Caribana Festival
Dates: June 15 - Aug. 15
Enjoy Caribbean culture? Take a trip to one of the continent's largest street festivals. Listen to Calypso playing freely in the street. Sway your hips to the sounds of reggae. Dress up for the masquerade parade. Enjoy the food!
Admission: Prices may vary per event. Some events are free.
Caption by Abdul Ali
River to River Festival
Dates: July-August 2010
This summer-long outdoor festival is one of the most diverse in the country: There's live music performances, dance workshops from around the world, visual art showcases and short screenings Battery Park.
Admission: Free
Download the program guide (PDF)
National Black Arts Festival
Dates: July 14-18, 2010
Come see why over 7 million people have attended the National Black Arts Festival. This four-day festival is teeming with art, music, dance, film and literary events from all over the African Diaspora. Of the many performances to look forward to is the Legend’s Celebration "To Curtis Mayfield, With Love" featuring Eddie Levert, Dionne Farris and Van Hunt, among others.
Admission: Free (special performances outside of the park and on the main stage are ticketed)
Learn more about the National Black Arts Festival
Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Dates: July 15-17, 2010
Hungry for good indie black cinema? This cinema-filled weekend will have screenings and networking opportunities. The films to be screened include Soundtrack for Revolution, Ghetto Ballet (presented by HBO) and 41st & Central.
Learn more about the Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Artscape Festival
Dates: July 16-18, 2010
One of the most diverse arts festivals in the region, Artscape features theater, dance, visual art, music, international food and a special event on DJ culture. There will be special performances by Musiq Soulchild and Maysa among others.
Admission: Free
Learn more about the Artscape Festival
Harlem Book Fair
Dates: July 17-19, 2010
The Harlem Book Fair is an opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of the black literary establishment. Attend readings in the courtyard at the Schomberg Center for Research and Black Culture. Celebrate literary luminaries like Sonia Sanchez, who's being honored with a special tribute. If you're an author, meet and exchange business cards with other authors, editors and publishers.
Admission: Free
Learn more about the Harlem Book Fair
African Diaspora Film Festival
Dates: July 22-25, 2010
In 10 films, eight of which are Washington, D.C., premieres, watch the global black experience flash before your eyes. Leave enlightened and more engaged with the plight of African people around the globe. Titles of films include Freedom Riders, African Griots Program, Made in Jamaica and Up From the Bottoms to name a few.
Admission: $10/per film; $60/pass
Newport Jazz Festival
Aug. 6-8, 2010
Discover why this jazz festival has been around since 1954. It's considered the grandfather of all jazz festivals. Jazz royalty Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and so many others will be here. You might even spot Miles, Bird and Trane cheering from the crowd—wearing shades.
Admission: $40-$100
Learn more about the Newport Jazz Festival
Run & Shoot Film Festival
Dates: Aug. 11-14, 2010
Traveling to Martha's Vineyard is a vacation on its own. Imagine four days filled with nuanced, diverse and multihued brown images of yourself. Remember The Inkwell, check out some films, go the beach, rub shoulders with your favorite filmmaker, bring copies of your résumé, give a shout-out to President Obama and first lady Michelle.
Admission: $15/screening. Various passes are available.
Learn more about the Run & Shoot Film Festival
Chicago Jazz Festival
Dates: Sept. 2-5, 2010
Check out one of the longest-running lakefront festivals. Three days of all that jazz. The highlight of the weekend is Ramsey Lewis' 75th birthday celebration.
Admission: Free
Learn more about the Chicago Jazz Festival
Verizon American Music Festival
Dates: Sept. 3-5, 2010
It's never too late to squeeze in a vacation. During Labor Day weekend, the speakers will crank out local, regional and national music acts across musical persuasions. Groove to the tunes of rock, jazz, country, blues and R&B on the oceanfront.
Admission: Buy tickets on Ticketmaster
Learn more about the Verizon American Music Festival
African Festival of the Arts
Dates: Sept. 3-6, 2010
The African Festival of the Arts in Chicago features vendors, music, international foods and live entertainment. Headliners include Chaka Khan, Tito Jackson and Angelique Kidjo.
Admission: $10
Learn more about the African Festival of the Arts
Monterey Jazz Festival
Dates: Sept. 17-19, 2010
Three days of partying, tributes, conversations with musicians between sets and a special blues program. Over 500 artists including Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, to name a few. For the last-minute vacationer, head out to California for what promises to be an exciting weekend.
Admission: $35+