Black culture festival season is upon us!

Now that festival season has arrived, many people are gearing up to take part in some of the hottest summer festivals in the country. From Lollapalooza to Rolling Loud, this summer will be one for the books.

But even though festivals like Burning Man or Pitchfork Music Festival are popular, there are also many Black culture festivals that need to shine as well. Summer is in full bloom, so take advantage of the sunny weather by celebrating Black culture at a Black culture festival!

Why We Love Summer Festivals

Summer festivals are part of American culture. Featuring celebrity guest appearances, musical performances, and food vendors, it’s no wonder some summer festivals attract thousands upon thousands of attendees.

Festivals are often themed, so festivalgoers feel a sense of community and belonging. For example, Coachella is a popular music festival for music lovers. And Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture. These summer events provide a great opportunity for guests to find their tribe and party with like-minded individuals.

The Importance of Black Culture Festivals

Of course, Black people aren’t a monolith and can participate in any festival they want. However, these festivals are important, too. They’re a way to celebrate Black excellence so attendees can take pride in their roots. And for parents, they can also be a fun way to educate little ones on Black history by introducing them to diasporan foods, art, music, and more.

These festivals are as diverse as the diaspora. From food festivals to parties that celebrate the Divine Nine, you can find a number of festivals to suit your interests. Here are five Black culture festivals to attend this summer:

1. Texas Greek Picnic Weekend

 

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If you’re part of the Divine Nine, Texas Greek Picnic Weekend is the party for you. Featuring a pool party, food and beverage vendors, and a Stroll Off competition, this celebration of Black excellence is sure to be one for the books.

Texas Greek Picnic Weekend kicks off on Thursday, August 4th to Sunday, August 7th. The party takes place at Emancipation Park, the oldest park in Texas. It was also the only public park accessible to the Black community during parts of the Jim Crow period.

You can still be part of the action even if you’re not a Divine Nine Greek. The weekend celebration is open to the public and welcomes people of all backgrounds to join in on the fun.

2. Afropunk

Afropunk is an annual summer festival that celebrates the different subcultures in the Black community. If you enjoy alternative music, fashion, and art, then this festival is for you!

One of the best parts about the festival is its incredible lineup of musical performances. This year, fans can expect to see artists like Tierra Whack, Burna Boy, Freddie Gibbs, and many others.

But aside from the music, there are also other things to do at Afropunk. From local food vendors to fun interactive games and activities, this Black joy celebration is always a good time.

Afropunk kicks off on Saturday, September 10th to Sunday, September 11th at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, New York.

3. National Black Theatre Festival

Theater lovers rejoice! National Black Theatre Festival is a celebration of Black art, from theater to television to film. It highlights the influence and impact of Black performers, designers, directors, producers, and technicians across the diaspora.

At the star-studded festival, you can enjoy live performances, educational workshops, and spoken word poetry. There will also be films to watch, food and beverage vendors to sample from, and even a parade with African dancers and drummers.

National Black Theatre Festival takes place in Winston-Salem, NC, from August 1st to the 6th. Visit the official website to purchase tickets and for more information.

4. #CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut LA

Calling all carefree Black girls! This one’s for you. #CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout LA is a summer day party that celebrates Black women. There, you can find Black girl DJs, Black girl performances, and of course, a Black girl host to get the party started!

And there’s no shortage of things to see and do at the party. For example, you can purchase beauty products from one of the beauty vendors. Or get in a fun workout at the skating rink. Plus, there will be plenty of fun games and giveaways to enjoy, too.

With so many things to do, it’s easy to work up an appetite. Fortunately, #CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout LA has you covered there, too! You can even bring a blanket for a carefree picnic.

The celebration happens on Saturday, July 30th, at Freeman Park in Gardena, CA. You don’t want to miss it!

5. Black Pepper Food and Wine Festival

If you’re a foodie, you might want to check out the Black Pepper Food and Wine Festival. The one-day fest highlights those in the Black culinary space with over 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and vendors.

“Curated to circulate the Black Dollar,” the party is a great way to support Black businesses. You can find foods from across the diaspora at the food festival, from soul food to Caribbean food. Plus, you can vibe out to some live music and entertainment while you’re there.

And if you enjoy wine, there will be plenty of it—sample from the wine bar featuring the McBride Sisters, owners of Black Girl Magic Wine. Or, if wine isn’t your thing, you can watch a live mixology demonstration to learn how to make a handcrafted cocktail.

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