2026 Black Arts and Cultural Festival

About this event

The annual Black Arts & Cultural Festival is returning to Albany's Empire State Plaza for an incredible two-day celebration of community, tradition, and music. This free event kicks off with a soul-stirring evening of faith and devotion inside the Convention Center, followed by a full Saturday of daytime activities and a stellar R&B concert finale on the Plaza.

Here is the complete schedule and lineup break down for the weekend:

Day 1: Gospel Night

Friday, July 31 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Cost: FREE
• Location: Empire State Plaza Convention Center
• The Vibe: An inspiring evening of musical devotion packed with soulful voices to lift your spirit and celebrate faith and unity.

Friday Schedule

• 5:00 p.m. | DJ Kick-off
• 5:15 p.m. | Local Gospel Showcase with Rev. Joy
• 6:45 p.m. | Featured Performances by Melvin Crispell, III, Crystal Aikin, and Rich Tolbert, Jr.

Day 2: Concert Finale & Festival

Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Cost: FREE
• Location: Empire State Plaza
• The Vibe: A full day of cultural exploration, family-friendly fun, and a groove-filled R&B and funk concert finale.

Saturday Concert Lineup

• 5:00 p.m. | Winner of the July 22 518 DJ Battle
• 5:45 p.m. | Powerhouse Funk Band
• 7:00 p.m. | Headline Performance by American R&B Singer Lloyd

Ongoing Daytime Activities (Starting at 12:00 p.m.)

• Kids Zone (Family-friendly games and fun)
• Arts Showcase at the Cornerstone
• Soca Dance Demos
• Best Bite Competition (Local food vendor face-off)
• I LOVE NY Black Travel Program info station

Mark your calendars and gather your family for an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and community celebration—all entirely free at the Empire State Plaza!