Lagos is in for another grand celebration of Nigerian food, music and culture when the Amala & Palm Wine Festival returns to The Stables, Surulere, on Sunday, December 13, 2026.
After the raving success of its 2025 edition, which played host to over 2,500 visitors, the festival returns with an even greater experience and a headline promise already creating buzz – the biggest pot of Amala yet.
According to Saturday Independent, the 2025 edition was backed by Flyzone Tourism, one of Africa’s premier travel firms, which sponsored the event to help contribute to the success and awareness of the initial festival.
The Amala & Palm Wine Festival is a celebration of the rich culinary and social legacy of South-Western Nigeria. It brings together food, music, entertainment and community in an atmosphere that has been carefully constructed to showcase the finest of the region’s culture.
Two obvious characteristics of Yoruba social life lie at its heart. They are Amala, and palm wine. But the celebration is more than food and wine.
It is a complete celebration of stories, customs, music, flavours and shared spirit that have moulded South Western Nigerian culture for decades.
The 2026 edition will have an expanded program of culinary experiences, entertainment and cultural activations, providing tourists the chance to experience the Southwest via cuisine, music and lifestyle.
My passion for African culture is the main inspiration for the Amala & Palm Wine Festival’, stated Babatunde Afolabi, CEO of Black Boy Afrika Group and Convener of the festival on its return.
“I love to showcase African culture and create experiences for people to see, appreciate and participate in the richness of who we are.
“The Southwest has such a rich heritage and one of the strongest ways we connect with that heritage is through food.”
Speaking on the turnout last year, Afolabi said the response showed the growing hunger for real African experiences.
“Last year was a boom year. Amazing to have over 2,500 people come together to celebrate. It showed us that people really do seek experiences that connect them to our culture.
This year we are going a few steps further. We are delivering the biggest pot of Amala yet, larger entertainment and more experiences, all the while remaining faithful to what makes our culture special.
The festival is part of a rising push toward creating new cultural experiences that preserve African heritage and show it in ways that appeal to current audiences.
“Amala is not just a meal and palm wine is not just a drink to the organisers. Together they are a representation of the communal character of social life in South Western Nigeria – the talks, music, laughing, hospitality and connections that happen around the table.
The event would therefore be the gathering spot for culinary lovers, culture aficionados, families, young Nigerians, creatives, entrepreneurs, tourists and the larger community.
With the success of the 2025 edition setting a high precedent, planners are anticipating thousands of attendees to attend this year’s festival.
“The Amala & Palm Wine Festival is a cultural and lifestyle event created to celebrate Nigerian food, heritage, music and community with particular emphasis on the rich cultural traditions of South-Western Nigeria.
“The 2025 edition attracted more than 2,500 guests and was sponsored by Flyzone Tourism, one of Africa’s top travel agencies.
“The 2026 edition will build on that success with a bigger program and the promise of the biggest pot of Amala ever.
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