2026 is already starting off with intentional energy so why not keep the momentum going with adding some events to your calendar? Whether you’re trying to find a reason to use your PTO, expand your network, or have a change of scenery, 2026 is the year of stepping out of our comfort zones and finding ways to get out of the house— even if its just for a weekend. From culture-shifting seminars to party experiences that bring the greatest memories, attending these events will always allow you to walk away with something!
Here are some events to look out for, and where to be in the months ahead.
1. American Black Film Festival – May 27-31 (Miami, FL.)
On their 30th anniversary, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returns for a weekend of private film screenings and a star-studded weekend flooded with events and parties. While you don’t have to be in the film industry to attend, we recommend coming with your networking hat and outfits ready to enjoy the experience. Black filmmakers are encouraged to send submissions to the ABFF for a chance to showcase their skills in categories such as Voices of Culture, Documentary Features, and Series. The event prides itself on remaining a cultural hub over the last few decades, and being a starting point for entertainment professionals. Previous success stories for early career filmmakers and artists have included Issa Rae, Ryan Coogler, Datari Turner, and Will Packer to name a few.
2. NBA All Star Game – February 13-15 (Los Angeles, CA.)
Valentine’s Day weekend is going to have love swirling beyond just couples. Basketball fans worldwide will be making their way to the Inuit Dome in California for this year’s NBA All-Star Game. As lovers of the game continue to watch on who will be in the final selections for the game, anticipation has been built up over months for this upcoming weekend. Even if you’re not a sports fan, attending events during the weekend are great opportunities to meet new friends, attend parties with industry favorites, and step out in style. The shared experience of attending with a loved one could make the weekend memorable considering it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and much of the itinerary would already be built out for you. This could also be a great opportunity for someone who’s a social media influencer to share their experience on their social media pages.
3.Black Girls in Media Summit 2026 – May 3 (Dallas, TX.)
Black Girls in Media is bringing the heat this Summer with their one day event this year. Previously, the organization has done a larger conference over the span of a few days, but decided to go in a different direction this year. “Lights, camera, influence” is this year’s theme where attendees will be able to hear from Black female professionals across the media landscape on how they’ve gone about building their personal brands, sharing their stories in a unique way, and inspiring other women to do the same. Black Girls in Media was founded by North Carolina Agricultural & Mechanical alumna, Tasha McCaskiel, in 2028 and has since been built up to a community spanning across the United States of Black women in numerous careers in the media space coming together to provide support to one another.
4. Black Joy Parade – February 22, 2026 (Oakland, CA.)
The expression of joy in the Black community isn’t just in our homes or among loved ones, it’s center stage in communities that matter. Set in downtown Oakland, the Black Joy Parade is bringing together Black-owned businesses, artists, and other local vendors in the area for a day of celebration. With activities for kids, sessions around wellness, and various dance performances, you can’t go wrong with being at the intersection of this cultural moment. Last year’s parade brought out 34,000 attendees and resulted in $40,000 being donated to black-owned non-profits in the area according to the event’s website. Performer and vendor applications are currently open on their website.
5. ESSENCE Festival – July 3-5 (New Orleans, LA.)
At a time when Black history and culture feel like it needs heavier preservation and protection, ESSENCE Festival will be a place where Black people can come together and commune with one another while having fun. For yet another Fourth of July weekend, the renowned festival is returning to New Orleans. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with immersive cultural experiences, live music performances, and panel discussions that will leave you wishing you can add an extra day to your trip. Centering the true ‘essence’ of Black culture and unapologetic expression, year over year, the event continues to be a success across generations. Tickets are now available for a three-day weekend package for those seeking to attend the concert portions of the festival experience.
6. Black Food & Wine Experience – June 18-21 (Napa Valley, CA.)
To amplify Black culinary talent and education within the culinary space, the Black Food & Wine Experience was created. Founded by Chef Mimi, her goal was to create a platform and experience that celebrates creatives in the food and beverage space who are African American while promoting diversity in the culinary industry. The event brings together creatives and offers an unforgettable culinary experience featuring chefs, wine curators, mixologists, and more. For those who are unable to attend the event in California, the experience has since expanded across the U.S., and event seekers can look for variations of the event in their local communities. Pre-registration is open and encouraged for guests, vendors, and influencers via the event website.
7. ColorComm Annual Conference – June 4-5 (New York, NY.)
ColorComm is an organization dedicated to bridging the gap for women of color in the media landscape. In an effort to help women build a strong network filled with friendships, industry leaders, and other professional relationships, the organization offers membership across the United States with a heavier concentration in areas such as Dallas, Washington D.C, Atlanta, and Miami, to name a few. Their annual ColorComm conference is scheduled to take place at Chelsea Piers in New York City, with early-bird registration available now. Previous speakers have included leaders from companies such as JPMorganChase, OmniCom, CBS, and Procter & Gamble.
8. CurlFest – July 25, 2026 (New York, NY.)
After taking a hiatus last year from the impact of budget shifts as a result of DEI rollbacks, the Curly Girl Collective team is back for this year’s CurlFest. As a celebration of the beauty that Black women hold with their kinks, coils, and curls, CurlFest helps to amplify and reassure women across the country. The previous stigmas and anxiety that some people have experienced in certain spaces around wearing their natural hair don’t exist at this event. Attendees can expect to see live music performances, immersive experiences such as marketplaces and dedicated wellness areas, and food trucks as they navigate the day. Whether it’s twists, braids, a wash n’ go, or a bun, sporting your curls is made easy by attending CurlFest. Tickets are available for purchase and can be found here.
9. ADCOLOR Conference – Date and Location TBA
The hotspot for creatives is the ADCOLOR conference. Every year, numerous industry trailblazers and professionals gather to discuss trending topics and issues arising in their community. The organization is actively fighting for diverse representation in creative industries while zeroing in on career advancement both for industry veterans and newcomers. From representation in professional spaces to identity and belonging, attendees can expect to receive personal and professional fulfillment from sessions. Last year’s speakers included industry leaders from brands such as Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Spotify, Wieden+Kennedy, and Kensington Grey, to name a few. For those unable to attend the conference in person, the organization also offers virtual tickets.
10. Atlanta Black Expo – February 20-22 (Atlanta, GA.)
Black business owners, it’s time to check in! This year, the Atlanta Black Expo is set to expand, where they netted last year after having 1.7K attendees, 49 speakers, and 239 exhibitors. With partners such as the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, the expo will be able to spread its wings across the city of Atlanta in an impactful way. Attendees coming to this event can expect to channel the power of the Black dollar while having access to an exclusive homecoming tailgate party, praise and worship service, and exhibitor showcase. Tickets range from $15 to $65, and can be purchased here.
11. BaddieCon – Dates and Location TBA
The tech girls finally have a place to come together with the Baddies in Tech Conference, founded by Allie Joy Tsahey. Their goal is to accelerate the careers of women of color in the tech industry by providing opportunities to enhance their skills and expand their network. Touching on topics such as artificial intelligence, career pivoting, and developing a strategy for how you or a brand shows up in search engines, which helps to make the conference educational for attendees. For those not working in the tech industry, you may still find benefits in attending the conference. These benefits may look like understanding more of the tech setup as an influencer or brand management tactics, as someone who has a startup. Whatever your path, being open to learn more about technology is what’s been helping to drive progress for those in the workforce and may be helpful in the long run as AI continues to be integrated in workplaces. Previous speakers have included DeAndre Brown, Jasmine Turner, and numerous brand founders.
12. AfroTech Conference – November 2-6 (Houston, TX.)
Known as one of the largest technology-themed conferences for Black professionals, AfroTech is back and better for another year. This year, I’ve implemented more in their programming such as new product demonstrations, AI and quantum computing workshops, and programming that touches on both cybersecurity and medtech. Past speakers have included industry shifters such as Robert Smith, Debra Lee, Colin Kaepernick, and Mark Curban to name a few. Applications are currently open for speakers or if you would like to be an exhibitor. For those looking to enhance their experience, they can sign up to be an AFROTECH Insider member where you receive exclusive discounts and access to events. Tickets are now available for purchase via the event’s website.
13. TED 2026 – April 13-17 (Vancouver, CA.)
TEDx is infamously known for their thought-provoking talks and transformative conversations that spark ideas in students, innovators, and global leaders. Their conference helps to compromise this experience into a series of days that touch on a variety of topics such as science, technology, and culture. This year’s theme is titled “All of Us”, an ode in the collective effort that community must put in to progress forward amidst political hardship and technology’s continued advancements. The event will help educate attendees on how to continue to stay up to speed while fostering relationships among each other. This year’s speakers include leaders across entertainment, culture, technology, and science. While attending ifnormational sessions, attendees can also expect numerous immersive activations and wellness experiences to help recenter during the week. To attend, you must apply through the organization’s website.
14. Urban Golf Weekend – September 3-7 (Miami, FL.)
This year for Labor Day, bring your friends or a hot date to Urban Golf Weekend in Miami. The event is filled with opportunities to meet personally or professionally all while enjoying the game. This year, the organizers of the event are introducing an immersive experience called UGW Expo. This two-day marketplace will be available to attendees to sample products, be introduced to Black-owned brands they may not be familiar with, and support meaningful charities in one weekend. Urban Golf Weekend has raised $40,000 over the last two years alongside Brainstorm Miami to support funding for collegiate and youth golf programs at Fore Life, Booker T. Washington High School, and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU).
15. CBC Annual Legislative Conference – Date and Location TBA
The Congressional Black Caucus has remained a pillar in the African American community across generations. Their objective is to give a platform and experience to policy advocates, elected officials, and community leaders of color who want to address issues that impact the Black community. Civic engagement and social justice sit at the helm of the organization, as much of the conversations and information provided is within that category. If you’re someone whose not heavily involved in politics or following what’s going on in the world, the conference may still interest you to hear how lawmakers are thinking for the future and what Black leaders in particular are doing in response to these changes. Attendees can look forward to legislative insights while connecting with pre-existing and emerging leaders as a means to make their voice heard. Last year, registration for the event opened up in July and typically takes place in the Fall.
16. Power Rising – April 16-19 (Chicago, IL.)
Power Rising is an annual event that provides Black women the space to be educated and supported in creating actionable steps for themselves for the betterment of themselves socially, politically, professionally, culturally, and economically. The intergenerational organization has made it a point to rise as they climb, and continue to evoke representation in spaces that many Black women don’t always see themselves in. Strategy towards change for their families and communities is what helps to drive forward the legacy of Black women’s strength and community building as a means for growth. Early registration for the event is now open, and can be found on their website.
17. UNCF National Gala – March 5 (Washington, DC.)
The United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) annual “A Mind Is…” Gala is returning nationally as the organization continues its efforts of fundraising and contributing to the future of students at historically Black colleges and universities. Outside of corporate sponsors and professional organizations, HBCU alumni along with civic leaders and influencers are encouraged to attend. By the event being national, event seekers can also look into attending the gala in New York and the Bay Area. More information regarding purchasing tickets can be found on their website.
18. Black is Tech Conference – April 20-24 (Houston, TX.)
The Black is Tech Conference is bringing tech company founders and industry experts from across the country for a 4-5 day event filled with workshops, panels, exclusive events, and networking opportunities. With this year’s theme being “The Future is Now”, their objective is to provide space and accessibility. for the Black community to discuss more about where artificial intelligence is taking society. There will also be discussions surrounding how to remain competitive in your respective industry as technology use continues to grow. Discounted tickets are now on sale via their website at up to 75% off.
19. Black AF (Artistic Freedom) Conference – February 21, 2026 (Amherst, MA.)
Hosted on the campus of UMass Amherst, the Black Artistic Freedom Conference is an annual event founded by poet Lyrical Faith, who has made it a point to create a space for Black creativity and culture to thrive. The all-day event encompasses a symposium, networking reception, and poetry slam to close the evening. Attendees can expect to learn something new, connect with others, and be reaffirmed in their voice to step boldly into spaces beyond the conference day. Meals are provided throughout the day, with lighter refreshments being served at the reception. RSVPs are being taken up until February 8th. Though the event is free to the public, a suggested donation of $25 is appreciated by the organizers.
20. ZCON – Dates and Location TBA
ZCon is the conference you didn’t know you needed to add to your calendar! Its strategic focus on Gen-Z allows for comfortability for attendees while being able to experience discussions surrounding what the next generation of storytellers and innovators look like. The conference not only educates industry leaders on best practices with reaching Gen-Z, but it allows authentic networking opportunities and education in a “for us, by us” format bridging the gap of connectivity that some experience with attending other conferences with those older than them. As the conference continues to grow, attendees are encouraged to follow the event on social media to stay in the loop for further updates.