Black and African American festivals, concerts and cultural events in the Midwest for a weekend getaway!
Drivable 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
Text VOBC to 797979 to receive an updated calendar of Black events each week!
Concerts, festivals and art exhibits featuring Black people and tailored to the Black community are scheduled in cities surrounding Cincinnati such as Columbus, Dayton, and Louisville. Whether you are planning a get-away, girls’ trip or a family vacation, enjoy regional food and drinks, stunning art galleries, cultural centers and more. Attend opening receptions, meet-the-artist parties, afterparties and VIP events. Let the celebrations begin!
The information in this article is as current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information prior to acting and check venues guidelines prior to arrival. You may need to buy tickets in advance.
Black, Afro and African American Festivals, Concerts and Cultural Events:
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit – Art Exhibit
Now – February 6th
$40 – $55
Lighthouse ArtSpace, Columbus, Ohio
Directions
The art of Vincent van Gogh will come to life around you!
Playboi Carti – Rap Concert
December 10th
$27 – $92
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Directions
In just a few short years, rapper Playboi Carti has amassed millions of streams worldwide.
Trippie Redd and Friends – Rap Concert
December 11th
$42 – $152
Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Directions
Starring Trippie Redd with special guests Tee Grizzley and Calboy.
Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and GZA – Rap Concert
December 17th
$45 – $65
House of Blues, Cleveland, Ohio
Directions
See these American rappers live in concert!
Harlem Globetrotters – Basketball Experience
December 31st
$27 – $137
Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions
Ball spinning that defies gravity, innovative dunks, and new on-court characters.
The Weeknd – R&B Concert
January 30th
$39 – $625
Rocket Mortgage Field House, Cleveland, Ohio
Directions
Featuring the Weeknd, one of the world’s best-selling music artists with over 75 million records sold.
Lil Tecca – Rap Concert
February 22nd
$35 – $50
House of Blues, Cleveland, Ohio
Directions
See American rapper, Lil Tecca along with Bktherula, Yvngxchris, and BabySantana.
Tyler the Creator – Rap Concert
February 27th
$39 – $192
Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Directions
Tyler, The Creator has announced his Spring 2022 North American tour with Kali Uchis, Vince Staples and Teezo Touchdown.
Birthday freebies for adults and children.
John Holiday: Opera Star Recital – Opera Recital
April 3rd
$32 – $100
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions
Bridging the gap between classical and contemporary, jazz, and soul music.
Todrick Hall – Pop Concert
April 5th
$32.50 – $45
House of Blues, Cleveland, Ohio
Directions
Todrick Hall is an American singer, songwriter, choreographer, and YouTuber.
Leon Bridges – R&B Concert
May 4th
$72 – $465
Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Directions
Featuring Leon Bridges, best known for his 2015 song “Coming Home.”
Black Violin – Contemporary Concert
May 6th
$18 – $51
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions
An amazing blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and even bluegrass.
Columbus Arts Festival – Arts Festival
June 10th – 12th
Free Admission
Arena District, Columbus, Ohio
Directions
More than 260 visual artists, performing art stages, hands-on activities; local artists; dozens scores of food vendors including popular local food trucks; and local craft brews.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Juneteenth Celebration – Orchestra Concert
June 17th and 18th
$26 – $85
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions
The Dayton Philharmonic celebrates the sesquicentennial anniversary (150 years) of the birth of Paul Laurence Dunbar, acclaimed African American poet born in Dayton, to parents who had been enslaved in Kentucky prior to the Civil War.
Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest – Jazz and Rib Festival
July 22nd – 24th
Free Admission
Bicentennial Park, Columbus, Ohio
Directions
Offering both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue.
African American museums to visit across the country.
Did we miss a few Black and African American Festivals and Concerts? Don’t keep them to yourself. Let us know – contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati for any Midwest events that we may have missed for the African American community. Get tickets soon as they will eventually sell out!
Black and African American Festivals and Concerts photo by © [Iryna] /Adobe Stock
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 797979.
Great info ! Will you be updating this list with more events ?
Why are the concerts for Cincinnati not listed here????? Thanks.
Hello. This article is for concerts outside of Cincinnati. We invite you to visit any of the several articles we published for events and concerts in Cincinnati. Thanks.