Black Arts Fest MKE on Saturday, August 1st at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds)
Black Arts Fest MKE returns to the Summerfest grounds Saturday, Aug 1st, for a full day of festival fun. This festival celebrates Black Culture and African Heritage with your headliner, Dave Hollister!
Plus:
- Blues & Soul featuring Big E, Hollywood the Classic, Coldrank, Emjay and Star Redd
- A Live performance by Latimore Brother
- Celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop with a Breakdance Cypher with the Legendary “Turbo” Boogaloo Shrimp
- $500 Cash Prize Culture Competitions in the categories: Hair, Fashion Design, and Fine Art
- Divine 9 Party
- Michael Jackson Tribute performed by Brew City Soul
- Gospel Music Celebration
- Free Horse Rides
- Kids Area Hosted by DJ Homer Blow with performance by Yung MKE
- The Black Hollywood Experience w/ Jamal “Gravy” Woolard, Benzino, and others. Show us your acting skills at Black Hollywood Karaoke. The best act rendition will win a role in the upcoming movie series “The Mil”.
- Corvette, Car & Bike Show
Tickets on sale now: $30 general admission. Senior tickets are $20. FREE for kids & Veterans.
For more information and tickets, go to blackartsfestmke.com.
2026 SCHEDULE
AURORA PAVILION
12:00 pm – Gates Open
12:30 pm – Opening Ceremony
1:00 pm – Blues & Soul – Big E, Hollywood The Classic, Coldrank, Emjay & Star Redd
4:00 pm – Michael Jackson Tribute by Brew City Soul
5:30 pm – Divine 9 Party
7:00 pm – Latimore Brothers
8:00 pm – Dave Hollister
CULTURAL STAGE
12:30 pm – Opening Ceremony (Aurora Pavilion)
1:00 pm – Black Hollywood Panel
Christopher’s Project ft: D. Rose
2:00 pm – Breakdance Cypher w/ Legendary “Turbo” Boogaloo Shrimp
2:30 pm – Poetry Unplugged Hosted by: Kwabena Antoine Nixon
Featuring Musical Performance by Adi Amour
BAFMKE Art Show Finale ft: Soul Doll
African Heritage Hair & Fashion Design Competition
4:30 pm – Black Hollywood Films Karaoke + Winner Announcement
5:30 pm – Gospel Music Celebration
FAMILY VILLAGE & KIDS AREA
1:00 pm – Homer Blow/Welcome
1:30 pm – Just Us & Books w/ Dannette Justus
2:00 pm – Signature Dance Company
2:30 pm – Yung MKE
3:00 pm – African Family Fashion Show
4:00 pm – African Drum & Dance
4:45 pm – DJ Homer Blow – Michael Jackson Dance Contest
6:00 pm – Closing
ALL DAY
• Black Hollywood Experience. Panel Discussion & Film Karaoke Challenge
• Pop Ups with Pops: A Celebration of Black Fatherhood (Family Village)
• Paint & Sip Sessions: Hosted by Grey House Creative Market
• CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Corvettes, Classics & Bikes
• Horse Rides with The Buffalo Soldiers (Milwaukee Chapter)
