Black Music Festivals in 2025

AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA

Brooklyn, NY
August 23–24, 2025

AFROPUNK isn’t just a festival — it’s a lifestyle, a statement, a sanctuary. What began as a 2003 documentary spotlighting Black punk culture has evolved into one of the most powerful global celebrations of Black individuality and radical creativity. In 2025, AFROPUNK returns to its spiritual home in Brooklyn under the new moniker AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, held at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park.

Expect performances from Erykah Badu, Larissa Luz, and other genre-defying artists. Come dressed how you feel — cultural regalia, leather, glitter, locs, lace, or full-on cosplay. The space is yours. AFROPUNK continues to serve as a fearless reminder that Blackness is infinite.

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Miami Carnival

Miami, FL
October 4–13, 2025

This is not your average carnival — this is Miami Carnival, where the city’s Caribbean soul takes center stage. Thousands of revelers from the diaspora descend on Miami for a week of nonstop fetes, sound systems, mas bands, and culinary treasures. From the powder-drenched madness of J’ouvert to the full regalia of Parade Day, it’s pure revelry backed by soca and dancehall heavyweights like Kes, Machel Montano, and Patrice Roberts.

If you’re jumping with a band, One Island Band has consistently brought the heat. Just know this: hydration is essential, your costume must be photo-ready, and sleep is optional.

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ESSENCE Festival of Culture

New Orleans, LA
July 3–6, 2025

The ESSENCE Festival is the crown jewel of Black cultural events in the United States. Held in the vibrant, history-soaked streets of New Orleans, this four-day experience blends star-studded concerts with panels, expos, wellness activations, and Black business showcases.

The 2025 lineup includes Nas, Boyz II Men, The Isley Brothers, GloRilla, and Maxwell. During the day, attendees gather at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for free programming centered on health, wealth, and empowerment. At night, the Superdome transforms into a massive celebration of sound and style. ESSENCE Fest isn’t just an event — it’s a movement.

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BayHaven Food & Wine Festival

Charlotte, NC
October 3–6, 2024 (2025 dates pending)

Founded by chef duo Greg and Subrina Collier, the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival is a masterclass in elevating Black food culture. Over 75 chefs, brewers, farmers, and distillers convene to push boundaries and dismantle stereotypes about Black culinary identity.

Events include multi-course dinners, a food-focused art summit, tasting tents, and a family-friendly carnival complete with a Ferris wheel. The message is clear: Black chefs are innovators, and Black food is far more expansive than comfort food clichés.

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ODUNDE Festival

Philadelphia, PA
June 8, 2025

The ODUNDE Festival is a Philly institution and the largest African street festival in the U.S., celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Rooted in Yoruba tradition, the festival begins with a sacred offering to Oshun, the goddess of rivers, then unfolds into a vibrant, 16-block celebration of African culture.

Live drumming, dance, fashion, global vendors, and spiritual connection give ODUNDE its unique pulse. You don’t just attend ODUNDE — you become part of it.

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Broccoli City Festival

Washington, DC
August 9–10, 2025

Broccoli City is where culture meets cause. Designed to empower the next generation of Black changemakers, the festival mixes music with movement building. The 2025 edition features performances from Chris Brown, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller, along with a fitness 5K, a career expo, and the Broccoli Block Party.

It’s part block party, part think tank — a space where you can network with creatives, get inspired by speakers, and then dance till your knees tap out.

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Black Food Truck Festival

Charleston, SC
April 25–27, 2025

What started in 2021 as a small showcase of eight Black-owned food trucks has grown into a full-on culinary destination in Charleston. The Black Food Truck Festival now features 25+ vendors, including a Vegan Village, and layers in music, lounge spaces, family zones, and even a hookah lounge.

Founder Marcus Hammond has created a space that celebrates entrepreneurship and community, one dish at a time. Expect everything from seafood boils and wings to vegan soul plates and desserts that might change your life.

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Jazz in the Gardens

Miami Gardens, FL
March 8–9, 2025

Jazz in the Gardens started as a local initiative and has blossomed into one of the premier music festivals in the South. Hosted in Florida’s largest predominantly Black city, the festival blends classic R&B, hip hop, jazz, and soul.

The 2025 lineup includes Lauryn Hill, Toni Braxton, Wyclef Jean, and New Edition. By day, families dance to live bands while enjoying fried snapper and conch salad. At night, the stadium turns into a soul sanctuary with legends and newcomers sharing the stage.

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Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival

Los Angeles, CA
November 16–17, 2024 (2025 dates pending)

Camp Flog Gnaw, the brainchild of Tyler, the Creator, is the most genre-defying, creatively eccentric festival on this list. Hosted at Dodger Stadium, it blends carnival rides and games with a hand-curated lineup of music’s most adventurous names.

The 2024 lineup included Erykah Badu, André 3000, Sexyy Red, and Earl Sweatshirt. Expect 2025 to bring more surprises, more chaos, and more beautifully strange moments. If you want to experience where hip-hop, skate culture, and art collide — this is your festival.