Black & Bronze Fest returns to Armstrong Park on Saturday, August 29, bringing music, food, dancing, local businesses and families together for a summer afternoon in Bronzeville.
From 1–7 p.m., the park will be filled with independent Chicago artists, spoken word, dance, food vendors, Black-owned businesses, activities for kids, wellness and plenty of ways to get in on the fun. Throughout the day, the festival also makes room for the stories and history that have shaped Bronzeville.
Upgrade Your Day in the VIP Lime Lounge
If you want a place to sit back between performances, grab something to eat and take a break from the crowd, the VIP Lime Lounge gives you a dedicated space inside the festival.
- VIP Lime Lounge access
- Premium seating
- Complimentary food and beverages
- Massages
- Haircuts and styling
- Sponsor gift bag
BLK Chicago Subscriber Perk
VIP Lime Lounge tickets are $50
All BLK Chicago subscribers (In the Loop + The BLK List) get 15% off VIP tickets. Get the subscriber discount →
Chicago Music, Past and Present
Rather than bringing in major-label headliners, Black & Bronze builds its lineup around independent talent. This year's music programming connects Chicago's current artists with some of the city's musical history through tributes spanning R&B, soul, hip-hop, gospel and jazz.
Artists
- Jessica Lá Rel
- Vee Armstrong
- A.J.IV
- Da' Lightbeam
- Moyana
- Dai Raps
- Monica Anissa
- Tramaine Parker
- Skii George
- Apollo Robinson
- Marquetta Jackson
- David Wilson
- Khrys Royalle
Spoken Word
Poetry will be used to explore Bronzeville's history and its connections to the South Side today.
- Eros The Poet
- Faith Overallat & Nuff Said
- Josh Paul
- T'Aura The Poet
Dance, Fashion & Entertainment
Festival programming also includes footwork, African drumming and dance, line dancing, a Battle of the Bands, majorette and drumline performances, and a Swag the Runway fashion show.
- Prime Time With Lime footwork battle
- Battle of the Bands
- African drumming and dance
- Line dancing
- ChiBuck Movement
- 3DC
- JC4U
- Majorette and drumline performances
- Swag the Runway fashion show
Shop the Black Metropolis Market
The Black Metropolis Market gives independent Black-owned businesses and makers from around Chicago their own space within the festival.
It's a significant part of Black & Bronze's larger purpose. During the festival's first year, organizers say participating vendors generated $60,000 in direct revenue.
The Sam Cooke Food Court brings food vendors into the experience as well, giving festivalgoers another opportunity to spend locally while they're in the park.
Wellness & Activities
- Hip-hop dance with Diva Dance Studio Bronzeville
- Pilates with Melanin Matters
- Roller skating with Party Movers
- HIIT with Coach Julius
- Yoga with Spiritchill Wellness
- Basketball and dunk contest with the Denard Bros.
Kids Zone
Black & Bronze is designed to be a family day, with an entire Kids Zone offering activities beyond the usual festival bounce houses. Families can find plenty for kids to do throughout the day.
- Bounce houses
- Gaming truck
- Face painting
- Lawn games
- Beatmaking with Intonation Music
- STEM activities with Project Exploration
- Story Time Tent with Caught By A Tale
Explore Bronzeville History
The Bronzeville Archival Walkway shares neighborhood history through youth docents, while oral-history kiosks give residents a chance to add their own stories.
- Bronzeville Archival Walkway
- Youth docents
- Oral-history kiosks
- Legacy Lounge for elders
The exhibition traces the history of Bronzeville and Black Chicago, turning part of Armstrong Park into an opportunity to learn more about the neighborhood while you're actually standing in it.
The Legacy Lounge also gives elders a shaded place to sit and enjoy the festival.
Black & Bronze Fest Details
Saturday, August 29, 2026
1–7 p.m.
Armstrong Park
4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
Festivalgoers who RSVP can enter free before 2:30 p.m. All-day admission is available in advance for adults and children, with general admission available at the door.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to spend some time in the park.
The festival also offers a VIP Lime Lounge experience with food and beverages, premium seating, giveaways and massages.
BLK Chicago Subscriber Perk
All BLK Chicago subscribers (In the Loop + The BLK List) get 15% off VIP tickets. Get the subscriber discount →
Learn more about Black & Bronze Fest and the story behind the festival
