2024 Black Arts and Cultural Festival

About this event

This three-day celebration of Black Arts and Culture features live performances by chart-topping artists, art exhibitions, delicious food, and more. With something for everyone, the festival features a Teen Night with live music, a Gospel Night with regional performers, instructor-led yoga at the Health & Wellness Fair, and a Concert Finale with a headlining artist.

2024 Events Schedule

Teen Night | Thursday, August 1st, 5pm - 8pm

With Her Temple Monologues 

Performers:

• DJ Mr. CEO
• Zay Zay
• Faxohxzrd
• Son of James
• Giffen Gatorettes
• Something Exclusive
• Champagne Eventz
• And more!

Gospel Night | Friday, August 2nd, 5pm - 8pm

Tribute to Denis Edney -- Capital District Gospel Showcase

Join us At the Plaza to celebrate Dennis Lee Edney, affectionately known as “Professor.” Dennis served faithfully as an educator and Director of Music for the Congress of Christian Education Retreat Choir, the City of Albany’s Gospel Fest, and the New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance. His unique musical gifts were well known in the Capital Region and beyond. The 2024 Gospel Showcase will celebrate the music legacy of Mr. Edney under the musical direction of Reverend Dr. Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr.

Opening Prayer: Nalia Fulton, Duryee AME Church, Schenectady, NY

Mistress of Ceremonies: Reverend Joy Howard

Performers:

• Riverview Male Chorus
• Men of Faith
• HIP-HOP and Community Praise Dancers
• Kyreejay, Youth Percussionist
• Authentic Worship
• Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Dance Ministry
• Warriors for Christ
• Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist
• Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Liturgical Ministry

Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair | Saturday, August 3rd, 10am - 12pm

This year's Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair will feature fitness demos, nutrition information, and a health & wellness marketplace!

Fitness Demonstrations:

• Soul Line Dancing with Fatima
• Soca Fusion with Iymari Dance Fitness
• HIIT with DNA Bodyworx
• Nanny's Double Dutch League
• Youth Boxing with the City of Albany Parks & Recreation 

Concert Finale | Saturday, August 3rd, 5pm - 8pm

Bag Policy -- The following bag policy is in effect for indoor events:

• CLEAR plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" will be allowed.
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand) will be allowed and do NOT need to be clear.
• Larger and other types of bags will not be allowed in. There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags. 
• For patrons with young children in attendance, diaper bags are allowed and subject to search.