Black and African American festivals, concerts and cultural events in the Midwest

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

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 sessions, after parties 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:

Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms – Contemporary Art Exhibit
Now – May 22nd
Free Admission, Registration Required
Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

Leon Bridges – R&B Concert
May 4th
$72 – $465
Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Directions

Black Violin – Contemporary Concert
May 6th
$18 – $51
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest – Festival
May 28th – 29th
Downtown Riverfront, Columbus, Ohio

Kentucky R&B Fest: Keith Sweat, Tevin Campbell, Raheem DeVaughn, 112 – Festival
June 3rd
$85+
KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Directions

Columbus Arts Festival – Festival
June 10th – 12th
Free Admission
Arena District, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

10 Money Saving Travel Tips

Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Juneteenth Celebration – Orchestra Concert
June 17th and 18th
$26 – $85
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

The Temptations and The Righteous Brothers – Concert
June 25th
$23.50 – $72
Rose Music Center at The Heights, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest – Jazz and Rib Festival
July 22nd – 24th
Free Admission
Bicentennial Park, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

Buddy Guy and John Hiatt – Blues Concert
July 31th
Rose Music Center at The Heights, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

Ziggy Marley – Reggae Concert
August 13th
Rose Music Center at The Heights, Dayton, Ohio
Directions

Black, Afro and African American Ohio State Fair Events:

Nelly with special guest Breland
July 30th, 7 p.m.
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

Dru Hill and Raheem DeVaughn
July 31st, 7:30 p.m.
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

Ice Cube
August 4th, 7 p.m.
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

Lakeside and Con Funk Shun
August 6th, 7 p.m.
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, Columbus, Ohio
Directions

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 in the African American community. Get tickets soon as they 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 513-270-3880.