Black: A Festival of Joy 2025 brought a powerful wave of celebration and connection to Riverside Park’s Taggart Memorial Amphitheater on Saturday, September 13. Despite the rain, nothing could stop the spirit of Black joy as thousands gathered for an unforgettable day filled with live music, DJs, cultural performances, interactive art, and community conversations. Families, friends, and neighbors came together to experience the vibrant creativity of Black culture in a setting that was free, family-friendly, and community-centered.
The festival highlighted Black-owned vendors, food trucks, wellness spaces, and immersive activities that uplifted both the spirit and the community. Attendees enjoyed flavorful dishes, supported local artisans, and embraced a day that celebrated resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. From the beats on stage to the conversations in the crowd, the event affirmed that Black joy is more than a feeling, it is a movement of unity and legacy.
Midwest Leak kept the crowd moving by hosting the lively Jiggalate dance competition, where the energy was just as electric as the performances on stage. The 21 and over category crowned a winner who took home tickets to the Circle City Classic, while the 21 and under champion received a stylish jacket courtesy of Nap or Nothing. The competition reminded everyone that joy is found not only in watching but in moving, participating, and celebrating together…