Durham, Cary events planned to celebrate Kwanzaa

Several events this week will mark Kwanzaa. Here's where to find them:

Cary's 22nd annual Kwanzaa Celebration is 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Cary Arts Center. It's free and open to the public. According to Cary's website, the theme for this year’s celebration is "It's a New Dawn; It's a New Day." It will feature a performance by the children's dance group, Kuumba Dance Company, at 1 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Vendor Market and Children's Village with hands-on arts and crafts. The Kwanzaa Ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and feature a performance by the Elegba Folklore Society.

Durham's celebration is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 30, at the Holton Career & Resource Center, 301 N. Driver St. It's free. The program will include family-friendly activities and music performances.

The African American Dance Ensemble's Kwanzaa Fest 2017 is at the Durham Armory on Jan. 1. Doors open at noon. Children's activities start at 1 p.m. The program, which includes dance, music and more, starts at 2 p.m. It's free and open to the public. Bring toiletry items and canned goods to donate. They'll be collected and given to local charities.

Also in Durham, the Vegan Flava Cafe will hold Kwanzaa Community Crafting for Kids at noon, Saturday, Dec. 31. Kids ages 6 to teens can create tote bags. Participating kids also can display and sell their items at the cafe's table at Kwanzaa Fest in Durham. The cost is $5 per person.