings, and major cultural moments. The partnership between Guinness Open Gate Brewery and the Nigerian Center reflects a shared commitment to honoring heritage, fostering community, and creating meaningful cultural experiences.
"The Nigerian American Festival reflects our belief that Nigeria's story is larger than its borders. It lives through Nigerian Americans and resonates across the broader African diaspora, including African Americans and Afro-Latinos with shared ancestral and cultural ties to Nigeria,” said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director, Nigerian Center. “We are proud to partner with Guinness Open Gate Brewery to create a festival where heritage, culture, entrepreneurship, and community come together in celebration. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to experience the richness, vibrancy, and global influence of Nigerian culture."
In addition to hosting the festival, Guinness and its parent company, Diageo, have committed to making a $10,000 donation to the Nigerian Center during Diageo's fiscal year 2027, further supporting the organization's mission and community impact initiatives.
"Guinness has a proud and enduring relationship with Nigeria, where generations of consumers have made the brand part of their celebrations and traditions," said Ryan Wagner, National Guinness Ambassador. "Hosting the Nigerian American Festival at Guinness Open Gate Brewery is a meaningful way to celebrate that connection, honor Nigerian culture, and bring people together through exceptional experiences, food, music, and community."
Attendees can look forward to a wide range of cultural performances, live entertainment, authentic Nigerian cuisine, curated vendor experiences, and unique Guinness offerings created specifically for the event.
Additional details, including performer announcements, vendor applications, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information, will be released in the coming months. Follow along on social media @GuinnessBreweryBalt and @TheNigerianCenter for more information and updates.
Save the Date
Nigerian American Festival
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Location: Guinness Open Gate Brewery // 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, Maryland
Friday: Opening festivities begin at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Festival headliner day
Sunday: Festival programming through early evening
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About the Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center is a Washington, DC–based national civic institution advancing social justice, culture, and opportunity for Nigerian and broader African diaspora communities in the United States. Through legal services, financial empowerment programs, cultural initiatives, and public policy engagement, the Center works to strengthen communities and elevate the role of the diaspora in shaping U.S.–Africa relations.
About Guinness
The Guinness brand was established in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. Brewed using four main ingredients, water, barley (malted & roasted), hops and yeast, Guinness is the world's most popular stout brand. The iconic beer is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150 with almost 9 million glasses of Guinness beers enjoyed every day around the world. The most GUINNESS is sold in Great Britain, Ireland, USA, Nigeria and Cameroon. More information can be found at www.guinness.com.
About Diageo Beer Company
Diageo Beer Company USA (formerly Diageo-Guinness USA) is the U.S. beer and flavored malt beverage business of Diageo. Brands within Diageo Beer Company include the iconic Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Smirnoff ICE.
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