A Vibe Called Fest
A Vibe Called Fest
Next Fests
Looking for a girl’s trip with your college bestie? Or, are you a business professional that longing for a conference with your peers? Either way, we’ve got you covered.
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Next Fests List
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bayou Bacchanal In New Orleans, LA
Bayou Bacchanal
Through this event, Friend of Culture shares the rich and festive traditions, customs, and diversity of the Caribbean with visitors and locals.
Cost: Parade is free.
Age: All ages are allowed.
Location: Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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
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
AfroFuture in Accra, Ghana
Afro Future
Afrochella has rebranded as AfroFuture and they’re back in Ghana for the holidays. Stay tuned for the line up.
Cost: Early bird GA tickets start at $160.
Location: Polo Beach Club, The Shoreline, La Road, Accra, Ghana
*If you’d like to book a full package, check out Travel Bay.
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!
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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: Tickets start at $84.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The National Bowl, Watling St, Milton Keynes MK5 8AA, UK
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.
Afro Nation in Portugal
Afro Nation Portugal
Afro Nation Portugal started in 2019 and is a great festival for Afrobeats music at the beach. The first wave of artists have been announced.
Cost: GA tickets cost $364.
Age: 18+
Location: Portimao, The Algarave, Portugal
Florida Black Excellence Fest in Jacksonville, FL
Florida Black Excellence Fest
Focused on economic success, this festival starts on Juneteenth and highlights some of the best and brightest Black voices. Events range from a career fair to a political forum and performers include RL from R&B group Next, Tiffany Haddish and Larenz Tate.
Cost: Events are priced separately. The main event tickets start at $17.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Everbank Field, 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Tone Juneteenth Festival in Memphis, TN
TONE Juneteenth Festival
Memphis is bringing some HEAVY hitters to celebrate Juneteenth. Check out the official site for more info on this festival, the spades tournament and gala.
Cost: GA starts at $10.
Location: Orange Mount Tower, 2205 Lamar Avenue Memphis, TN 38114
Indy Juneteenth in Indianapolis, IN
Indy Juneteenth
Join the fun in Indianapolis for a celebration of Juneteenth, featuring music, a parade and festival. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful and festive celebration in Indianapolis – where history, culture, and community converge to honor Juneteenth with passion and pride. Read the blog post for more details.
Cost: Most events are free.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: The parade and festival will take place at Military Park, 601 W New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Odunde Festival in Philadelphia, PA
Odunde Festival
The nation’s largest African—American street festival is back for the 49th year, bringing cultural awareness and excitement to the city of brotherly love. The festival attracts up to 500,000 attendees, covers 15-city blocks, has over 100 arts & craft and food vendors and has two stages of LIVE entertainment.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages welcome.
Location: 23rd and South St, Philadelphia, PA
Parade the Circle in Columbus, OH
Parade the Circle
Parade the Circle is an annual free event that highlights Black culture with in all its glory. The local art museum is one of the annual sponsors so the event is filled with bright art, masks and puppets made by local community members.
Cost: Free
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
HBCU Festival in Charlotte, NC
HBCU Festival
HBCU Festival is like one massive homecoming. There will be opportunities for networking, community service and partying.
Cost: Some events are free. Prices for individual events are all less than $20.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Various venues in Charlotte.
Exodus Music Festival in Irving, TX
Exodus Music Festival
Kirk Franklin is bringing his annual festival back to the Lone Star state for the 4th year!
Cost: One-day tickets start at $53. Two-day tickets are $123.
Midwest Cultural Fest in Indianapolis, IN
Midwest Cultural Fest
Join a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture in the heart of the Midwest as performers and DJs from Haiti, Nigeria, Jamaica, Ivory Coast and more hit the stage. Learn more in our Midwest Culture Fest blog post.
Cost: Adult tickets start at $85. Tickets for kids under 10 are $18.30.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Everwise Amphitheater at River State Park, 801 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
BLACK EFFECT PODCAST NETWORK FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA
BLACK EFFECT PODCAST FESTIVAL
IHeartMedia and Charlamagne tha God are bringing this event back to ATL. Check out the Black Effect Podcast blog post for more.
Cost: Student admission is $25 and adult tickets are $50.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Pullman Yards, 225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Creole Food Festival in Miami, FL
Creole Food Festival
The 6th annual Creole Food Festival in Miami will highlight delicious options with African and Latin influences and is sponsored by Black-owned whisky empire Uncle Nearest.
Cost: General admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $95.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Chotto Matte, 1664 Lenox Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Creole Food FESTival 2023 RECAP
Reggae Rise Up in St. Petersburg, FL
Reggae Rise Up
Marley brothers Stephen and Damien Marley will headline the event with Lupe Fiasco, Burning Spear, Rebelution, and more.
Cost: Single day tickets start at $60, multi-day tickets start at $135.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Location: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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: All ages are welcome.
Location: The parade starts on 14th and Franklin in Downtown Oakland, California.