Black and African American festivals, concerts, and cultural events in the Midwest for a weekend getaway!
Step into the vibrant world of African American culture in the Midwest, where museum exhibits, plays, fine arts, and public art sculptures by Black artists come to life. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of live music performances, from soulful R&B and hip-hop to jazz, symphony, and gospel singers. Experience the heartbeat of concerts and festivals in iconic cities like Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
These extraordinary events, carefully tailored to the Black community, extend beyond entertainment. Delight in regional flavors and beverages, explore captivating art galleries, and immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of cultural centers. Be part of the excitement at opening receptions, meet-the-artist sessions, after-parties, and VIP events. Let the celebrations unfold, creating unforgettable moments in the heart of the Midwest!
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.
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Upcoming Black Festivals, Concerts, and Cultural Midwest Events in 2026
Deon Cole
Comedy Show
February 15, 7:30 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
You know him from the Old Spice commercials and his character on Blackish. Catch one of the most high-energy and unpredictable comedy acts live.
New Edition with Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton
R&B Concert
February 21, 8 p.m.
Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
This landmark event celebrates music, legacy, and connection, giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these legendary artists performing together.
Urban Bush Women: This is Risk
Dance Performance
February 27, 8 p.m.
Bomhard Theater, Louisville, Kentucky
This Brooklyn-based performance ensemble and dance company seeks to bring the untold stories to light through dance. They do this from a woman-centered perspective and as members of the African Diaspora community in order to create a more equitable balance of power in the dance world and beyond.
B2K & Bow Wow
R&B and Rap Concert
March 6, 8 p.m.
KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Additional performances by other sensational artists—including Jeremih, Waka Flocka, Amerie, Yung Joc, Crime Mob, Franchize Boyz with special guests Pretty Ricky—promise an unforgettable celebration of music, and nostalgia.
Uptown: A Celebration Of Motown & Soul
Motown Concert
March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
Fusing Bruno Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of Uptown combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today.
Cardi B
Rap Concert
March 14, 7 p.m.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
See GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-diamond-selling superstar.
Step Afrika!
Dance Performance
March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
An electrifying production that fuses groundbreaking step choreography with the vibrant soundscape of a live DJ.
Stay Black And Die: A Worthy Offering
Theatrical Experience
March 27 & 28
PNC Arts Annex – Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
A deeply contemplative and immersive theatrical experience exploring themes of identity, the influence of heritage on self-discovery, and the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for joy on the path toward becoming one’s fullest self. This production follows poignant snapshots from the life of a Black woman, tracing her journey from girlhood to adulthood as she reflects on what it means to navigate a shifting sense of identity while honoring the cultural legacy that shapes her.
Shucked
Broadway Musical
April 7 – 12
Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
Shucked is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy. This corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.
Baritone Hue
Poetry Performance
April 17 & 18
PNC Arts Annex – Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
A one-person spoken word poetry performance that blends theatrical storytelling, lyrical verse, and visual atmosphere to explore themes of faith, creative rebirth, and Black cultural identity.
Soulja Boy with Lil Xan
Rap Concert
April 22, 8 p.m.
Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Soulja Boy brings his chart-topping hits and viral anthems, while Lil Xan adds his melodic, emo-rap sound to the lineup.
Related Article: While you travel, enjoy African American museums across the region and the country
Ohio Players
Funk Concert
April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
The acclaimed band has traveled the world, produced over a dozen albums, and received 14 gold and platinum awards. After over 50 years in the business, this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster!”
Opera Star John Holiday
Opera
April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Few voices worldwide possess the rare versatility to master classical and pop music, but John Holiday is an undeniable exception.
STOMP
Percussion Performance
April 25 & 26
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
DaBaby
Rap Concert
April 29, 8 p.m.
Vogue Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Known for his rapid-fire flow, commanding stage presence, and chart-topping hits, DaBaby delivers performances packed with intensity and crowd engagement.
Juvenile
Rap Concert
April 30, 8 p.m.
Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Best known for defining late ’90s and early 2000s rap with hits like “Back That Azz Up” and “Ha,” Juvenile helped bring Cash Money Records into the mainstream.
At The Still Point
Orchestra Concert
May 1 & 2
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Pianist Awadagin Pratt performs two concertos written especially for him, both inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Fusion Concert
May 13, 8 p.m.
The Louisville Palace, Louisville, Kentucky
This legendary band is known for its vibrant fusion of soul, funk, R&B, and jazz that helped define the sound of the 1970s.
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess In Concert
Opera
May 15 & 16
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Porgy and Bess premiered on Broadway in 1935, and its music took root in our culture. Iconic songs like “Summertime” and “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin'” became popular classics.
Hadestown
Broadway Musical
May 15 – 17
Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—and invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Ohio Black Expo: Riverfront Culture Fest
Festival
May 23 & 24
Genoa Park, Columbus, Ohio
This annual gathering welcomes thousands of guests from across the state, the nation, and the globe to engage in solution-focused workshops, build connections at networking events, and celebrate the richness of Black culture. With amazing food, the arts, and an unforgettable atmosphere, there’s no other place to be Memorial Day Weekend!
A$AP Rocky
Rap Concert
May 29, 7:30 p.m.
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
An influential rapper, producer, and fashion icon known for his genre-blending sound and trendsetting style within contemporary hip-hop.
Don Toliver
Rap Concert
June 9, 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
See this melodic rapper and singer known for his atmospheric production, smooth vocal style, and genre-blending approach to modern hip-hop.
Kid Cudi
Rap Concert
June 10, 6:30 p.m.
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, Indiana
See pioneering rapper, singer, and songwriter whose introspective style helped reshape the sound of modern hip-hop.
Black men and women can celebrate Black culture while enjoying talented performers across the region. Did we miss any Black and African American festivals or concerts? Contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati for any Midwest events we may have missed in the African American community.
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 postings, 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 513-966-3328.
African American Midwest Events Images from Adobe Stock and Bing AI
