From Hip-Hop to Harmony: The Midwest's Must-See Music Festivals This Year

Music festivals used to be limited to major cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles but since the start of COVID the demand for festivals has multiplied. Many people in the Midwest have answered the call and are bringing some great acts and arts to the region. 

We’ve highlighted 10 of the best festivals taking place in the Midwest this year. Check them out, listed in chronological order, and let us know which one you’re most excited about in the comments. 

LouiEvolve Hip-Hop & Arts Festival Join some of Kentucky’s up-and-coming artists for three days of performance and art exhibits. My little cousin Afrodamus will be hitting the stage on Friday so definitely check him out.

Midwest Cultural Fest The Haitian Association of Indiana has teamed up with Live Nation to bring the international vibes to Indianapolis. Performers from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti and other Afro-Caribbean countries will set the stage on fire on May 4.  

Gazebo Festival Jack Harlow is bringing a new festival to Louisville, KY this May. He and SZA will headline the two-day event and other performers include Jordan Ward, Vince Staples, Pinkpantheress, Rich Homie Quan and Omar Apollo.

Parade the Circle One of Cleveland’s most impactful annual cultural events, will have the theme “Visions of Harmony” for 2024. This is a free event.

Indy Juneteenth provides a week of amazing events to celebrate African-American heritage including a college and career fair, parade & festival, boxing showcase and a fireworks show. 

Tri-C Jazz Festival is the culmination of year-round music education in Cleveland, OH. Nearly 500 artists perform over the three-day weekend. Indoor concerts are ticketed and feature world-class musicians. The outdoor entertainment is free and mainly talented local artists.

Festival of the Lakes The lineup hasn’t been released yet but last year Ashanti, Ja Rule, Trina and Lil Wayne hit the stage! The festival offers free admission, concerts, boat rides and more. There will be a VIP option for a few of the bigger name performers. 

Cincinnati Music Festival will bring three days of music and entertainment to the city. Thursday is celebrating hip-hop with pioneers MC Lytle, KRS-One, EPMD and Black Sheep. Friday and Saturday some of the artists hitting the stage are October London, Maxwell, New Edition and Coco Jones. 

Afro Nation Detroit The dates have been announced but the lineup isn’t released yet. Last year, Burna Boy, Grammy winner Tyla, Coi Leray, Ari Lennox and Masego hit the stage. Stay tuned for more details. 

Music at the Intersection This annual St. Louis festival brings some of the best Black performers to the city to honor the contributions to music from those in the African diaspora. 

A Vibe Called Fest keeps you up-to-date with all the important information for festivals and cultural events centered around Black people. Subscribe and check out our FesTEAval Blog posts and the Next Fests list.