African American Annual Events

Updated February 2026

Célébration de la MLK

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center honors MLK with a weekend-long celebration every January. The festivities begin with the MLK Celebration Fair, a college, health and career fair hybrid held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The MLK Candlelight Ceremony is an evening event featuring a keynote speaker and vigil honoring Dr. King. The weekend ends with the MLK Parade through South Dallas featuring marching bands, dance teams and colorful floats. All events are free to attend.

Black Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum

Now in its fifth year, the Black Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum spotlights Black designers, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs during a two-day spring festival. Included with general garden admission, the event features live performances, vendor markets and cultural programming in one of Dallas’ most picturesque settings.

Texas Black Invitational Rodeo

One of Dallas’ most distinctive cultural events, the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo brings together more than 300 African American cowboys and cowgirls for a weekend of competition, culture and family fun. Now in its third decade, the rodeo highlights the often-overlooked legacy of Black cowboys in the American West, making it both entertaining and educational.

Théâtre de danse noire de Dallas

Le Dallas Black Dance Theatre est la plus ancienne compagnie de danse professionnelle de Dallas. Depuis plus de 40 ans, le DBDT produit un groupe diversifié et multiethnique de danseurs, dont une compagnie contemporaine de 12 danseurs professionnels ainsi que DBDT : Encore ! qui présentent leur saison annuelle dans diverses salles de l'AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Célébration du quinzième anniversaire

Le 19 juin, cette journée commémore la fin de l'esclavage aux États-Unis. Dallas accueille chaque année une célébration gratuite du 19 juin, un événement communautaire célébrant l'art, l'histoire, la musique, la nourriture, la famille et la liberté. L'événement comprend également des activités et des jeux amusants, des dépistages de santé gratuits et bien plus encore.

Football HBCU

Held during the State Fair of Texas, the State Fair Classic is one of the most anticipated HBCU rivalry games in the region. Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University face off in a high-energy matchup complete with a legendary Battle of the Bands halftime show. This electric event draws thousands of fans to Fair Park each year.

Festival Harambee

Recognized as the oldest and largest African American cultural festival in North Texas, the Harambee Festival celebrates African heritage with live music, dance performances, cultural vendors, health screenings and family programming. The free, community-focused event continues to be a cornerstone of Dallas’ fall festival calendar.

Festival de jazz du front de mer

Le Riverfront Jazz Festival s'est fait un nom en accueillant certains des plus grands noms du jazz, du blues et du rhythm and blues. Le festival a lieu en septembre, pendant le week-end de la fête du travail.