INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 10, 2015) — BLACK: A Festival of Joy returns for its fourth iteration this Saturday, September 13, 2025, to Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park, with festivities taking place in the park from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Organized by a collective of volunteers and supported by GANGGANG, this free outdoor event is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, and joy, now an annual tradition in Indianapolis.
First held in 2022, BLACK: A Festival of Joy has grown from 1,500 attendees in its first year to over 10,000 attendees in 2024, generating an estimated $350,000 in economic impact for the Indianapolis community in just three years. In addition to presenting music, food, and art, the festival also serves as a community investment vehicle — uplifting Black-owned businesses, creatives, and cultural experiences.
Earlier this year, BLACK organizers launched the Brick by Brick Campaign — a grassroots fundraising initiative aimed at sustaining the long-term future of the festival and the broader Black Joy movement. Thanks to the generosity of local supporters, the campaign successfully raised $15,000 toward this year’s festival, helping ensure that the all-ages festival remains free and accessible for all.
“Since its inception, BLACK: A Festival of Joy has become more than just a one-day celebration — it’s created a sacred space of joy and resistance, where Black culture is honored, uplifted, and loved out loud,” said festival organizer Nigel Long. “In a world where joy can feel like a radical act, this festival continues to affirm the beauty, resilience, and brilliance of Black life. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, celebrate, and build — together. Year after year, BLACK has become a living example of what happens when community leads, culture shows up, and joy is centered on purpose.”
The 2025 event will include a lineup of live performances, interactive activations, and cultural experiences, all rooted in the belief that Black joy is necessary and worth investing in.
Main Stage Performances
- Soul Lounge Band
- Trap Orchestra
- D’yshe Mansfield
- Dead Silence
- Premium Blend
- Asante Children’s Theatre
Auxiliary Stage Lineup
- Vibez by Pheezy
- Shawndale Sharone
- Rusty Redenbacher
- Pook & 5laphouse from Club Plex
FREE Activations & Experiences
- Game Zone by ROHK
- Kids Zone with The World Famous Lamar Davis
- Drum Circle with Clint Breeze
- Chess Lounge by Inner City Chess Club
- Caricature Artist
- Yoga Session
- Midwest Leak Jiggalate Competition
- Line Dance Endurance Challenge
This Saturday, guests can also enjoy Black-owned food trucks, retail vendors, and artisan pop-ups throughout the park. Those looking to join the festivities should RSVP for free here. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the long-term sustainability of the festival can donate online.
ABOUT BLACK: A FESTIVAL OF JOY
Founded in 2022, BLACK: A Festival of Joy invites the community to experience and celebrate the beauty, resilience, and brilliance of Black life. What began as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of Indianapolis’ most anticipated inclusive cultural events.
Major support for BLACK: A Festival of Joy 2025 is made possible by Audiochuck, IndyGo, and Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund. Their investment is helping sustain one of the city’s most meaningful celebrations of culture, community, and joy — free and open to the public.
ABOUT GANGGANG
GANGGANG is a cultural development firm and creative advocacy agency working to center beauty, culture, and equity in cities by activating the creative economy. We believe that artists are the crux and heroes of society and thus require investment for the viability of places. Headquartered in Indianapolis, GANGGANG is a nonprofit organization working with more than 700 artists. For more information on the founding organization, visit www.ganggangculture.com or follow on social media @ganggangculture.
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