Over 10 Black Festivals to Check Out in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is home to a vibrant Black community reflected in the city’s many festivals celebrating African American culture. From Juneteenth to the Cincinnati Black Family Reunion, several festivals throughout the year offer a chance to honor the contributions of African Americans in Cincinnati.
Cincinnatians can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as music festivals, food festivals, film festivals, vendor markets, and more. Each festival presents unique opportunities to celebrate Black culture.
Many African American festivals listed showcase a lineup of performers, small business owners, and food vendors at various venues around the Greater Cincinnati Area. Get tickets sooner rather than later when applicable, as events may sell out.
The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Black Cincinnati Festivals
BLK Wine Fest
Occurs annually in February
Music Hall (OTR)
Price Varies
The festival welcomes over 25+ wine brands, with a curated selection of new varietals exclusive to the festival. The experience also includes spirits, delicious bites, photo activations, a cigar lounge, and many exciting activities.
Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival
Occurs annually in June, aroud Juneteenth
Eden Park(East Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
The Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Featuring live music, food, and entertainment. Over 25 performances on two stages will reflect the shared heritage within the African diaspora. Genres include blues, jazz, R&B, Latin jazz, African dancing, and the Voices of Freedom poetry slam. Festival goers can visit, learn, and shop with 50 vendors and exhibitors. Vendors offer a wide selection, including hot dogs, ribs, chicken, Asian fusion, fish, lobster, sundaes, and funnel cakes.
Midwest Regional Black Culture Fest
Occurs annually in June, the weekend before Juneteenth
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy a family-friendly day celebrating the very best of Black culture. The event features live performances, presentations, vendors, fashion and hair shows, panels, face painting, spoken word, and more, all kicking off summer at the iconic bandstand.
Paloozanoire Juneteenth Block Party
Occurs annually in June
The Banks
Free Admission
Experience the vibrant spirit of Juneteenth at the Block Party—featuring live entertainment, dancing, top local DJs, delicious food, Black-owned vendors, family-friendly activities, and so much more!
Cincinnati Music Festival
Occurs annually on the fourth weekend in July
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Price Varies
Originally called the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival in 1962, the Cincinnati Music Festival has grown into a spectacular three-day event on Cincinnati’s riverfront. Starting as an all-jazz concert, over the years, it has grown into a three-day festival featuring great music from the hottest stars in R&B, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and up-and-coming artists.
Black Tech Week
Occurs annually in July
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Price Varies
Black Tech Week connects Black tech entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to education, resources, opportunities— and one another!
Festival 513
Occurs annually on the fourth weekend in July
Freedom Way (The Banks)
Free Admission
Festival 513 provides a centralized merchandise and food vending area featuring nearly 100 merchandise and food booths. This event coincides with the Cincinnati Music Festival each year.
Related Article: Need more to do? See all of what is happening in Black Cincinnati this year.
AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa
Occurs annually in July
Sawyer Point (Downtown)
Free Admission
AfriFest Cincy celebrates Africa through cultural awareness, enhancing the community’s knowledge of the African cultures represented locally and connecting individuals to community resources. This free event showcases African cultures, food, entertainment, a fashion show, games, and other fun activities.
Black Family Reunion
Occurs annually on the third weekend in August
Sawyer Point, Fountain Square, Corinthian Baptist Church, Avondale
Free Admission
The Black Family Reunion is a four-day celebration that includes consumers, corporations, and communities focusing on the historic strengths and values of the Black Family. Cincinnati is the only city that continues this tradition of honoring Black families. Free family-focused events include a job fair, a parade, concerts, and opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses.
Cincy Music Jerk Festival
Occurs annually in September
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
This family-friendly festival celebrates reggae music, jerk cuisine, and community unity. Guests can look forward to an exciting lineup of DJs, live bands, merchants, food vendors, and an internationally renowned reggae artist.
AfroSwag Hair Show and Fashion Experience
Occurs Annually
Location Varies
Price Varies
At the AfroSwag Hair Show and Fashion Experience, attendees can celebrate the beauty of Black hair through hair, fashion, art, vendors, and performances. See Cincinnati’s top natural hair stylists with some of the latest and most significant trends in Black Hair. Who will be crowned queen of Cincy’s natural hair?
Halle-Bration
Occurs annually on the second weekend in December
New Vision United Methodist Church (Paddock Hills)
Free Admission
At the Halle-Bration vendor market, attendees can enjoy unique vendors, great entertainment, informative workshops, kids’ crafts, and food from many regional bakers and chefs as they shop small for the holidays.
Related Article: These concerts and festivals for African Americans are within driving distance of Cincinnati.
These festivals are just a few of the many ways to learn about the rich history and culture of Black Cincinnati. Many other festivals, events, and organizations celebrate Black culture in the city.
Did we miss a few Black and African American festivals? Contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati for any festivals we may have missed.
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.
Black Festivals Images provided by AdobeStock, The Center for Closing the Health Gap, Juneteenth Cincinnati, Cincinnati Music Festival, Black Tech Week, Cincy Soul, Festival 513, AfriFest Cincy, Easley Blessed, Sweet Sistah Splash, Halle-Bration
