Black Family Reunion
August 13 – August 16
Sawyer Point Park and other venues
Free Admission
Attend Black Family Reunion at Sawyer Point Park and other local venues from August 13 through August 16.
The Black Family Reunion (BFR) weekend is thoughtfully curated for attendees of all ages and cultures, offering content and programming that meet a variety of needs and interests. The non-profit organization has attracted major sponsors both locally and nationally, and the event has grown into a four-day celebration with over 15,000 attendees each year during the third weekend in August. Cincinnati is the only city that continues this tradition of honoring Black families.
Festivities include the annual parade, an inspiring keynote speaker, a job fair, and multiple themed pavilions such as the Spirituality Pavilion, Youth Pavilion, and Health Pavilion, which features screenings and a community blood drive. Attendees can also enjoy the heritage breakfast, a powerful gospel concert, an energetic urban concert, and plenty of music, dancing, and DJ‑led entertainment throughout the weekend.
The celebration continues with interactive experiences like the Neighborhood Olympics, a historic tour of Black Cincinnati, and a college tour designed to inspire future leaders. Guests can support local Black‑owned businesses, explore a variety of food and shopping vendors, and take advantage of exciting giveaways. Together, these activities create a meaningful, family‑centered event that honors tradition while uplifting the community.
Looking for something? Use the table of contents below to jump ahead to a specific section:
BFR Event Schedule
Job Fair
August 13, Noon – 3 p.m.
First Financial Center (Downtown)
Connect with leading employers hiring across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana for professional, skilled-trade, healthcare, logistics, technology, and entry-level opportunities.
Blood Drive
August 13, Noon – 6 p.m.
Corinthian Baptist Church (Bond Hill)
Giving blood is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to care for our community. Join the Black Family Reunion Blood Drive to help save lives, raise health awareness, and strengthen our collective well-being.
BFR Speaks
August 13, 7 p.m.
Corinthian Baptist Church (Bond Hill)
BFR Speaks brings together thought leaders, innovators, community advocates, and changemakers for conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire. Through meaningful dialogue, attendees gain new perspectives, practical insights, and renewed motivation to strengthen their families, careers, and communities. Because resilience grows not only through experience, but through the wisdom we share with one another.
Featured Speaker: Reverend Otis Moss III
BFR Heritage Breakfast – Registration Full
August 14, 8:30 a.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Registration Required
The Heritage Breakfast celebrates the individuals whose leadership, service, and vision have helped shape our community across generations. As we honor those who have made lasting contributions, we also inspire future leaders to continue building a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service. Every story reminds us that our greatest achievements are built upon the sacrifices and successes of those who came before us.
African American Historic Bus Tour – Registration Full
August 14, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Registration Required
The Historic Bus Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the people, places, and stories that have shaped Black history throughout Cincinnati. By exploring the landmarks that reflect generations of achievement, perseverance, and leadership, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy that continues to inspire our future. Understanding where we’ve been helps guide where we’re going.
BFR Lounge
August 14, Noon
First Financial Bank Innovation Center (Downtown)
The BFR Lounge offers a welcoming space to gather, recharge, and build meaningful connections throughout the weekend. Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting someone new, the Lounge reflects the spirit of fellowship that has always been at the heart of Black Family Reunion. Sometimes resilience is simply found in the conversations that remind us we belong.
BFR Parade
August 15, 11 a.m.
Mehring Way (The Banks)
The BFR Parade is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and collective pride. Families, organizations, schools, businesses, and community leaders come together to showcase the spirit, creativity, and resilience that define our neighborhoods. Every step celebrates our shared journey while inspiring the generations walking behind us.
BFR Cultural Celebration
August 15 and 16, Noon – 8 p.m.
Sawyer Point (Downtown)
Saturday Music:
- 5 p.m. | Rich Robinson
- 5:30 p.m. | Vince & The Fellas
- 5:50 p.m. | Arin Ray
- 6:15 p.m. | Kenny Lattimore
Sunday Celebration:
- LaKeisa Ealy
- Jevonta Akintunde
- Jovonta Patton
- Judah Band
- John P. Kee
Admission to the Black Family Reunion
Admission to the Black Family Reunion is free and open to the public. Some associated activities are ticketed.
Festival Site Maps & Vendor Booths
Explore the Black Family Reunion festival grounds before you arrive. Use the site map to locate entrances, stages, food vendors, community partners, health resources, retail booths, family activities, restrooms, and other key areas throughout Sawyer Point Park.
Booth locations and participating vendors are subject to change. Check the map during the festival for the latest placement information.
BFR Pavilions
Explore each pavilion to discover featured activities, community resources, entertainment, and opportunities for every generation. Review the full schedule and plan which experiences your family would like to enjoy throughout the weekend.
Children’s Pavilion
Children and families can move through an energetic mix of recreation, STEM, wellness, games, giveaways, and live performances designed to make learning and play come alive.Through engaging educational activities, creative play, and family-centered experiences, the Youth Zone encourages curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Health Pavilion
Good health is the foundation of resilient families. The Health Pavilion connects attendees with screenings, wellness education, healthcare providers, and community resources that empower individuals to care for themselves and those they love.
Youth & Young Adult Pavilion
A space for the next generation to be heard, supported, and inspired. Through performances, empowerment panels, interactive discussions, leadership activities, and positive peer engagement, young people can explore their talents, strengthen their confidence, and discuss the issues affecting their communities. By investing in young people today, we help build resilient families and stronger communities for tomorrow.
Sports Pavilion
Sports teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership while bringing people of all ages together. The Sports Pavilion encourages active lifestyles, celebrates athletic achievement, and gives families opportunities to participate in fitness, recreation, and friendly competition. Every activity is a reminder that resilience grows through preparation, determination, and teamwork.
Games Pavilion
Some of life’s most meaningful moments begin with laughter. The Games Pavilion brings families, friends, and generations together through interactive activities, classic games, new challenges, and friendly competition. Every game creates an opportunity to connect, build memories, and strengthen the bonds between family, friends, and community.
Inspirational Pavilion
The Inspirational Pavilion provides a welcoming space for reflection, encouragement, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Through inspirational speakers, music, prayer, and shared moments of hope, attendees are reminded that resilience is sustained through faith and the strength we find in one another. It is a place to pause, reconnect, and leave renewed.
Senior Pavilion
The Senior Pavilion celebrates the generations whose wisdom, resilience, and life experiences continue to strengthen our families and communities. Through engaging activities, health resources, entertainment, and fellowship, the pavilion honors our elders while creating opportunities for meaningful connection across generations. Their stories remind us that resilience is both inherited and shared.
Sawyer Point Venue Details
Parking
Parking is available on site and varies from $5 to $40. Arrive using Cincinnati METRO.
Additional Downtown Excursions
Discover Black-owned businesses in downtown Cincinnati, from flavorful restaurants and sweet dessert spots to cozy coffee shops, stylish clothing boutiques, lively nightclubs, and more.
Sponsors
The Midwest Black Family Reunion is made possible through the generous support and donations of sponsors and attendees. Help continue this important mission by making a donation or becoming a sponsor today.
Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of the BFR experience and help make every event welcoming, organized, and memorable.
Vendors
Whether you’re selling products, serving food, or promoting your brand, this is your opportunity to be seen and grow.
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