January – December 2023
Clearly I love events, I have a whole site dedicated to them, and some of my favorite categories of events are festivals and conferences. In part because deep down I’m a big nerd who loves to learn but also because when done well, it’s kinda the best way to get it all in one place. It’s kind of like adult camp. You get to do activities together and make new friends
January
Voodoo Festival
What: Start the year in Benin where each year on the 10th of January the country pays homage to its ancestors and various gods in a celebration of African spirituality. While it’s a national holiday countrywide, the town of Ouidah is the epicentre of all the celebrations with beach parties, costumes, drums, horse racing, sacred ceremonies and sacrifices.
Where: Benin
When: January 10th, 2023
February
Sundance Film Festival
What: Join us this January 19–29 at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to celebrate independent storytelling. This year’s Festival experience is yours to create. See films on the mountain in beautiful Utah and/or watch from home with on-demand online viewing — the choice is yours.
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
When: January 19 – January 29
Tickets: https://festival.sundance.org/tickets/
Cali Vibes Festival
What: A unique, SoCal lifestyle and music festival, California Vibrations, or Cali Vibes for short, takes place at the lush, grass-lined Marina Green Park which overlooks the water at the edge of downtown Long Beach, CA. Featuring a mix of reggae, dancehall and hip-hop legends across multiple stages, the festival celebrates California music, beach culture and reggae “vibrations” along the coastline in the iconic LBC.
Where: Marina Green Park
400 E Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802
When: February 17-19 2023
Tickets: https://calivibesfest.com/
The Friendship Cruise
What: 2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the brand new festival cruise, “Friendship”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – it looked like an epic time! I had some friends who went (who even got engaged during one of Destructo’s legendary sets), and they had nothing but great things to say about it. It’s one of the new music festival cruises in the scene, but I’ve got a feeling the Friendship will be around for many years to come! Friendship is returning for their next voyage in February 2023, departing from Miami and sailing to the iconic CocoCay island in the Bahamas! With a jam-packed line-up, awesome activities, and incredible vibes – it’s going to be a top-notch experience for all those who are lucky enough to book a room on board!
Where: Departs from Miami
When: Feb 27 – Mar 3, 2023
March
South by Southwest SXSW
What: South by Southwest, abbreviated as SXSW and colloquially referred to as South By, is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, United States.
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 10–19, 2023 (Film & TV Festival – March 10-18, 2023, SXSW Comedy Festival, Music – March 13-18, 2023)
April
Dreamville
What: Held annually each spring in Raleigh, Dreamville Festival is an outdoor weekend music celebration curated by internationally-acclaimed hip-hop superstar J. Cole alongside his Dreamville team. The festival serves as Dreamville’s signature annual event for its fans worldwide bringing together local residents and travelers alike to gather together and enjoy incredible music performances in one of America’s most beautiful and historic public parks, Dorothea Dix Park – Raleigh’s largest city park with over 300 acres of sprawling greenspace. As one of the most anticipated annual events in the state of North Carolina, the festival acts as a perfect complement to the existing event landscape and cultural fabric of the city of Raleigh.
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
When: April 1st & 2nd, 2023
Tickets: https://dreamvillefest.com/
Lucidity Festival
What: Sound baths, acro yoga, dance workshops, fire breathers, circus performers, food vendors, fashion stalls, blacklight tea parties, cacao ceremonies, art galleries, epic DJ’s, live bands, crazy costumes, and an incredible amount of Oxytocin filled hugging. I had an unbelievably magical experience at Lucidity Festival, and think the world would be a better place if everyone attended it once in their life.
Where: Live Oak Campground, Santa Barbara, California
When: April 7-9, 2023
Coachella
What: Held annually at the 78-acre Empire Polo Club in the beautiful Southern California desert, The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most critically acclaimed music festivals in the world. Coachella mixes some of the most groundbreaking artists from all genres of music along with a substantial selection of art installations from all over the world.
Where: Empire Polo Club in Indio, California
When: April 14th-16th & 21st-23rd, 2023
Tickets: https://www.coachella.com/
Stagecoach Festival
What: The Stagecoach Country Music Festival has become a staple with country music fans across America. Set amidst the same backdrop as its sister festival, Coachella, this multi-day event features unparalleled music performances and activities for the entire family. Stagecoach embraces the country lifestyle from RV’s to line dancing while allowing families, friends and country music lovers to connect.
Where: Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA
When: April 28- 30, 2023
Tickets: https://www.stagecoachfestival.com/
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
What: Few festivals mean more to their community than New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Dating back to 1970, the festival is a complete cultural experience reaching well beyond the music. A rigid, stuffy affair this is not: Jazz Fest has expanded its purview over the years, growing alongside one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
When: April 28-30 & May 4-7, 2023
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tickets: https://www.nojazzfest.com/
May
Hangout Festival
What: Music Festival – Hangout Music Festival is a massive 3-Day beach extravaganza complete with beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, Ferris wheel views, beautiful art installations, and so much more! While Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a “destination festival”, Hangout Music Festival is produced by Goldenvoice (the same company behind Coachella), so you know it’s guaranteed to be an incredible beach and music festival vacation. Take a look through their previous line-ups, and you’ll understand the talent they bring out.
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 19 – 21, 2023
Tickets: https://www.hangoutmusicfest.com/
Electric Daisy Carnival
What: Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC for short) Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, but pretty much every EDM fan already knows that. What started in 1997 as a warehouse party in Los Angeles, has turned into one of the wildest, massive, and mesmerizing dance music festivals in the entire world, and simply should be at TOP at every raver’s bucket list!
Where: Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
When: May 19-21, 2023
Tickets: https://lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/
Boston Calling Music Festival
What: Boston Calling is the biggest multi-genre festival in New England. Set over Memorial Day weekend, the festival brings some of the most influential acts from rock, hip hop, and electronic to the Harvard Athletic Complex. Beyond the music, Boston Calling features an all star selection of the city’s best food vendors, art installations, immersive games, and an eye-catching 100ft ferris wheel.
Where: Allston, Massachusetts
When: May 2023
Tickets: https://bostoncalling.com/
June
Roots Picnic
What: The Roots Picnic is an annual music festival created and hosted by hip hop group, The Roots. Co-founder, Shawn Gee, and manager of The Roots serves as executive producer of the festival. The festival is held in Philadelphia, their hometown at the Mann at Fairmount Park.
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: June 2023
Tickets: http://rootspicnic.com/philly/
The Governors Ball
What: For the east coast residents looking to enjoy an unbelievable festival with the iconic NYC skyline as a backdrop, make your way to Governor’s Ball. Widely recognized as one of the biggest and best festivals in New York, this definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list! While this year it is taking place at Citi Park, previously it was located on the beautiful and well-maintained Randall’s Island Park, festival-goers are treated to three days of world-class music, phenomenal stages, and good vibes.
Where: CITI Field, NYC
When: June 9 – 11, 2023
Tickets: https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/
Electric Forest
What: Tucked deep in the woods of Michigan, once a year pops up a magical land filled magical lights & lasers shining through the massive trees, epic stages with performances from world-class artists, and top-notch vibes from the loving #ForestFamily. Make sure you snag tickets to this one early, because they are certainly hard to come by! It’s one of the most highly sought after music festivals in the country, and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your summer!
Where: Rothbury, MI
When: June 22-25, 2023
Tickets: https://www.electricforest.com/
Bonnaroo
What: Bonnaroo features a diverse lineup of 150+ musicians and other performance artists every year. With 10+ stages and entertainment that goes ALL NIGHT LONG, you will NOT be bored. AND Camping at Bonnaroo is hardly “camping” by most definitions of the word – it’s a non-stop adventure of discovery and human connection with your fellow Bonnaroovians, and a key to the one-of-a-kind Bonnaroo experience.
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 15-18, 2023
Tickets: https://www.bonnaroo.com/
Firefly Music Festival
What: Typically in June, after 10 magical years of Firefly in the Woodlands, they’ve decided to take a year off to recharge their lights. See you in 2024!
Where: Woodlands, PA
When: June 2024
Tickets: http://fireflyfestival.com/
Summerfest
What: Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is the World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration that attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. Lasting for over 11 days across 11 different stages, and 800 performances – Summerfest is attended by a staggering 800,000 people! So check it out for one day, or all 11, but just make sure you add it to your US festival bucket list!
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: June 22-24, June 29- July 1, – July 2, July 6-8, 2023 (Three Weekends)
Tickets: https://www.summerfest.com/
July
Essence Festival
What: The Essence Festival of culture, known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual music festival which started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed primarily towards African-American women. It became the largest African-American culture and music event in the United States. Locally referred to as the Essence Fest, it has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana since 1995 except in 2006, when it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina’s effect on New Orleans and 2020 when it was cancelled. The festival features artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four standing-room only superlounge stages.
Where: New Orleans
When: June 29 – July 3, 2023
Tickets: https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2023/
Broccoli City Festival Summer
What: Broccoli City Festival is an American music festival founded by Greensboro, North Carolina entrepreneur Brandon McEachern. McEachern and longtime friend Marcus Allen hosted their first festival event in 2010, in Los Angeles, California to promote their clothing line and Earth Day. Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Skeme and more popular west coast artist performed. Broccoli City Festival was then curated in Washington, D.C. in 2013 after teaming up with Darryl Perkins and Jermon Williams, where Big K.R.I.T was the headliner. The festival moved to promote environmental causes in the African-American community.
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 15 – 16, 2023 (NEW DATES)
Tickets: https://www.bcfestival.com/
Rolling Loud Music Festival
What: In only a few short years Rolling Loud shot up to become the undisputed king of all hip hop festival series. With editions held in New York, LA, the Bay Area, Australia, Toronto, the Netherlands, Portugal and of course its flagship in Miami, the festival is by far the biggest festival dedicated to hip hop by any metric.
Where: Miami, FL
When: July 21-23, 2023
Tickets: https://www.rollingloud.com/
Pitchfork
What: Organised by independently focused music source Pitchfork Media, this three day event is a music genre melting pot of rock, hip-hop, electronic, jazz, punk and any other genre and sub-genre you want to celebrate. With a record fair, food, art and beverages from local and national vendors, this truly is a cultural feast.
Where: Union Park, Chicago
When: July 2023
Tickets: https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/
August
The Family Reunion
Who: Chef Kwame Onwuachi
What: A celebration of different cultures with food as a vehicle
Where: Salamander Resort
When: August 2023
Tickets: https://www.salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion/
Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
What: The Run&Shoot Filmworks MVAAFF is a nine-day event that showcases the works of independent and established African-American filmmakers.
Where: Marth’s Vineyard, MA
When: Aug 4th – 12th, 2023
Lollapolooza
What: A wonderful gathering of music, dance, comedy and craft booths, Lollapalooza is another multi-genre delight which also provides a platform for political and non-profit artists and groups. The festival is forever creating historical moments in many a musicians career firmly cementing it in the global hall of fame for festivals.
Where: Grant Park, Chicago, IL
When: August 3-6, 2023
Tickets: https://www.lollapalooza.com/
Burning Man
What: The organisers might not like the word, but Burning Man is the ultimate festival. Taking place in the Nevada desert, it’s all about bringing freedom back into an increasingly regulated life. Started in 1986, Burning Man has grown into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous imitation festivals around the globe.
Where: Black Rock Dessert, NV
When: Aug 2023, mini burns year rounds
Tickets: https://burningman.org/
September
Made in America
What: Music Festival
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: Labor Day Weekend Typically
Tickets: https://madeinamericafest.com/
I Heart Radio Music Festival
What: Since 2011, iHeartRadio Music Festival has taken place each year in Las Vegas, in September. It boasts a myriad of world-class musical acts, and has quickly become a fixture on the festival scene. For the first several years, the festival was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. However, the main festival stage was moved to the T-Mobile Arena. But that’s not the only place to see great music: the festival also features the iHeartRadio Daytime Village, a second venue that features additional up and coming acts.
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
When: Sept 2023
Tickets: https://www.iheart.com/music-festival/
Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival
What: Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival was founded in 2013, one of the newest mega fests. Melding commercial and critical darlings across pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic genres on the bill every year, rest assured you will witness some of the biggest names in music plying their craft in the heart of North America’s hedonist capital.
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 22-24, 2023
Tickets: https://www.lifeisbeautiful.com/
Afropunk
What: Starting out as a DIY movement in the US, as a response to feeling like an outsider and desiring a sense of belonging, AFROPUNK is now one of the world’s most famous cultural movements. Its mix of art, activism and music now attracts up to 60,000 people and spreads its message in cities around the globe, celebrating black culture and giving community to those who feel marginalised in modern western societies.
Where: Brooklyn, New York
When: Sept 2023
Tickets: https://afropunk.com/
Desert Daze Festival
What: Perhaps the premier psychedelic-tinged festival in The States, the sun-drenched, fuzzed-out sounds that pervade the artists’ music that make up the bill are perfectly melded with Desert Daze’s palm tree lined, beach-fronted location on Lake Perris. Skip tripping in Joshua Tree and come here instead.
Where: Lake Perris, California
When: September/October 2023
October
Well Read Black Girl Conference
What: The annual literary celebration will bring together Black women writers & readers for a full day of panels, workshops, and editor roundtables.
Where: First was Washington, DC, 2023 hasn’t been announced yet
When: October 2023
Tickets: https://www.wellreadblackgirl.org/
III Points
What: One of the country’s leading boutique festivals, III Points has been raising the bar in terms of giving creativity a platform since 2013. Firmly anchored in electronic music, the festival also showcases the best from hip hop, rock and beyond with only one criteria to make it on the bill: your music has to be good.
Where: Miami, FL
When: Oct 2023
Tickets: https://www.iiipoints.com/
ByBlack Conference
What: Conference
Where: Washington, DC
When: October 2023
Tickets: https://www.byblackcon.com/
NYC Food and Wine Festival
What: Food and Wine Festival
Where: NYC
When: October 2023
Tickets: https://nycwff.org/
CultureCon
What: CultureCon is the fastest-growing conference for creatives & changemakers of color who plan to elevate their social network and make a real mark on culture.
Where: Various Locations
When: October 2023
Tickets: https://www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Austin City Limits Fest
What: Music Festival – Since its first edition in 2002, Austin City Limits has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known festivals in the US! With its growth in popularity, it’s expanded to a two-weekend event that offers its attendees some of the best international artists spanning all genres, fine arts exhibits by local artists, and incredible Texas BBQ, as well dozens of other delicious food & drink vendors.
Where: Austin, TX
When: October 6-8 & 13-15, 2023
Tickets: https://www.aclfestival.com/
All Things Go Fall Festival
What: Music Festival
Where: Washington, DC
When: October 2023
Tickets: https://allthingsgofestival.com/
November
AFROTECH23
What: Technology Conference
Where: Austin, TX
When: November, 2023
Roadmap to Billions London Edition
What: Tech Conference
Where: London
When: November, 2022.
December
Art Basel
What: Art Basel Miami Beach, said to be North America’s most comprehensive international contemporary art fair, returns for its 21st edition with its largest show to date. Art Basel Miami Beach, said to be North America’s most comprehensive international contemporary art fair, returns for its 21st edition December 7 – 9, 2023 with its largest show to date. Thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors and art aficionados will enjoy modern and contemporary art from 283 galleries from 38 countries. Also, the popular Conversations discussion series returns with 35 speakers across nine panels, exploring the evolving global art scene. Art Basel Miami Beach is one of only four Art Basel fairs in the world; the others are in Hong Kong, Paris and the founding fair in Basel, Switzerland.
Where: Miami, Fl
When: December 7 – 9, 2023
Tickets: https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach
AfroFuture Formerly Known as AfroChella
What: Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and the vibrant work of African creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival is designed to elevate and highlight the thrilling and thriving millennial talent in Africa by introducing an interactive event that teaches, explains and explores various cultures through a pioneering approach. Afrochellans will experience art and creative activations from the continent, celebrate African music, and taste premium and cultured cuisine.
Where: Ghana, Africa
When: December 2023
Tickets: https://afrochella.com/
