25 Black Events in September Worth The Trip
25 Black Events in September Worth The Trip
September is packed with incredible Black events across the country. From festivals and conferences to cultural celebrations. Explore our top 25 Black events happening this month.
1. West Indian American Day Carnival — Brooklyn, New York
September 3–7 : Brooklyn comes alive with Caribbean music, costumes, food and culture during one of the largest Caribbean celebrations in the United States. The festivities culminate with the iconic Labor Day parade along Eastern Parkway, featuring colorful masquerade bands, steelpan music and communities representing islands throughout the Caribbean.
2. Atlanta Black Pride Weekend — Atlanta, Georgia
September 2–7 : One of the country’s largest Black LGBTQ+ celebrations transforms Atlanta with parties, concerts and cultural experiences. The weekend also features wellness programming, community conversations and opportunities to support Black LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Visitors can choose from events across multiple venues throughout the city.
3. Sweet Auburn Music Fest — Atlanta, Georgia
September 26–27 : Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district hosts a weekend celebrating Black music, food, entrepreneurship and culture. Festivalgoers can experience live performances, local vendors and Southern flavors while exploring a neighborhood deeply connected to Atlanta’s African American history.
4. African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County — Raleigh, North Carolina
September 5–6 : Downtown Raleigh hosts a free weekend showcasing African American art, music, theater and dance. National and local performers share the festival with artists, food vendors and Black-owned businesses. Its family-friendly programming makes it one of North Carolina’s leading Black cultural events.
5. African Street Festival — Nashville, Tennessee
September 18–20 : Nashville’s African Street Festival celebrates the cultures of Africa and the African diaspora through music, dance, food, art and education. Visitors can explore an international marketplace, enjoy live performances and experience cultural traditions from across the continent in a lively community setting.
6. African Festival of the Arts — Chicago, Illinois
September 5–7 : Chicago’s African Festival of the Arts celebrates the global African diaspora through art, music, food and cultural traditions. The Labor Day weekend gathering features artisans, performers, fashion, family activities and international cuisine. Its immersive atmosphere makes the festival feel like a cultural journey without leaving Chicago.
7. Taste of Soul Atlanta — Atlanta, Georgia
September 5–6 : Taste of Soul Atlanta brings soul food, live music and community celebration to one of the city’s most historically Black neighborhoods. Visitors can sample Southern favorites, discover local vendors and enjoy entertainment ranging from R&B to gospel while experiencing Atlanta’s cultural energy.
8. Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 17–20 : The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival presents nationally recognized musicians alongside emerging performers. Produced by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the event celebrates jazz’s Black cultural roots and continuing evolution. Outdoor performances and downtown programming create an outstanding weekend for music travelers.
9. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference — Washington, DC
September 16–20 : The Annual Legislative Conference is one of the nation’s most influential gatherings of Black political, business and community leaders. Five days of panels, policy discussions, networking events and receptions examine issues affecting Black America. It is an essential destination for travelers interested in leadership, advocacy and civic engagement.
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10. Cambridge Carnival International — Cambridge, Massachusetts
September 12–13 : Cambridge Carnival International brings the sights and sounds of Caribbean carnival culture to the Boston area with elaborate costumes, music, dancing and food. The celebration highlights Caribbean and African diaspora traditions while creating a colorful, family-friendly cultural experience.
11. Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 4–6 : Downtown Pittsburgh becomes a destination for soul food, live music and Black cultural celebration. Visitors can enjoy dishes from local chefs and food vendors while experiencing continuous entertainment. The free festival creates a lively atmosphere that welcomes families and travelers.
12. African/Caribbean International Festival of Life — Chicago, Illinois
September 25–27 : This three-day gathering celebrates African and Caribbean music, food, arts and cultural traditions. Visitors can explore vendors, performances, crafts and family activities at Union Park. The combined cultural experience highlights the deep connections across the African diaspora.
13. Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival — Towson, Maryland
September 19 : The festival marks its 30th anniversary with a major celebration of African American history and culture. Visitors can enjoy national and regional entertainment, food, vendors, educational exhibits and family activities. The milestone year makes this an especially timely trip for cultural travelers.
14. National Black MBA Association Conference & Career Expo — Los Angeles, California
September 23–25 : Thousands of Black professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and students gather for career advancement and leadership development. The conference features corporate recruitment, networking, workshops, speakers and an expansive career expo. It is especially valuable for travelers pursuing new business, employment or professional connections.
15. National Museum of African American History and Culture 10th Anniversary — Washington, DC
September 24–27 : The Smithsonian museum celebrates 10 years of preserving and sharing African American history. The anniversary weekend will feature special activities, cultural programming and surprises throughout the museum. This milestone provides a powerful reason to plan a Black history-focused trip to Washington.
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16. Black Food & Wine Festival — Washington, DC
September 5 : This culinary celebration showcases African American cuisine, beverages and culture on the Great Lawn. Guests can experience tastings, cooking demonstrations, live bands and DJs. The festival provides a flavorful way to discover Black chefs, beverage professionals and culinary entrepreneurs.
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17. Afro Utah Festival — Salt Lake City, Utah
September 5 : Afro Utah brings African, African American, Caribbean and Afro-descendant communities together for a vibrant cultural celebration. The festival features music, dance, food, fashion and community vendors. It offers travelers an opportunity to experience the growing diversity of Utah’s Black diaspora.
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18. Africa Cultural Fest — Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
September 18–19 : Africa Cultural Fest brings together African and diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and cultural ambassadors. Programming explores business development, creative innovation, heritage and Africa’s economic potential. The two-day event combines professional networking with performances and cultural experiences.
19. Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute — Atlanta, Georgia
September 10–12 : This national conference brings together advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers and families committed to improving Black maternal health. The 2026 gathering marks 10 years of building the Black maternal health movement. Programming combines policy, professional development, wellness and community-centered solutions.
20. African-American Heritage & Multicultural Festival — Staunton, Virginia
September 19–20 : This long-running festival celebrates African American heritage alongside the cultures represented throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors can enjoy music, dance, food, vendors and activities at Gypsy Hill Park. Its community-centered atmosphere makes it an inviting cultural weekend getaway.
21. HBCU Live at the US Open — Queens, New York
September 2 : The US Open honors HBCU culture with live entertainment, educational programming and celebrations of Black excellence. Attendees can experience the energy of HBCU bands and traditions alongside world-class tennis, creating a unique intersection of Black culture, higher education and professional sports.
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22. Kentucky Black Pride Festival — Lexington, Kentucky
September 18–20 : Kentucky Black Pride celebrates Black LGBTQ+ identity through entertainment, education and community empowerment. The weekend creates opportunities for networking, wellness and cultural expression while bringing together visitors and organizations from across Kentucky and neighboring states.
23. Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture — Columbia, South Carolina
September 19 : Historic Columbia’s signature festival celebrates South Carolina’s African American history through music, art and storytelling. Cultural demonstrations, food vendors and historical programming connect the past with contemporary Black life at the historic Mann-Simons Site.
24. African American Day Parade — Harlem, New York
September 20 : Harlem hosts the 57th annual African American Day Parade celebrating Black culture, achievement and community leadership. Marching bands, community organizations, civic leaders and performers fill Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard for one of the country’s largest public celebrations dedicated to people of African descent.
25. City of Lights SoulFest — Las Vegas, Nevada
September 26–27 : SoulFest brings a weekend of R&B, soul and jazz to Las Vegas with a lineup of established performers including Eric Benét, Chanté Moore, Bilal, El DeBarge, Leela James and Raheem DeVaughn. It gives music lovers a strong reason to experience Las Vegas beyond the traditional Strip attractions.
