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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 embrace 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

Women & Wellness Extravaganza

Networking Event
March 30
$50
Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana
Connect with like-minded individuals during our networking sessions, rejuvenate your senses with invigorating massage therapy (while they last), and explore the wisdom shared by mental health professionals.

Blackademics

Play
Through March 31
$10 – $20
Fonseca Theatre, Indianpolis, Indiana
Blackademics is a poignant commentary on inclusion versus exclusion, addressing colorism, racial preconceptions, and socio-economic disparities.

DCDC’s BodyTalk

Dance Performance
April 3
$5
Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
In this dance imagination of African American playwrights, award-winning choreographers draw inspiration from prominent works. Best for grades 4-12.

Sampha

Soul Concert
April 4
$30 – $70
Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio
Sampha Lahai Sisay is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer from Morden, South London. Sampha is widely known for his collaborative work with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Frank Ocean, SBTRKT, Jessie Ware, Travis Scott, Kanye West, Solange, and others.

Katt Williams

Comedy Show
April 12
$63 – $256
KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, KY
Comedy legend and Emmy® Award-winning actor Katt Williams is coming to Louisville, promising a night of unparalleled comedy that breaks through boundaries and challenges the status quo.

Nicki Minaj

Rap Concert
April 12
$79 – $299
Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Nicki Minaj has set the tone in music, fashion, and beauty for over a decade – making history and building her superstar personal brand.

group of black men hanging out | African American Midwest Events
Black men and women can celebrate Black culture while enjoying talented performers across the Midwest.

The State of Black Food Summit: Food Security for Black People

Summit
April 13, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Admission
UofL Health Equity Innovation Hub, Louisville, Kentucky
Focused on addressing food security and justice for Black families. This transformative summit brings together Black individuals, community leaders, and organizations passionate about creating equitable access to healthy and culturally relevant food. Seeking 90 attendees, providing a $100 incentive to attend.

2nd Annual Black Men’s Mental Health Conference

Conference
April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$0 – $20
Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio
The Black Men’s Mental Health Conference is a multi-city tour bringing awareness and education to mental health care for Black men. On this tour, attendees will share stories, provide access to resources, and equip communities with the necessary tools to create support systems to ensure that Black men have the best access to mental healthcare.

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.

Classic for Columbus

HBCU All-Star Game & Extravaganza
April 20
$30 – $150
Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Featuring HBCU All-Stars vs Ohio All-Stars, the world’s largest tailgate party, AAU Tournament, HBCU Marching Band, Divine 9-Step and Stroll Preview, Black Wall Street Marketplace, and more!

Related Article: Staying in Cincinnati? Check out these hidden Black-owned gems for locals and visitors alike

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. As the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King, triumphantly returning to the Dayton!

Windborne’s Music of Whitney Houston

Orchestra Performance with Vocals
May 18
$13.50 – $88.50
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.”

2024 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest

Food and Music Festival
May 25
$20 – $35
Genoa Park, Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Black Expo is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life, success, and well-being of African-Americans in Ohio. Enjoy food, music, and culture.

An Afternoon With Will Liverman

Opera Star Recital
June 2
$27 – $104
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Grammy® Award-winning baritone Will Liverman performs works from Black composers and pieces from the traditional classical music canon.

an old black couple attending an event | African American Midwest Events
Enjoy concerts, events, and festivals in Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cleveland tailored to the African American Community.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Concert
June 18, 7:30 p.m.
$39.50 – $73.50
Rose Music Center, Huber Heights, Ohio
New Orleans’ Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will take center stage on a headlining tour with support from legendary Big Boi from Outkast.

Ludacris

Rap Concert
July 18, 8 p.m.
$45.50 – $70
Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio
Ludacris has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker,” and “My Chick Bad.”

Straight No Chaser

A Capella Concert
July 30, 7:30 p.m.
$33.50 – $76.50
Rose Music Center, Huber Heights, Ohio
RIAA-certified Gold a cappella group Straight No Chaser will time travel three decades this summer, bringing their newest tour, “Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s.”

Hamilton

Broadway Musical
October 1 – October 13
Price Varies
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has profoundly impacted culture, politics, and education.

MJ: The Musical

Broadway Musical
June 24 – June 29
Price Varies
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio
Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Dayton as MJ, the multi-Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Related Article: While you travel, enjoy African American museums across the region and the country

Black men and women can celebrate Black culture while enjoying talented performers across the region. 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 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 513-270-3880.

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Written by Crystal Kendrick

Publisher, The Voice of Black Cincinnati

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