The National Black Arts Festival, the world’s largest celebration of arts and artists of African descent, returns to Atlanta this summer with an exceptional program of performances and events running through September. Established in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council, the festival has built a long legacy of presenting leading voices in art, literature, dance, film, theater, and music. Over the years it has showcased renowned figures such as Maya Angelou, Wynton Marsalis, Spike Lee, Harry Belafonte, Alfre Woodard, and Nikki Giovanni.
This season’s lineup highlights the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and cultural storytelling. The opening gala, Higher and Higher, takes place at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta on July 19 and features spoken word artist Toni Blackman, jazz master Terence Blanchard, and Metropolitan Opera soprano Harolyn Blackwell. Each artist brings a distinct voice—spoken word, contemporary jazz, and operatic lyricism—setting an elegant tone for the festival’s diverse offerings.
The Alliance Stage at the Alliance Theatre presents Thulani Davis’s Sojourner Washing Society: A Musical in Gospel & Blues on July 24. This production weaves gospel and blues traditions with theatrical storytelling, continuing the festival’s tradition of presenting works that honor African-American musical roots while engaging contemporary audiences.
Jazz at Lincoln Center, with trumpeter and bandleader Wynton Marsalis, appears on July 25 for a performance that underscores the festival’s long relationship with the jazz tradition. Marsalis’s appearance highlights the festival’s ongoing role as a platform for world-class jazz, offering both seasoned listeners and newcomers an opportunity to experience masterful performances.
Another centerpiece of the season is the world premiere of Doxology Ring Shout: A Praise Dance for the Doxy, a hybrid dance–opera project by playwright Paul Carter Harrison and choreographer Dianne McIntyre. This ambitious work blends choreography, music, and visual imagery to explore ritual, spiritual expression, and historical memory through a contemporary lens.
Across its schedule, the National Black Arts Festival presents multidisciplinary programming that connects audiences with the cultural contributions of artists of African descent. From intimate theater pieces to large-scale musical performances and experimental dance-opera, the festival emphasizes creativity, cultural preservation, and artistic innovation.
Beyond the mainstage events, the festival frequently offers panel discussions, workshops, and community outreach initiatives that deepen public engagement with the arts. These educational components support emerging artists, provide professional development opportunities, and foster dialogue about the role of arts in community building and cultural continuity.
For visitors and local audiences alike, the National Black Arts Festival provides a rich, seasonal celebration of heritage and contemporary practice. Its carefully curated programs invite audiences to experience both established masters and rising talents across a wide array of disciplines, reaffirming the festival’s reputation as a premier destination for celebrating the artistic achievements of people of African descent.