How to See SZA, Usher, Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Nas and More Black Artists Live This Summer

Festival season is finally upon us and there is no shortage of places to catch some of the most talented Black artists to ever hit the stage. Here is a list of music festivals that are putting these performers first.

Sol Blume (May 3-5)

Sol Blume is back for year five at Sacramento’s Discovery Park. The impressive lineup boasts artists like SZA, Kaytramine, Snoh Aalegra and Partynextdoor.

Lovers And Friends (May 4)

This insanely popular Las Vegas festival sold out almost instantly and features performers like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Nas and Snoop Dogg.

Strength Of A Woman (May 10-12)

The legendary Mary J. Blige and Pepsi present the star’s Strength of a Woman festival taking place at New York City’s Barclays Center. The event, which is hosted by Tiffany Haddish, will have performances from 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Jadakiss and Blige herself.

I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival (May 18)

This brand new festival is happening in Indianapolis’ American Legion Mall. It aims to celebrate the inherent Blackness in rock music and will feature performances from Janelle Monae, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph Band, Joy Oladokun and Meet Me @ The Altar.

California Roots Music & Art Festival (May 24-26)

This popular Monterey festival has always promoted social and environmental justice while celebrating reggae and hip hop music. This year’s headliners are Ziggy Marley, Rebelution, Ice Cube and Damian and Stephen Marley.

TwoGetherland (May 25-26)

TwoGetherland, the latest addition to the ONE Musicfest franchise, will have its very first edition at Dallas’ historic Fair Park. The festival’s inaugural lineup includes Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Jeezy and Three 6 Mafia.

Roots Picnic (June 1-2)

The Roots certainly know how to party and their eponymous Philly event is an extension of that. This year’s performers are Jill Scott, Victoria Monet, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Nas and a special J.Period live mixtape with Black Thought, Method Man and Redman.

Governors Ball (June 7-9)

This NYC staple is taking place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and contains talent like 21 Savage, SZA, Sexyy Red and Teezo Touchdown.

Capital Jazz Fest (June 7-9)

The 31st annual Capital Jazz Fest is going down at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Headliners consist of Anthony Hamilton, Babyface, El DeBarge, CeCe Peniston and Jodeci.

Blavity House Party (June 14-15)

Blavity is throwing one hell of a party at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The talent is stacked with artists like Lil Wayne, Monica, Victoria Money and Dru Hill.

Orlando Funk Festival (June 14-15)

Central Florida Fairgrounds will serve as the setting for this year’s Orlando Funk Fest. Performers include Erykah Badu, Juvenile, Charlie Wilson, Scarface and Jagged Edge.

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 15-16)

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival is back and even bigger in 2024. Headliners are Jodeci, Alex Isley and Andra Day. Arsenio Hall will also host the event.

Summer Smash (June 21-23)

This vibrant hip hop festival takes place at Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illnois. The lineup has yet to be announced, but last year it featured artists like Kid Cudi, Ice Spice, Future and Playboi Carti.

BET Experience (June 28-29)

The BET Experience 2024 Concert Series is taking place at the Crypto.com Arena and Hollywood Bowl. It will have performances from Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, The Roots, Common and Queen Latifah. The series will be followed by the “BET Awards” on June 30.

Essencefest (July 4-7)

This beloved Black experience is celebrating its 30th birthday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The lineup hasn’t been revealed quite yet, but last year Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne and Janelle Monae gave exhilarating performances.

Cincinnati Music Festival (July 25-27)

The 2024 edition of Cincinnati Music Festival will take place at Paycor Stadium and features headliners like MC Lyte, KRS-One, Maxwell, Neyo, New Edition and SWV.

Broccoli City (July 27-28)

Broccoli City 2024 will now be happening at Washington D.C.’s Audi Field. The hip hop heavy lineup consists of artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Partynextdoor, Key Glock and Victoria Monet.

Lollapalooza (August 1-4)

This Chicago staple is going down at Grant Park and features performers such as Tyler, The Creator, Future x Metro Boomin, SZA, Killer Mike, Vince Staples and Victoria Monet.

Afro Nation Detroit (August 17-18)

The only scheduled Afro Nation event in the United States is taking place at Detroit’s Bedrock’s Douglass Site in August. Nigerian superstar Rema will be performing, as well as PartyNextDoor, Detroit’s own Kash Doll and African giants Adekunle Gold and Ayra Starr.

Afropunk (August)

This notorious Brooklyn festival celebrates rock’s Black roots and goes down annually in Commodore Barry Park. The lineup will be released soon, but past headliners include Solange, Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones and Jazmine Sullivan.

Fool In Love (August 31)

This brand new festival, taking place at Hollywood Park Grounds at Cali’s Sofi Stadium, is full of classic artists like Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Al Green, Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight.

Music At The Intersection (September 14-15)

This St. Louis festival boasts an eclectic lineup with artists ranging from Black Pumas to Big Boi to Chaka Khan to Chingy. The event is happening at the Grand Center Arts District.

I Love RnB Festival (September 7)

I Love RnB Festival is back and this year is taking place at Los Angeles’ Grand Park. The stellar lineup includes Ashanti, Mya, Omarion, Monica and a DJ set by the one and only Jermaine Dupri.

ONE MusicFest (October)

This Atlanta festival takes place over the course of two days in late October. Piedmont Park is the backdrop for the event, with last year’s lineup including the likes of Janet Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion and Bryson Tiller.

Rolling Loud Miami (December 13-15)

This world’s largest hip hop festival will be happening at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Rolling Loud will also be celebrating its 10 year anniversary. The lineup has yet to be announced, but it’s Cali version from March featured acts like Nicki Minaj, Future x Metro Boomin and Sexyy Red.

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