Next Fests
Next Fests
Looking for a girl’s trip, baecation or networking event for the culture?
Welcome to the Best Next Fests.
Featured Fests
AfroFuture Festival Group Trip
Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2025
Accra, GA
Nov. 16 -17
Los Angeles, CA
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival in New Orleans, LA
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
This festival puts the spotlight on New Orleans’ brass bands and cuisine; gumbo specifically.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Garifuna Settlement Day in Dangriga, Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day
This day honors the day that the Garifuna people, those of African decent, arrived on the shores of Belize.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Dangriga, Belize
AfriCaribbean Festival in Freetown, Sierre Leone
Africaribbean Festival
AfriCaribbean Festival is more than a festival; it’s a bridge connecting continents, cultures, and communities. Through the power of cultural celebration, understanding, unity and economic prosperity for Sierra Leone will be fostered.
Cost: Packages without flight start at $1999 USD.
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
AfriCaribbean Festival 2023 Recap
AfroFuture in Accra, Ghana
AfroFuture
We’re headed to Ghana for AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella) to celebrate our African heritage and ring in 2025! Read more about the trip and join the Vibe Tribe at The Gateway to Africa.
Cost: The package for 12.27.24 - 1.2.25 is $1800 and includes your festival ticket, accommodations, excursions, local concierge, transportation and more.
Location: The festival takes place at Polo Beach Club, The Shoreline, La Road, Accra, Ghana
AfroFuture in Capetown, South Africa
AfroFuture
Detty December is going to roll into the new year with AfroFutre in Capetown.
Cost: Tickets will be released soon.
Location: TBD
*If you’d like to book a full package, check out Travel Bay.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
Mardi Gras
Bring your beads and get ready for a great time! Mardi Gras season runs about six weeks and there’s so much to do.
Cost: Parades are free.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: All over!
HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest In Massanutten, VA
HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest
This winter wonderland festival returns to Massanutten Resort for the 2nd year. It’s open to everyone from novice to expert and events include a wine tasting, yoga, snow tubing and karaoke.
Cost: Prices vary. There are four resort buildings to pick from.
Age: All ages welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Massanutten Resort, 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, VA 22840
2024 HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest Recap
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival In Tampa Bay, FL
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival celebrates 25 years of Black Excellence in Tampa Bay!
The celebration starts January 10, 2025.
Cost: TBD
Age: All ages welcome with adult supervision.
Location: TBD
2024 Festival Recap
Honda Battle of the Bands in Inglewood, CA
Battle of the Bands
If you’ve ever gone to an HBCU football game just for halftime, you’re in luck. Glorilla will be performing and check out the video below for the lineup of bands.
Cost: Tickets are available starting at $82.
Age: Kids are welcome with an adult.
Location: SoFi Stadium, 1001 S. Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA, 90301
2025 Battle of the Bands Lineup Announcement
Black Joy Parade in Medellin, Colombia
Black Joy Parade
The Black Joy Parade is an opportunity to turn up with the Afro-Colombian locals, support their businesses and meet other travelers from the African Diaspora. Shout out to ABC Travel Network and influencer Eileen Ivette for sharing the beauty of this one.
Cost: $35
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The location is disclosed after tickets are purchased, Medellin, Colombia.
Black Luxe Picnic and Music Festival in Boca Raton, FL
Black Luxe Picnic and Music Festival
This luxury music and food festival celebrates the history and excellence of Black culture in an outdoor picnic setting.
Cost: Early bird GA is $40 through 9.6.24.
Age: 21+
Location: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33498
2024 Event BlackLuxe Recap
African American Heritage Festival in Charlotte, NC
African American Heritage Festival
Through performances, speakers, and family-focused events have fun experiencing the richness of African American heritage and culture in the Charlotte region.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages welcome with adult.
Location: The Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215
225Fest in Baton Rouge, LA
225Fest
225Fest is back for the third year and ready to kick it up a notch! Head to Louisiana’s capitol city for a street festival filled with food trucks, kids' activities, art walk, health fair and live performances!
Cost: Free, VIP is $100.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Capitol Park Museum, 660 N. Fourth Rd, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802
Black Joy Parade in Oakland, CA
Black Joy Parade
This free event includes a parade, performances on 2 stages, 200+ Black-owned vendors and kid-friendly activies.
Cost: Free but donations are welcome.
Age: Family-friendly.
Location: The parade starts on 14th and Franklin in Downtown Oakland, California.
Black Heritage Festival in Lake Charles, LA
Black Heritage Festival
There’s SO much to enjoy including a pageant, cook-off, dance and musician performances and senior citizen bingo.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages welcome with adult.
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601
Black College Basketball Championship in Charlotte, NC
Black College Invitational Championship
This inaugural tournament features the top HBCU men’s and women’s basketball teams competing for the crown of Black College Basketball Champion.
Cost: GA tickets start at $25.
Age: All ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28205
Soft Life Ski in Laax, Switzerland
Soft Life Ski
Soft Life Ski is a ski festival for the culture that aims to increase diversity in winter sports by mixing skiing/snowboarding with music and good vibes.
Cost: TBD
Location: Laax Resort, Via Principala 60b, 7031 Laax, Switzerland
Biscuits and Banjos Festival in Durham, NC
Biscuits and Banjos
This festival is a fundraiser curated by GRAMMY-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, dedicated to the reclamation and exploration of Black music, art, and culture in her home state of North Carolina.
Cost: Saturday only is $130 and weekend passes are $218.
Age: All ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Various locations in Durham, NC including Durham Performing Arts Center, The Armory, Carolina Theater.
Biscuits and Banjos Invite from Founder
Black Food Truck Festival in Charleston, SC
Black Food Truck Festival
Get ready for good food and a GREAT time! Read the 2024 BFTF recap here.
Cost: TBD
Age: All ages are welcome and there are kid-friendly events.
Location: The Exchange Park Fairgrounds, 9850 Highway 78 Ladson, SC 29456
Original Gullah Festival in Beaufort, SC
Original Gullah Festival
This free annual event celebrates the culture and heritage of the Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans from the coastal regions of the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. The festival features music, crafts, food, art, and educational activities that showcase the Gullah language, customs, and spirituality.
Cost: Free. Check the site for ticketed events.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront, Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Philly Caribbean Carnival in Philadelphia, PA
Philly Caribbean Carnival
The United Caribbean Association of Philadelphia has already got the dates set for 2025. Stay tuned for more info.
2023 Philly Carnival Recap, pt. 1
2023 Philly Carnival Recap, pt. 2
Durag Fest in Charlotte, NC
Durag Festival
Expanding to a two-day event, Durag Fest is returning to Charlotte with an additional conference day featuring panels discussions, fireside chats, mixers and more to connect with other creatives, entrepreneurs and wave makers across the globe.
Dates: TBD
Cost: The price for the market pass is $12. Expo passes start at $59.
Age: All ages are welcome on Saturday.
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road Charlotte, NC 28206
Black Joy Parade in Medellin, Colombia
Black Joy Parade
The Black Joy Parade is an opportunity to turn up with the Afro-Colombian locals, support their businesses and meet other travelers from the African Diaspora. Shout out to ABC Travel Network and influencer Eileen Ivette for sharing the beauty of this one.
Cost: $35
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The location is disclosed after tickets are purchased, Medellin, Colombia.
Afro Nation in Portugal
Afro Nation Portugal
Afro Nation Portugal is celebrating the 5th anniversary and is a great festival to enjoy Afrobeats music at the beach.
Cost: TBD, Pre Sales start October 2,
General Sales start October 3
Age: 18+
Location: Portimao, The Algarave, Portugal
Reggae Land in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Reggae Land
Over 50 reggae performers will take over the UK for a weekend of island vibes.
Cost: TBD.
Age: Kids ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: The National Bowl, Watling St, Milton Keynes MK5 8AA, UK
Caribmask Carnival in Raleigh, NC
Caribmask Carnival
The Raleigh-Durham AfroCaribbean Association (RDACA) started this event in 2012 to highlight the Afro-Caribbean culture in the Raleigh, NC.
Cost: Parade is free.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
NOLA Zydeco Fest in New Orleans, LA
NOLA Zydeco Fest
Zydeco is one of the Louisiana genres that has mainly stayed local. To me, the sound is 70% country, 30% hip-hop and perfect to step to. However you describe it, it’s a bop!
Cost: GA tickets start at $20.
Age: All ages welcome.
Location: Crescent Park - Mandeville Shed, 100 Mandeville St, New Orleans, LA 70117
recap of 2023 NOLA Zydeco Fest
Bayou Bacchanal In New Orleans, LA
Bayou Bacchanal
This FREE event celebrates Caribbean culture, food and music by sharing the rich and traditions and diversity of the islands.
Cost: Parade is free.
Age: All ages are allowed.
Location: Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Treme Fall Festival in New Orleans, LA
Treme Fall Festival
Head to Nawlins for music, food, art and engaging activities for kids and adults. Treme Fest starts with a 2nd line parade and the entire day honors the culture and history of the Tremé neighborhood.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: 1100 Block of Henriette Delille, New Orleans, LA, 70116
NOLA Reggae Fest in New Orleans, LA
Nola Reggae Fest
Reggae & good vibes in the Big Easy.
Cost: TBD.
Age: All ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Congo Square, Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
World Creole Music Festival in St. George, Dominica
Dominica World Creole Music Festival
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty culture of Dominica at the highly anticipated World Creole Music Festival. This year’s theme "Botanica" highlights the natural beauty of the country and the music will transforms you into a cultural oasis.
Cost: GA three-day pass is $160 USD.
Location: Windsor Park Sports Stadium Dominica , Bath Rd 00000 Roseau, St. George, Dominica
2023 Dominica World Creole Music Fest Recap
Festival del Cristo Negro (Black Christ) in Portobelo, Panama
Festival Del Cristo Negro (Black Christ)
Each year, around 60,000 people take a pilgrimage to Portabello to honor the statue of Cristo Negro and worship.
Image of Cristo Negro. Adam Jones/Flickr, CC BY-SA
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in New Orleans, LA
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
Since 2016, this festival accentuates the city’s continuous role in molding the influence in blues, jazz and R&B.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Lafayette Square Park, 602 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130
Black Joy Parade in Medellín, Colombia
Black Joy Parade
Join Origin + Culture to celebrate Medellin’s Afro-Colombian community and contribute to positive social change by supporting the diverse communities of Colombia.
Cost: $35
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The location is disclosed after tickets are purchased, Medellin, Colombia.
Black Joy Parade by Origin + Culture
Gentilly Fest in New Orleans, LA
Gentilly Fest
Gentilly Fest celebrates is NOLA community and includes live music on three stages, local vendors and a Kids’ Village.
Cost: FREE
Age: Family-friendly.
Location: Pontchartrain Park, 5701 Press Dr., New Orleans, LA 70126
Houston Afro-Creole Music Festival in Houston, TX
Houston Afro-Creole Music Festival
Music, food, dance, arts and culture are key factors in promoting unity among diverse populations and this event the Houston Afro-Creole Music Festival is dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Cost: Early bird tickets cost $20.
Age: All ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Independence Park, 3448 Pearland Pkwy, Pearland, TX
2023 Houston Afro-Creole Music Festival Recap
CultureCon in Brooklyn, NY
CultureCon
In a Forbes interview, movie maven, Issa Rae lauded this event as “‘a rare platform’ that ‘builds community’ among an aggregation of the people that she wants to reach and inspire.”
Cost: Early bird tickets start at $180. Enter to win a free student ticket here.
Age: All ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Duggal Greenhouse, 63 Flushing Ave, Building 268 Brooklyn, NY 11205
2023 CultureCon Recap
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival in Washington, DC
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival
This festival is run by Nice Crowd who also runs the American Black Film Festival and was named one of the USA Today’s Top 10 new festivals. This yea'r’s festival will be headlined by Leslie Jones and Deon Cole. The event was created to spotlight the wealth of comedic talent within the BIPOC comedian communities.
Cost: Some events are ticketed separately, starting at $40. The Laugh Pass starts at $275. Use code: NCALUMNI15 for 15% off.
Location: The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
PanaFest Celebration in Silver Spring, MD
PanaFest
Pan African Festival USA (PANAFEST-USA) is a cultural festival held annually to celebrate African heritage and showcase the cultures of area residents of African descent under the overall arching theme “I ♥ African Heritage Unity!”
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Riverfest in Eden, NC
RiverFest
RiverFest celebrates Eden’s art, history and river heritage. This annual event takes place in the Historic Leaksville area of Eden – the oldest downtown area that dates back to 1797.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Washington Street between Henry St. and South Bridge St., Eden, NC, USA
Black and Loud Fest in Seattle, WA
Black and Loud Fest
The Crocodile and Dice Lab are bringing the Black & Loud Music Fest back to Seattle. Enjoy a variety of Black-fronted alternative bands in one location. Listen to some of your faves and learn about bands that you’ll fall in love with.
Cost: GA tickets start at $30 and VIP tickets start at $90.
Age: 21+
Location: The Crocodile, 2505 1st Ave Seattle, WA 98121
Black and Loud Fest 2023 Recap
Nomadness Fest in Charlotte, NC
Nomadness Fest
I’ve attended this event for the past two years and it’s my favorite professional conference. This year’s theme is, “The Future is Ours: Reimagining BIPOC Travel.”
Cost: GA is FREE this year. VIP weekend tickets are $300.
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte
2023 NOMADNESS Fest Recap
Atlanta Black Pride Festival in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Black Pride Festival
Atlanta Black Pride is one of the largest Black Pride celebrations in the world! This event celebrates the LGBTQ+ African American community with a variety of activities including parties, workshops, and cultural events. The weekend rounds out with a FREE festival on Sunday.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive,
Atlanta, GA 30306
Happily Natural Festival and Urban Farm Expo
Happily Natural Festival and Urban Farm Expo
Happily Natural Day is an Afrikan summer festival dedicated to holistic health, cultural awareness and social change.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Fifth District Mini Farm, 2222 Bainbridge St, Richmond, VA 23225
Black August in the Park in Durham, NC
Black August in the Park
“Black Joy is an act of resistance.” -Toi Derricotte
Cost: Free when you register on their site.
Age: Kids welcome with adult supervision.
Location: Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701
Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival
Carnival in Jacksonville is a week-long celebration with a parade on Saturday. Other events included CaribBrunch, a Denim and White party and J’Ourvert.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Downtown, Jacksonville, Fl. Jacksonville, FL 32202
Afropunk BLKTOPIA in Brooklyn, NY
AfroPunk BLKTOPIA
Afropunk BLKTOPIA is bringing two different vibes to Brooklyn to celebrate their 20th anniversary with some bomb performers.
Cost: Tickets are $140.
Location: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th St & Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
DJ Envy Drive Your Dreams Car Show in Secaucus, NJ
DJ Envy’s Drive Your Dreams Car Show
This event returns for the 6th year bringing old school and new exotic cars to the public for your viewing pleasure. There will also be bounce houses, face painting, rides and more for the kiddos.
Cost: Tickets start at $40.
Age: Children 5 and under are free.
Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Afro Nation in Detroit, MI
Detroit Afro Nation
The complete lineup is out and looks amazing!
Cost: GA weekend tickets start at $199.
Age: All ages welcome.
Location: Bedrock, 630 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
Detroit Afro Nation 2023 Recap
Curlfest in New York, NY
Curlfest
Curlfest is back!!! This event was founded to celebrate every kink and coil of Black women’s hair.
Cost: Tickets start at $60.
Age: Kids are welcome. 6 and under are free.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
CurlFest RECAP
Columbus African Festival in Columbus, OH
Columbus African Festival
Enjoy a day full of Fashion, Food, Art and Music in Columbus, OH.
Cost: FREE
Age: All ages welcome.
Location: Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
For the Culture KS Fest in Topeka, KS
For the Culture KS Fest
Learn about the rick Black culture of Kansas and enjoy historical tours, a health fair, Black vendors and food trucks and family fun.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Evergy Plaza, 630 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
Big Smoke Festival in London, UK
Big Smoke Festival
London, stand up!! Skepta’s Big Smoke Festival line up is full of heavy hitters and promises to be a great time.
Cost: $80 USD for GA and $140 USD for VIP tickets.
Age: 18+
Location: Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA, United Kingdom
Summer Jam in Fühlinger, Germany
Summer Jam
Get lost in good vibes at the 37th annual Summer Jam festival. The entire weekend will be full of good energy and great music.
Cost: Priced in Euro but the 3-day tickets start around $190 USD.
Age: All ages are welcome. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult.
Location: Alte Schulstraße 30 , 40789 Monheim am Rhein - Germany
Summer Jam 2023 Recap
Jollof Festival in Houston, TX
The only thing people argue about more than if that dress was gold or blue is which African company has the best Jollof Rice. Join the convo at this festival.
Cost: GA tickets start at $35. VIP starts at $99.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival
This will be a full weekend of fun, starting with a welcome party on Thursday and ending with a Sunrise Brunch on Sunday. Saturday, enjoy various Mas bands at the free parade.
Cost: Event prices vary, the parade is free.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Various locations in Charlotte.
Get more information on the official website.