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"It's Ayoka for ME!"
Festival F.A.Q.
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Welcome to the “It’s Ayoka for Me” Afrikan Dance Festival FAQ page! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about our 2025 celebration—from class registration and ticket pricing to travel tips and how to get involved. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning Ayoka family member, this page is your go-to guide for making the most of your festival experience.
Need more info? Contact us at ayokaadad@gmail.com
We can’t wait to dance with you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the “It’s Ayoka for Me” Afrikan Dance Festival?
This is Ayoka African Drum and Dance's annual celebration of African culture throughout the diaspora celebrating dance, drum, and community. The 2025 festival will feature master classes for both drum and dance as well as vending opportunities.
Who can attend the festival?
Everyone is welcome! The festival is fast past so we highly recommend it to people of all ages and experience levels, from intermediate to professional dancers. We do limit the age for children. Children must have some experience in a master class setting. However, if you’re in Tallahassee, we highly recommend you come to our Wednesday classes, so we can get you from a beginner to intermediate level in time for this Festival.
When and where is the festival taking place?
What should participants wear for dance and drum workshops?
Will there be food?
The kick-off is for the festival is Thursday, June 12th at 6pm. The master classes will occur on Friday, June 13, 2025 - Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the FSU School of Dance in Tallahassee, Florida.
Women are encouraged to wear lappas with tights or bicycle shorts underneath. Men can wear pants, shorts, or shokotos. Please note: no shoes are allowed on the dance floor to ensure safety and respect for the space.
Yes there will be food available, as there is a food court on campus for your convenience! However, there will be no food vendors in the festival.
REGISTRATION & CLASSES
How do I register for classes?
Do I need dance experience to participate in the classes?
What styles of dance and drumming will be taught?
You can purchase single classes or all-access passes for the entire weekend.
No experience is necessary. All levels are welcome, and our instructors are skilled at meeting dancers where they are.
The festival will feature a range of traditional West African dance and drumming styles, including those from Guinea, Congo, Senegal, Haiti, Cuba, and Zimbabwe.
TICKETS & PRICING
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Individual tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
What if I don’t want to participate in a class? Can I just watch?
Observation tickets are available.
Are there any package deals?
Yes! You can purchase our All-Day Ticket to participate in all of our dance classes or all of our drum classes per day.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept electronic payments only. You can pay through our website, Eventbrite, Cash App, PayPal, or in person using our card reader, which accepts all major credit and debit cards.
VENDORS & PERFORMANCE
I’m a vendor—how can I be part of the festival market?
Will there be an afterparty?
We welcome vendors to register to be a part of one of Florida’s most culturally rich festivals! From handmade goods to wellness services, Ayoka is the perfect space to connect with a conscious, community-driven audience.
Be sure to join our email list or follow us on social media to stay updated.
Yes! Saturday night, we will be hosting an afterparty to close out this year’s festival that is guaranteed to be the party of the year!!! You will not want to miss this! Stay updated by:
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Joining our mailing list.
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Following us on Instagram and Facebook.
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Regularly checking our website for updates.
PARKING, TRAVEL, & ACCOMMODATIONS
Where should I park, and how much is parking?
Parking is available at FSU’s Montgomery Hall (130 Collegiate Loop) and the nearby, “Traditions Way Garage” (862 Traditions Way).
We recommend using the ParkMobile App (Zone 9157, Florida State University) for convenient payment.
Rates:
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Visitor Lot: $1.50/hr, max $7.50/day (next to FSU Visitor Center)
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Hourly Campus Parking: $1.00/hr (7:30 AM–4:30 PM), $0.50/hr (4:30 PM–10:00 PM)
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Daily Visitor Permit: $5.00 (valid in student and non-gated faculty/staff spaces)
Click below for more details and campus maps
Are there hotel accommodations near the festival venue?
We’ve secured a special discounted group rate for our guests at two nearby hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton Tallahassee and Hampton Inn Tallahassee–Central.
You can book your stay using the official festival booking link by Clicking the Button bellow, "Book Your Stay"
Please note: The deadline to book your room with the discounted rate is May 29, 2025.
Stay tuned—more hotel recommendations and updates will be posted on our website soon. You can also sign up for our mailing list to receive updates directly in your inbox.
Is transportation provided to and from the venue?
While Ayoka does not provide direct transportation, we will share information about parking, rideshare options, and public transit to help make your trip smooth.
GET INVOLVED
How can I volunteer or support the festival?
How can I stay updated?
We love our volunteers! You can apply to join our volunteer team, become a sponsor, or donate to help keep the arts alive. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more.
Join our mailing list.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Check back regularly, here on our website for updates.