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
There are many concerts, festivals, and art exhibits featuring Black people and tailored to the Black community. Events are scheduled in Cincinnati 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. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information and check venue guidelines before arrival. You may need to buy tickets in advance.
Black Festivals, Concerts, and Cultural Events
Destroy Lonely
Rap Concert
January 31, 8 p.m.
$35
Mercury Ballroom, Louisville, Kentucky
Destroy Lonely is an American rapper best known for his studio album No Stylist, which peaked at number 91 on the Billboard 200.
The Black Tour
Dance Performance
February 4 – February 5
$31.50 – $61.50
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
A holistic journey through art and culture experienced through four performance narratives.
I’m Back Now
Play
February 4 – February 26
$25 – $95
Allen Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
Inspired by Cleveland’s past, present, and future, I’m Back Now is a poignant family drama transcending time and space.
Funk Unplugged
Funk Concert
February 10
$25 – $35
PNC Arts Annex, Dayton, Ohio
Featuring The Deron Bell Band playing funky favorites but through the reimagined sound of acoustic instruments.
Trevor Noah
Comedy Show
February 10 – February 11
$44.50 – $124.50
The Louisville Palace, Louisville, Kentucky
Trevor Noah is a South African-born comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and former television host.
An Evening of Love and Soul
R&B Concert
February 11, 8 p.m.
$59.50 – $99.50
KeyBank State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
Featuring The Whispers, The Dramatics, Angela Winbush, and Howard Hewitt
A Soldier’s Play
Play
February 14 – February 19
$25 – $79
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots rang out. A Black sergeant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – A Celebration Of The Music Of Aretha Franklin
Concert
February 24 – February 25
$25 – $89
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
The concert features all your favorite hits in one evening, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect,” and many more.
Blues is All Right Tour
Blues Concert
March 17, 8 p.m.
$61 – $132
KeyBank State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
Featuring Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, King George, Tucka, Theodis Ealey, and Lenny Williams.
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Lucki
Rap Concert
March 22, 7 p.m.
$30 – $65
Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio
See Lucki’s Flawless Like Me: The Made Martian Tour featuring Eem Triplin
Nick Cannon
Musical Performance
March 26
$30 – $70
Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
A celebratory, empowering journey for the rising stars of music’s next generation.
Kem and Ledisi
Soul Concert
April 1
$63 – $256
KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
The Grammy® Award-recognized artists will take the stage with special guest Musiq Soulchild.
Lizzo
Hip-hop Concert
April 22
$39 – $150
Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Lizzo is an American singer, rapper, and flutist.
Lil Wayne
Rap Concert
April 30
$52 – $213
Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Lil Wayne is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive.
Lizzo
Hip-hop Concert
May 12
$102 – $475
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio
Lizzo is an American singer, rapper, and flutist.
Dayton Philharmonic: Beethoven’s Second
Orchestra Performance
May 19 – May 20
$5 – $68
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
A delicious example and a gorgeous vehicle for the instrument’s sonorous voice, especially as performed by young Sterling Elliott
Ella Mai
R&B Concert
May 28, 7 p.m.
$35 – $75
Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio
Ella Mai was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best R&B Song and Song of the Year with “Boo’d Up”
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
Broadway Play
June 13 – June 18
$26 – $109
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
The smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Related Article: African American museums to visit across the country.
Did we miss a few Black and African American festivals and concerts? Please do not keep them to yourself. 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.
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