Planning your 2023 calendar? Well, Livin’ Charlotte has a thick list of Black-led events happening this year. Events on the list range from fashion, art, food, music, and more:
Art & Culture
Black Fine Art Fair came to Charlotte in March 2022 at Studio 229 on Brevard, and a we’ve been told it’s set return in Spring 2023. The fair highlights emerging, mid-career and master artists of African American descent.
Art*Poetry*Music Concert celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. each year at a local church. This year’s event will be held at Caldwell Presbyterian Church and will showcase a music program featuring Black composers. Also, local radio personalities will present special readings to the audience.
Festivals
African American Heritage Festival is happening Feb. 23-25, with free admission on Feb. 25. Charlotte Museum of History focuses the festival on African-American culture with performances, panels, and a college fair hosted by historically Black universitas in the region.
Charlotte Black Pride is a summertime soiree that covers the city in brown, black, and rainbow colors. Join as a volunteer or attend an official event to experience LBGTQIA+ performances, vendors, and parties.
Charlotte African-American Festival, Apr. 22-23, makes it easy to learn and celebrate Black people’s rich heritage. This year’s festival is planned to include performances, exhibitions, food, speakers, a pageant, vendors and even special awards in honor of the event’s 10th anniversary.
Durag Festival, organized by local artist Dammit Wesley, has made waves over the years by bringing crowds in their finest durags — headwear — to celebrate Juneteenth at Camp North End. In 2022, Durag Festival hosted a family-friendly event with shopping and entertainment during the day and an “adults-only” vibe in the evening.
13th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival is July 6-9, with three days of excellence in film screenings. The event also hosts panels and networking networking opportunities. More than likely, you’ll see someone walk across a red carpet. If you’re interested in learning more about Black filmmakers here in Charlotte, make an appearance at the Black Film Festival in July.
Food & Wine
Black Food Truck Fridays, organized by Black Business Owners Corp, hosts Black-owned food trucks at different locations around Queen City. Come prepared to eat everything soulful and savory. Checkout their social media for their weekly location.
Eat Black Charlotte Week is a week-long food event for local Black-owned restaurants. Sometime in June 2023, a selection of Black-owned restaurants will participate in the week by offering discounts and meals to drive foodies to support local.
Bayhaven Food and Wine Festival happened for the first time in October 2021 by Subrina and Greg Collier, who own Leah & Louise. The event quickly became a popular Black food and wine festival in the region. In 2022, the festival spread to multiple venues and hosted award-winning chefs from around the country, and featured unique dining experiences and specialty wines. In October 2023, it’s expected that the festival will continue to grow.
Dance & Theater
Su Casa is the best event for afro beats and vibes. Currently hosted on the last Saturday of every month in Uptown at The Brooklyn Collective, Su Casa brings the house down every time. Guests will want to look their best, but shouldn’t be prepared to break a sweat on the dance floor.
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess by Opera Carolina is a brilliant opera with an all-Black cast that’s coming to Belk Theater on Jan. 22, 24, 26 and 28 2023. The opera is a story about the joys and struggles of a Black community in South Carolina. It could be a great way to pre-game for Black History Month.
