2025 Greater Mankato
UBUNTU FESTIVAL
Thu, Oct 9 & Fri, Oct 10, 2025
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Celebrate the “Spirit of Ubuntu” in Greater Mankato through interactive art, live music, cultural performances, film, dance, kids’ activities & more!
“I Am Because We Are; We are Because I Am.”
Ubuntu: a person's humanity is realized and affirmed through their connections with others.
Come Experience…
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FAMILY DAY
Thu, Oct 9 from 3-5pm
CSU Ballroom, MNSU
≈ Music, art, performances, storytelling,
kids’ activities ≈ -
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Thu, Oct 9 from 5-7pm AND
Fri, Oct 10 from 9-10pm
CSU Ballroom, MNSU
≈ Mingling and networking ≈ -
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Fri, Oct 10 from 6-10pm
CSU Ballroom, MNSU
≈ Interactive art, dance, drumming,
film screening, live music ≈
Centennial Student Union (CSU) Ballroom
Minnesota State University, Mankato
620 West, S Rd, Mankato, MN 56001
SECOND FLOOR
FREE PARKING in Visitor’s Pay Lot
Reggae Legend
PATO BANTON
Pato Banton is a Grammy-nominated reggae legend and a pioneering artist from Birmingham, England, whose career spans four decades. Known for uplifting lyrics and dynamic performances, Banton rose to international fame with chart-topping hits including “Baby Come Back” and collaborations with UB40 and Sting. Banton is also a global peace ambassador, spiritual teacher, and evolutionary leader dedicated to spreading unity and love through his art and activism.
World-Renowned
Antoinette Rootsdawtah
Antoinette Rootsdawtah is a world-renowned reggae keyboardist, acclaimed filmmaker, and visionary spiritual leader. As Banton’s tour manager and music director, she has helped bring the message of peace and unity to audiences worldwide. Honored as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Golden Rule by United Religions Initiative (URI)-Africa and member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, Rootsdawtah blends music, ministry, and global outreach to inspire transformation and spiritual connection.
Indigenous Community Leader
LEO GUNNER BAKER
Leo Gunner Baker is a respected Indigenous community leader, cultural practitioner and member of the Upper Sioux Community known for using drumming as a powerful tool for connection, ceremony, and healing. His work centers on honoring ancestral rhythms and bringing people together through Indigenous traditions.
Leo will be live drumming on Friday, October 10, accompanied by his children as traditional dancers.
AGENDA
Free & open to the public!
Celebrate with an interactive concert featuring Grammy-nominated reggae legend Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah, a world-renowned keyboardist and visionary in the global reggae movement. Both are acclaimed filmmakers and international ambassadors of peace, love, and unity.
Friday, October 10
6:00 – 9:00pm
UNITY IN COMMUNITY
Interactive art displays
Live drumming & indigenous traditional dancing
“Spirit of Ubuntu” film screening
Live painting: Art coming to life right before your eyes!
Live music, dance & cultural performances
9:00 – 10:00pm
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Mingling & networking
Thursday, October 9
3:00 – 5:00pm
FAMILY DAY
Kids’ activities
Interactive art displays
Live music & cultural performances
“Spirit of Ubuntu” film screening
5:00 – 7:00pm
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Mingling & networking
Centennial Student Union (CSU) Ballroom
Minnesota State University, Mankato
620 West, S Rd, Mankato, MN 56001
SECOND FLOOR
FREE PARKING in Visitor’s Pay Lot
About the Greater Mankato Ubuntu Festival – A Celebration of Shared Humanity
More than a festival, Ubuntu is a global movement, Spirit of Ubuntu, rooted in compassion, belonging, and the African philosophy “I am because we are.”
The Greater Mankato Ubuntu Festival is a multi-day event uniting people of all ages in celebration of culture and community through music, drum circles, and storytelling. A centerpiece of the festival is the award-winning documentary “Spirit of Ubuntu,” highlighting transformative leadership across ten African nations through love, service, and collective care. Acclaimed reggae artists and filmmakers Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah, whose work embodies Ubuntu and inspires its daily practice, will serve as festival performers and hosts.
FAQs
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Everyone is welcome! If you enjoy art, music, performance art, film, networking, and/or learning about the cultures that make up our community, then this event is for you!
If you have children, consider attending our “Family Day” on Thursday, October 9 from 3-5pm featuring activities for kids and live music.
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All events take place at:
Centennial Student Union (CSU) Ballroom at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Ballroom is located on the SECOND FLOOR.
620 West, S Rd, Mankato, MN 56001
SECOND FLOOR
🚗 FREE PARKING IN VISITOR’S PAY LOT! -
Free parking is available in the Vistor’s Pay Lot:
620 West, S Rd, Mankato, MN 56001 -
Yes! All events are free and open to the public.
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While RSVP isn’t required, it’s always a good idea to guarantee your spot.
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Yes–kids can attend all events and both days. AND, consider attending our “Family Day” on Thursday, October 9 from 3-5pm featuring activities for kids and live music!
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The Greater Mankato Ubuntu Festival 2025 is generously sponsored by:
The Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family & Society
The Dotson Family Fund
2025 Ubunto Festival Advisory Team
Greater Mankato Diversity Council
Great Mankato Compassionate Community
Charter for Compassion
