Monday, June 15 | 12 – 9PM
Tuesday, June 16 | 12 – 7PM

THE GLOBAL KICKOFF is a free two-day Pan-African Festival & Showcase presented by Gold Coast Collective in partnership with R.I.S.E. Edutainment.

Taking place June 15–16, 2026 at Sankofa Square, the festival celebrates culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, movement, and connection through music, dance, spoken word, food, wellness, football culture, and community engagement.

Created to welcome communities and visitors gathering in Toronto during the FIFA World Cup season, THE GLOBAL KICKOFF transforms one of Canada's busiest public spaces into a vibrant cultural hub that highlights the richness, diversity, and contributions of Pan-African and Afro-diasporic communities.

EVENT SCHEDULE

DAY 1 : JUNE 15 — ARTS • CULTURE • MUSIC • DANCE • COMMUNITY

12:00 PM — Vendor Marketplace Opens

2:00 PM — Festival Programming Begins

2:00 – 5:00 PM — DJ Sets, Community Activations & Cultural Experiences

3:00 PM — Afrobeats Dance Class

3:45 PM – 6:15 PM — Featured Live Performances & Spoken Word Presentations

5:20 PM — Dance Battle & Community Cypher

6:45 PM — Black Stars Collective Afro-Fusion Dance Showcase

7:00 PM — Official Welcome & Community Recognition Ceremony Featuring Community Leaders, Special Guests, and Cultural Presentations

7:40 PM — Featured Evening Performances

8:45 PM — DJ & Community Celebration

9:00 PM — Vendor Marketplace Closes

DAY 2: JUNE 16 — FOOTBALL • CULTURE • COMMUNITY

12:00 PM — Vendor Marketplace Opens

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM — DJ Sets, Cultural Activations & Community Programming

12:30 PM — Dance Performance & Cultural Activation

1:00 PM — Pre-Match Entertainment & Community Build-Up

3:00 PM — International Football Watch Party (France vs. Senegal)

5:30 PM — Match Concludes

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM — Ultra Black Running Club Community Activation

7:00 PM — Vendor Marketplace Closes & Festival Closing Remarks