Black Joy Indy

07/30/2026

Because we know everyone could use a little Black Joy on their timeline ✨🖤✨

07/21/2026

Year two of the Jiggalate contest is in the books. This time with an official Midwest Leak Awards & Honors trophy to go with it. 🏆

The Jiggalate Cup is an important step in preserving our creative legacy for music in Naptown. Marking these moments in history and paying homage to the origin is how we document our memories so our culture lives forever.

📸 HILLSIDE FILMS + Wildstyle Paschall

07/20/2026

As we look ahead, your feedback helps shape what's next! 📣

By sharing your experience, you're helping inform future programming, strengthen partnerships, and ensure we continue creating impactful experiences that amplify Black joy in our city.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey and for being part of the movement!

https://s.surveylegend.com/-OxFx_7mrTiwuaUTKC-u

07/20/2026

THIS IS WHAT BLACK JOY LOOKS LIKE 💚

07/18/2026

JOY LOOKS GOOD ON YOU 💚

📍 BLACK: A Festival of Joy 2026 | Riverside Park - Indianapolis, Indiana

📸: Gabrielle Marie

07/16/2026

This special day always seems to be the perfect reminder of what life’s all about! ✨

Laughing with the people you love. Dancing like no one’s watching. Discovering something new. Simply being present.

And, making memories you’ll (hopefully) be talking about for a long time afterwards… 💚

📍 BLACK: A Festival of Joy 2026 | Riverside Park - Indianapolis, Indiana

📹: Drvn Content Marketing

07/13/2026

Our Advisory Board member, Pamela Ross, recently joined ’s The Deep Dive with Deja Studdard to talk about BLACK: A Festival of Joy and the vision behind the movement.

The conversation explores why creating spaces centered on Black joy is essential, and what’s next as we grow our impact beyond a single day where we all come together in celebration.

Thank you Deja, for creating space for this conversation, and thank you, Pamela, for representing BLACK: A Festival of Joy with such care and purpose from the very beginning! 💚

https://fox59.com/video/deep-dive-with-deja-a-black-festival-of-joy/11965850/

07/13/2026

For the first year ever, Midwest Leak hosted The Jiggalate Cup at BLACK: A Festival of Joy! This year’s winner is Scrappy G 🏆 Congrats on your bragging rights ALL YEAR LONG! 🥳

As always, shout out to Pac Man, the original creator of the most loved dance in Naptown, THE JIGGALATE! 📣

If you’re up for the challenge, stay tuned for next year. Let’s see YOU take the stage next! 👀

07/13/2026

To our incredible emcees who continue to bless us with their return year after year… THANK YOU! 💚🔥

Through sunshine, rain, and every unexpected moment in between… you two bring the energy, keep the momentum going, and leave it all on the stage.

Emceeing is an art form. It takes preparation, presence, creativity, and the ability to pivot at any moment while keeping the joy alive.

Thank you, Mariah Ivey and JBland, for being the dynamic duo that helps bring BLACK: A Festival of Joy to life. We’re so grateful for you!! 🥰

📸: Wildstyle Paschall

07/12/2026

Thank you for Year 5! 💚🎉

Despite a rainy start to the day and even swarms of flying insects that briefly became the talk of social media, the fifth annual BLACK: A Festival of Joy once again proved why it has become one of Indianapolis’ premier summer traditions.

Held yesterday at Riverside Park, the free community festival featured live music, DJs, performances, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, family activities, wellness experiences and art, bringing together thousands of people for a full day centered on celebrating Black culture and community.

Organizers describe the event as a celebration of Black joy while also supporting Black-owned businesses and economic development.

Most importantly, despite the less-than-perfect weather and the unexpected bug invasion that had social media buzzing, the event appeared to wrap up without any major incidents, continuing its reputation as one of the city’s most successful annual festivals for the Black community.

Did you attend this year’s Indy Black Joy Festival?

What was your favorite part: the music, the vendors, the food, the performances, or just seeing the community together?

And where does BLACK: A Festival of Joy rank among Indianapolis’ biggest summer events? Has it earned a spot alongside the city’s must-attend annual festivals?