With weekend considered one of Coachella now within the rearview and Dreamville Fest now planning its subsequent iteration, pageant season is formally underway. A full slate of gatherings dedicated to the celebration of Black music in all its kinds—hip-hop, R&B, jazz, techno, home and extra—are lining up throughout the nation. Whether or not you’re a crate-digging purist, a bass-lover, or somebody chasing the following genre-defying breakout second, there’s a pageant for each pocket of sound and soul.
This yr additionally marks a serious first: GRAMMY-winning singer, composer, Rhiannon Giddens will launch her inaugural Biscuits and Banjos pageant in Durham, North Carolina. It’s a becoming continuation of the state’s rising cultural footprint—from Dreamville Fest’s large draw to a broader curiosity in Southern-rooted storytelling. The occasion goals to bridge folks, nation and blues traditions via a distinctly Black Southern lens.
In the meantime, Roots Picnic returns to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park on Could 31 and June 1 with a loaded lineup that includes a uncommon set from D’Angelo alongside The Roots, plus appearances from Meek Mill, GloRilla, Lenny Kravitz and extra. The beloved hometown gathering, curated by Questlove and Black Thought, stays a staple for followers searching for dwell instrumentation, nostalgia and new wave excellence all on one invoice.
Over in Detroit, the Motion Pageant continues to honor town’s foundational position within the creation of techno music. The Memorial Day weekend staple will highlight legends like Carl Cox and Moodymann, alongside a dynamic mixture of home, hip-hop and future bass tastemakers, reaffirming Detroit’s previous and future in world dance tradition.
Listed below are the upcoming festivals on the horizon to place in your radar:
Biscuits & Banjos Pageant
Dates: April 25–27
Location: Durham, NC
Vibe: This inaugural occasion goals to bridge folks, nation and blues traditions.
Lineup Highlights: Rhiannon Giddens, Carolina Chocolate Drops (reunion), Taj Mahal, Christian McBride, Leyla McCalla, Rissi Palmer, Dom Flemons, and The Legendary Ingramettes.
Motion Music Pageant
Dates: Could 24–26
Location: Detroit, MI
Vibe: A celebration of Detroit’s techno heritage, spotlighting digital music’s pioneers and innovators.
Lineup Highlights: Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, John Summit, Moodymann, Carl Craig b2b Moodymann that includes Underground Resistance co-founder Mike Banks, and Ferg.
Roots Picnic
Dates: Could 31 – June 1
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Vibe: A dynamic fusion of hip-hop, R&B and soul, curated by The Roots.
Lineup Highlights: D’Angelo with The Roots, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Kaytranada, 2 Chainz, Latto, Jeezy (celebrating 20 years of Thug Motivation 101) and Musiq Soulchild (marking 25 years of Aijuswanaseing).
Afro Nation Portugal
Dates: July 9–11
Location: Portimão, Portugal
Vibe: A sun-soaked celebration of Afrobeats, dancehall and Amapiano, uniting the African diaspora.
Lineup Highlights: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Uncle Waffles, and extra.
Rolling Loud Miami
Dates: July 19–21
Location: Miami, FL
Vibe: A high-energy showcase of hip-hop’s greatest names and rising skills.
Lineup Highlights: Lil Wayne, Ice Spice, Future, and extra.
Newport Jazz Pageant
Dates: August 1–3
Location: Newport, RI
Vibe: A historic pageant bridging basic and modern jazz.
Lineup Highlights: Janelle Monáe, The Roots, Esperanza Spalding and extra.
Lollapalooza
Dates: August 1–4
Location: Chicago, IL
Vibe: A genre-blending pageant with robust illustration from hip-hop and Black various acts.
Lineup Highlights: SZA, Vince Staples, Teezo Landing and others.
Sol Blume
Dates: August 15–17
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vibe: An intimate gathering celebrating R&B, soul and hip-hop.
Lineup Highlights: Summer time Walker, Jordan Ward, and others.
AfroFuture Detroit
Dates: August 16–17
Location: Bedrock’s Douglass Web site, Detroit, MI
Vibe: A groundbreaking celebration of African and diasporic music, tradition and creativity.
Lineup Highlights: Davido, Kaytranada, Ludmilla, Gims, Flavour, Lojay, Tee Grizzley, DBN Gogo, Juls, TxC, DJ Okay-DAWG & EZ Cross.
Home within the Park
Date: September 1
Location: Atlanta, GA
Vibe: A grassroots celebration of Black home music, fostering neighborhood and dance.
Lineup Highlights: No formal lineup; the main target is on communal dancing and soulful beat.