Afrofuture

The AfroFuture fest usually takes place on the continent — in Accra, Ghana, to be specific. But this year, it’s making its debut in America, in one of the Blackest cities in the country: Detroit. The festival highlights culture through fashion, food, art, and most prominently: music. Taking place on August 16 and 17, the musical lineup features artists like Asake, Davido, Kaytranada, Tee Grizzley, and more.

Black Joy Festival

The world is a little scary these days. Our government is actively oppressing poor and other disenfranchised communities. The world is plagued with war and injustice. While we do what we can to speak out against oppression, one of the ways to combat the darkness of the world is to lean into joy — and Black joy specifically. Indianapolis, Indiana, is hosting its 3rd annual BLACK: A Festival of Joy. This free event is designed to bring the Black community together to commune, dance, laugh, eat, and honor the force that’s helped us survive as a community: Black joy. This event, postponed due to weather, will now take place on September 13.

Black VegFest

If you’re looking to make some dietary changes but don’t want to sacrifice the flavor and soul in your food, you might want to check out Black VegFest. The event is making its way to Brooklyn, New York, on August 9 for liberation, great food, and family.

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party

In its 15th year, the Virginia Beach Funk Fest will take place over two days — August 22 and August 23. This one is for the aunties and the older, more mature, and laid-back crowd. Think white linen sets. This year’s performers include Shalamar featuring Angela Winbush. The following day, Zapp will perform with The Blackbyrds and Mass Production.

The summer is full of magic. The days are longer. Nature is in full bloom. Our energy is up, and outside is open. While this time of year may mean more time with your school-aged children, it’s also time for you to hit the streets, soak up some good vibes, and pour into yourself. Whether you’re dropping the kids off at daycare, summer camp, or taking them to spend some time with their grandparents, here are some festivals, concerts, and events from around the country that you can attend while they’re away.

Afrofuture

The AfroFuture fest usually takes place on the continent — in Accra, Ghana, to be specific. But this year, it’s making its debut in America, in one of the Blackest cities in the country: Detroit. The festival highlights culture through fashion, food, art, and most prominently: music. Taking place on August 16 and 17, the musical lineup features artists like Asake, Davido, Kaytranada, Tee Grizzley, and more.

Black Joy Festival

The world is a little scary these days. Our government is actively oppressing poor and other disenfranchised communities. The world is plagued with war and injustice. While we do what we can to speak out against oppression, one of the ways to combat the darkness of the world is to lean into joy — and Black joy specifically. Indianapolis, Indiana, is hosting its 3rd annual BLACK: A Festival of Joy. This free event is designed to bring the Black community together to commune, dance, laugh, eat, and honor the force that’s helped us survive as a community: Black joy. This event, postponed due to weather, will now take place on September 13.

Black VegFest

If you’re looking to make some dietary changes but don’t want to sacrifice the flavor and soul in your food, you might want to check out Black VegFest. The event is making its way to Brooklyn, New York, on August 9 for liberation, great food, and family.

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party

In its 15th year, the Virginia Beach Funk Fest will take place over two days — August 22 and August 23. This one is for the aunties and the older, more mature, and laid-back crowd. Think white linen sets. This year’s performers include Shalamar featuring Angela Winbush. The following day, Zapp will perform with The Blackbyrds and Mass Production.

Culture Con

Culture Con

Now this is a wild card — not because of what it is, but because it happens just outside the lines of summer. Nonetheless, it’s a very honorable mention. For all the creative, entrepreneurial parents and cool culture enthusiasts: from October 4–5, CultureCon returns to Brooklyn, NY. The conference is known for featuring some of Black culture’s most influential figures in film, music, television, and tech. Past speakers have included Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, and Spike Lee — to name just a few. So whether you’re a parental content creator, a community builder, someone with a love for the culture, or even a corporate intrapreneur — this is an ideal space to reignite or fuel that spark in you.

Now this is a wild card — not because of what it is, but because it happens just outside the lines of summer. Nonetheless, it’s a very honorable mention. For all the creative, entrepreneurial parents and cool culture enthusiasts: from October 4–5, CultureCon returns to Brooklyn, NY. The conference is known for featuring some of Black culture’s most influential figures in film, music, television, and tech. Past speakers have included Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, and Spike Lee — to name just a few. So whether you’re a parental content creator, a community builder, someone with a love for the culture, or even a corporate intrapreneur — this is an ideal space to reignite or fuel that spark in you.

Who says learning history can’t be fun? A good family trip promotes moments for bonding while creating long lasting memories. And it is perfect learning experience for your inquisitive children. If you’re looking for a location rich in Black culture, Michigan is an ideal place for you.

Did you know that a Baptist church located at 441 Monroe, in Greektown, was a major stop along the underground railroad? What about the small town Idlewild that was an escape for Black people during the Jim Crow era? The Great Lakes state is steeped in Black history as the birthplace of many influential moments that have helped shape the world. It is also the birthplace of notable names like Stevie Wonder and Della Reese. Michigan is more than a picturesque escape, it is a landmark for Black music, art, and history.

Did you know that a Baptist church located at 441 Monroe, in Greektown, was a major stop along the underground railroad? What about the small town Idlewild that was an escape for Black people during the Jim Crow era? The Great Lakes state is steeped in Black history as the birthplace of many influential moments that have helped shape the world. It is also the birthplace of notable names like Stevie Wonder and Della Reese. Michigan is more than a picturesque escape, it is a landmark for Black music, art, and history.

Second Baptist Church – A Stop Along The Underground Railroad

Second Baptist Church – A Stop Along The Underground Railroad

From 1836 to 1865, Second Baptist Church served as a “Safe Haven”  for the enslaved seeking freedom in Canada. It was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. As a hub, it helped free 5,000 enslaved people. 

From 1836 to 1865, Second Baptist Church served as a “Safe Haven”  for the enslaved seeking freedom in Canada. It was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. As a hub, it helped free 5,000 enslaved people. 

Second Baptist Church still has Sunday service to this day. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the sacred grounds, guided by the Detroit Underground Historical Railroad Society. Trace the steps of your ancestors while learning about the “Freedom Fighters” who put their lives on the line to break the shackles for their brethren. 

Second Baptist Church still has Sunday service to this day. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the sacred grounds, guided by the Detroit Underground Historical Railroad Society. Trace the steps of your ancestors while learning about the “Freedom Fighters” who put their lives on the line to break the shackles for their brethren. 

Idlewild

Idlewild

Nestled in the woods of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, was a small resort town dubbed the “Black Eden of Michigan.” The land, which was surrounded by lakes, provided a getaway for Black people in 1912 at the height of the Jim Crow era. 25,000 tourists from various places like Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit would travel to Idlewild, every year, to experience the hidden gem that boasted two-night clubs. Iconic entertainers like the Black Bottom-born Della Reese, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin performed at the historic Paradise and Flamingo Clubs. 

Nestled in the woods of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, was a small resort town dubbed the “Black Eden of Michigan.” The land, which was surrounded by lakes, provided a getaway for Black people in 1912 at the height of the Jim Crow era. 25,000 tourists from various places like Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit would travel to Idlewild, every year, to experience the hidden gem that boasted two-night clubs. Iconic entertainers like the Black Bottom-born Della Reese, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin performed at the historic Paradise and Flamingo Clubs. 

Sojourner Truth’s Monument

Sojourner Truth’s Monument

Abolitionist and women’s right activist Sojourner Truth’s legacy can be felt throughout Battle Creek, Michigan where she lived until she died in 1883. A 12-foot monument, designed by artist Tina Allen, was resurrected in her honor in Monument Park in 1999. It is a main attraction for visitors. Sojourner Truth is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Abolitionist and women’s right activist Sojourner Truth’s legacy can be felt throughout Battle Creek, Michigan where she lived until she died in 1883. A 12-foot monument, designed by artist Tina Allen, was resurrected in her honor in Monument Park in 1999. It is a main attraction for visitors. Sojourner Truth is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

James Jackson Museum of African American History

James Jackson Museum of African American History

The James Jackson Museum of African American History can be found in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. This small but mighty time capsule is filled with history about the Black experience with a spotlight on local heroes and figures who’ve impacted American history. 

The James Jackson Museum of African American History can be found in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. This small but mighty time capsule is filled with history about the Black experience with a spotlight on local heroes and figures who’ve impacted American history. 

A picture can transport you to the destination of your travel dreams in an instance. But why imagine, when you can be there in real life? Gas up the car and charge your camera and cell phone because you’re going to need it. With some of the most stunning scenic landscapes, Michigan will look real good on your Instagram timeline. 

These family friendly locations are the perfect Instagrammable sites for the most beautiful pictures, and unforgettable memories.

These family friendly locations are the perfect Instagrammable sites for the most beautiful pictures, and unforgettable memories.

Bond Falls 

Bond Falls 

Prepare to be enchanted by the tranquil sounds of cascading waters at the Bond Fall waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As one of the most photographed waterfalls in western U.P., it will provide the perfect visuals for your feed. 

Prepare to be enchanted by the tranquil sounds of cascading waters at the Bond Fall waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As one of the most photographed waterfalls in western U.P., it will provide the perfect visuals for your feed. 

Bond Falls also boasts a 600-foot boardwalk that is easily accessible and open to your fuzzy family members. Stay for a while and visit the trails, or opt for a cookout with the fam on one of the public grills.

Bond Falls also boasts a 600-foot boardwalk that is easily accessible and open to your fuzzy family members. Stay for a while and visit the trails, or opt for a cookout with the fam on one of the public grills.

Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park

Swimming, biking, fishing, paddling; oh my! The serene waters at Belle Isle Park is the ultimate location for a variety of activities and shareable photos. The detroit river will be the backdrop for your selfies at this dynamic family-friendly site. Stop by the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservator, which recently reopened its doors after undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation. And when that’s all done, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks known as “StrEats of Belle Isle.”

Swimming, biking, fishing, paddling; oh my! The serene waters at Belle Isle Park is the ultimate location for a variety of activities and shareable photos. The detroit river will be the backdrop for your selfies at this dynamic family-friendly site. Stop by the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservator, which recently reopened its doors after undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation. And when that’s all done, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks known as “StrEats of Belle Isle.”

Henry Ford Museum

Henry Ford Museum

Delve into American history at the Henry Ford Museum where there are plenty of photo opps and even more to learn about. With extensive exhibits dedicated to telling the story of the man who revolutionized the transportation industry and the automotive business. The Henry Ford museum will spark your child’s curiosity while you snap away. 

Delve into American history at the Henry Ford Museum where there are plenty of photo opps and even more to learn about. With extensive exhibits dedicated to telling the story of the man who revolutionized the transportation industry and the automotive business. The Henry Ford museum will spark your child’s curiosity while you snap away. 

Muskegon Beaches 

Muskegon Beaches 

White sand beaches are a road trip away. Get an up close and personal view of Lake Michigan and don’t forget to look up because the sunsets are particularly beautiful on Muskegon’s beaches. Snap away as you admire the Muskegon South Breakwater Light. The 63-foot tall pyramidal light tower is the perfect photo bomb for like-worthy family photos.

White sand beaches are a road trip away. Get an up close and personal view of Lake Michigan and don’t forget to look up because the sunsets are particularly beautiful on Muskegon’s beaches. Snap away as you admire the Muskegon South Breakwater Light. The 63-foot tall pyramidal light tower is the perfect photo bomb for like-worthy family photos.

Climbing 94 iron stairs is well worth it to get to the top of Fort Gratiot Lighthouse where you can take the most creative photos of the winding staircase. As Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, it is a major attraction for maritime lovers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind view of the Blue Water Bridge, the mouth of the St. Clair River, Point Edward, Ontario and Lake Huron to the north. Family guided tours are available for a budget-friendly $30 which includes two adults and four children.

Climbing 94 iron stairs is well worth it to get to the top of Fort Gratiot Lighthouse where you can take the most creative photos of the winding staircase. As Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, it is a major attraction for maritime lovers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind view of the Blue Water Bridge, the mouth of the St. Clair River, Point Edward, Ontario and Lake Huron to the north. Family guided tours are available for a budget-friendly $30 which includes two adults and four children.

After visiting some of the most memorable places Michigan has to offer, you and your family will not be able to stop sharing these unforgettable moments for all the years to come. 

After visiting some of the most memorable places Michigan has to offer, you and your family will not be able to stop sharing these unforgettable moments for all the years to come.