Don’t Sleep On These 8 African-American Music & Food Festivals

Festivals have finally re-emerged from their COVID-induced hiatus! And with Black pride at an all-time high, I think the melanated community is ready to bask in celebratory vibes, star-studded lineups, diasporic cuisine, and the promotion of social change.

With that stated, here are 8 African-American festivals that are sure to ignite Black joy!

AFROPUNK

Brooklyn l Miami l Atlanta l Minneapolis

Let’s kick this list off with Afropunk – A multi-city/multi-genre festival famously known for its highly expressive fashion scene, featuring attendees donned in anything from cosplay to cultural tributes. Afropunk has popped up festivals in Minneapolis, Miami, ATL, Johennsberg and Paris, but Brooklyn is its annual home. Patrons appreciate this event for its authentic vibes, eclectic art, tasty food, vibrant DJ sets, and performances headlined by everyone from Lizzo to Burna Boy.

Afropunk initially launched after the success of its 2003 documentary, which “highlighted the Black presence in the American punk scene.” Since then, it has evolved into one of the most popular millennial and Gen Z festivals, “redefining the urban experience” as a judgment-free space that celebrates all aspects of the diaspora and encourages radical thought and social nonconformity.

MIAMI CARNIVAL

Miami, Florida

Miami is a city influenced by many cultures. Still, given its proximity to the Caribbean and large West Indian population, it attracts thousands of local and foreign soca lovers, primed and ready for a highly energetic week of fetes (parties), mas (masquerade bands), J’ouvert (The highlight of Carnival – an a.m. street party where attendees are doused with water, paint and powder), and delicious Caribbean classics like roti, oxtails, and bake & salt fish.

As one of the largest US carnivals, Miami Carnival features performances from soca and reggae faves like Kes, Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, and Spice.

Wondering which band to jump with on Carnival Day? One Island Band received the award for best band three years in a row. My advice for a perfect weekend: Stay hydrated, get as much pre-vacation sleep as possible, and make sure your face is beautifully beat for your costume because West Indians go all out for Carnival day.

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

New Orleans, Louisiana

There’s something about New Orleans and the energy that’s created when Black people gather there to celebrate music. Maybe it’s the cuisine, the rich history, the live music, or the round-the-clock nightlife? Whatever it is, NOLA is the perfect location for the Essence Festival of Culture.

This four-day event attracts over 500,000 attendees during the July 4th weekend and centers around our community’s health, wellness, spirituality, beauty, style, and career advancement. General admission into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is free. There, attendees can find food, wine, live music, vendors, activations, tons of freebies, and panels with celebrity guests. The evenings welcome large crowds and concerts with star-studded headliners, like their 2022 lineup – Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Kevin Hart, New Edition, Wizkid, Method Man, Machel Montano, and more.

In addition to this festival, guests can venture out and explore the city of New Orleans, but I strongly suggest booking tour and restaurant reservations in advance to avoid long lines. Trust me. You’ll have more fun that way!

THE BAYHAVEN FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Charlotte, North Carolina

It’s uncommon to find US food festivals with a focus on Black culinarians, so Subrina and Greg Collier created Charlotte’s 1st three-day celebration of Black food and beverages.

The BayHaven Food & Wine Festival features over 75 chefs, farmers, brewers, and distillers who offer a diverse take on food within the diaspora. “We’re trying to find more ways to represent our culture that isn’t soul food, that isn’t biscuits and gravy, or fried chicken,” Subrina shared with WFAE.org.

2022’s theme is “Homecoming,” drawing inspiration from historically Black colleges and universities. The first day features a family-friendly carnival with a Ferris wheel and Black-owned food trucks. The remaining days feature two multi-course dinners, tasting tents, a jazz brunch, chef-led cooking classes, and a food-focused art summit. The Colliers’ hope is that this event will increase Black representation within the food industry.

ODUNDE FESTIVAL

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Self-proclaimed as the largest African street festival in the US, Odunde is an annual celebration that spans 15 blocks from Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River to 23rd and South Street. With 45 years under their belt, this well-attended, Yuroba-inspired event celebrates the coming of another year.

It kicks off annually with an offering of fruit and flowers for Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. As attendees stroll the streets of Philly, they’re greeted with live music, cultural performances, an expansive African marketplace, food, and plenty of educational opportunities. For example, a drumming session isn’t strictly for entertainment. The follow-up may be a historical conversation that touches on the significance of the beats played.

BROCCOLI CITY FEST

Washington, DC

Calling all millennials and Gen Z’ers! Here’s an event that specifically celebrates the younger generations and “provides opportunities, education, and resources to create meaningful Black change.” Envision the sound of Black joy as street games are played, delicious food is consumed and music takes center stage. Think Childish Gambino,  H.E.R., Cardi B, Daniel Ceasar, and Miguel.

Now layer that with the Broccoli Con Career Expo, the BC 5K & Fitness event, The BC Small biz marketplace, and the BC All Night Pre-Party and you have Broccoli City Festival in a nutshell. This four-day DC event is subtitled “Black Change Weekend” for a reason.

BLACK FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Charleston, South Carolina

Like the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival, The Black Food Truck Festival is relatively new and shares a similar mission: to socially impact the community by showcasing and investing in Black-owned businesses. Marcus Hammond launched this semi-annual festival in 2021, and in two years, it quickly grew from eight food trucks to 25 food trucks, including the addition of a “Vegan Village.”

Hammond is presently contemplating increasing the number of food vendors for their Fall 2022 event. This Charleston street dining experience is family-focused and offers the perfect balance of adult-friendly and kid-friendly fun. Here, attendees can enjoy a cigar and hookah lounge, a kid zone with inflatable games and archery, two bars, a lounge area, and the main stage for live music and local performances.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

Miami, Florida

Miami Gardens is Florida’s largest predominantly African-American city, so when Shirley Gibson became mayor in 2005, she created Jazz In The Gardens (JITG) to unite her community. This festival is a multigenerational event that “celebrates diversity, culture, and art through various genres of music.” Its performance lineup presents a beautiful balance of new-age artists and OGs like H.E.R., Jonathan McReynolds, Brandy, Jagged Edge, En Vogue, Doug E. Fresh, and The Isley Brothers. During the day, spectators can find families dancing and enjoying food options like fried fish, roasted corn, seafood, and varied conch cuisines. The adults take over when the sun goes down, and the evening turns into a big concert party.