Black and African American festivals, concerts, and cultural events in the Midwest for a weekend getaway!
African American Midwest events in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
Museum exhibits, plays, fine arts, and public art sculptures by Black artists
Live music performances of R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz, symphony, and gospel singers
Concerts and festivals in Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cleveland
Many concerts, festivals, and art exhibits featuring Black people are tailored to the Black community. Events are scheduled in cities such as Columbus, Dayton, and Louisville.
Enjoy regional food and drinks, stunning art galleries, cultural centers, and more. Attend opening receptions, meet-the-artist sessions, after-parties, and VIP events. Let the celebrations begin!
The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Please confirm the information and check the venue guidelines before arriving. You may need to buy tickets in advance.
Black Festivals, Concerts, and Cultural Events
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Dance Performance
December 10, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$35 – $85
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
My 00’s Playlist featuring Nelly, Ja Rule, Ashanti, and T.I
Hip-hop/ R&B Concert
December 16, 7 p.m.
The Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
As the lights dim and the music starts, concertgoers will be transported back in time to an era filled with chart-topping hits and unforgettable collaborations.
Harlem Globetrotters
Basketball Performance
December 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets on sale soon
The Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan fun.

Hadestown
Broadway Play
March 12 – 17
$29 – $119
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Broadway Play
April 9 – 14
$29 – $119
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
The Lion King
Broadway Play
May 1 – 12
$0 – $120
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King, making its triumphant return to the Dayton!
Windborne’s Music of Whitney Houston
Orchestra Performance with Vocals
May 18, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
General ticket sale begins August 10, 2023
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Broadway sensation Rashidra Scott joins Windborne and the Philharmonic to celebrate Whitney Houston’s extraordinary talent with an evening of her biggest hits, “Saving All My Love,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Related Article: African American Museums to visit across the Country.
Black men and Black women can celebrate Black culture while enjoying talented performers. Did we miss a few Black and African American festivals and concerts? Contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati for any Midwest events we may have missed in the African American community.
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
African American Midwest Events images from Adobe Stock