Summer naturally brings music to our ears, literally. Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to Black summer events? Check out this list that includes concerts, festivals and more that you can’t miss!
AFROPUNK Festival
AFROPUNK Festival is an annual and global celebration of Black rebels coming together in a safe space as collective creatives.
Taking over Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY on September 10 and 11 this year, the festival includes headliners Burna Boy, The Roots, Isaiah Rashad, Lucky Daye, Freddie Gibbs, Tierra Whack, and more.
OVO Fest
This annual concert hosted by music artist, Drake, began in 2010 in Toronto, and last appeared in 2019. After a three-year hiatus, the rapper announced that the festival will be returning this year.
Although Drake has announced the OVO Fest will be making a comeback this year, dates and tickets have yet to be released. Stay tuned for updates!
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Made in America
The brainchild of billionaire music icon, Jay-Z, this annual, two-day music and arts festival is held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during Labor Day Weekend (September 3 and 4).
This year’s line-up includes Lil Uzi Vert, Jazmine Sullivan, Burna Boy, Snoh Aalegra, Kodak Black, Pusha T, Victoria Monét, and more.
ONE Music Fest
This annual fest brings out the best of the best in rap, R&B, and reggae. The festival is returning to Atlanta this October 8 and 9. Technically this festival doesn't take place in the summer, but it's still worth it.
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The lineup hasn't been announced yet, but early bird tickets are already on sale. So go ahead and grab your tickets, because once the lineup is announced prices will increase.
Cincinnati Music Festival
Also known as Cincinnati Jazz Fest, the 2022 Cincinnati Music Festival will take place July 21 at the Brady Music Center and July 22 and 23 at the Paul Brown Stadium. Headliners include Ari Lennox, Charlie Wilson and Janet Jackson.
Essence Festival
This annual festival takes place every year around the 4th of July. For the past 28 years, it has been one of the top Black music festivals. This year the New Orleans-based festival takes place June 30- July 3 with a lineup that includes Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, New Edition, Patti Labelle, the Isley Brothers, Jazmine Sulivan, Summer Walker, and more.
Rolling Loud
If you are a hip-hop lover, then you will certainly want to check out hip-hop's largest festival.
If you are interested, you have two options: the festival at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium, which takes place July 22-24 and includes headliners Ye, Future and Kendrick Lamar, or the festival at Citi Fields in Queens, New York, which takes place September 23-25 and includes headliners Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky and Future.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
