The Black Lit Fest 2026


The inaugural Black Lit Fest is a celebration of Black literature, creativity and culture.  The theme “From Past to Prophecy,” explores the legacy of Black literature while imagining the futures that we can create with Black stories and art. This event will take place in the building and parking lot of Wordplay Cincinnati, a local nonprofit empowering youth through creative writing, storytelling and the arts. 


Day One: Adults 


Community Workshops (1pm- 3PM)

3-4PM: Early Access Bookfair Shopping


(The festival opens with the two free workshop opportunities. Registration is required. Attendees should register for one primary workshop and if time and resources allow then afterwards, opportunities will be available to participate in a second session. Workshops are self-guided with instructions provided. )


Register for Soul Collage Pop up Lounge 

Step into a creative lounge experience at Black Lit Fest where art, memory and imagination come together. Guests will create oversized “Soul Collage” bookmarks using vintage magazines, including classic Jet magazines, photographs, words, textures and imagery inspired by Black literature, culture, history and futurism.

Enjoy mimosas, light bites and early access to Black Lit Fest!


Register for Herbal Self Care & Gifts 

We welcome you to come enjoy our signature herbal workshop exploring the world of herbs while making herbal items to take home or gift to someone special. You'll have the opportunity to make herbal bath soaks and customized herbal tea blends. 

Enjoy mimosas, light bites and early access to Black Lit Fest!



Shopping, Music, Line dancing and Fashion Show (4pm-8pm)

5PM: Line Dance with Love Jackson

7PM: Fashion Show produced by Me by Lee

Register for Black Lit Fest (VIP Fashion show tickets 

available) 


Throughout the day, you can shop thousands of Black authored books and special vendors AND enjoy refreshments as well as  experience live programming including line dancing with Love Jackson, and music by DJ Apryl Reign.


The evening features a literary-inspired fashion runway presentation produced by Me by Lee reflecting Black creative expression across past, present and our imagined future. 


Entry is free with general ticket. 

VIP Fashion Show Ticket is $45 and includes Front row seating during fashion show, a specially curated goodie bag and a $15 gift card to spend at Black Lit Bookfair or Black Lit @ Shea. 



"Eternal Light" Jazz Night (8pm-11pm)


Adult Night closes with Jazz Night curated by Eight Twenty Media, a special edition of their Eternal Light series; blending poetry, live music, soulful performance and live painting. 

Register for Black Lit Fest (VIP Jazz Night tables available) 


Entry is free with general ticket. 

VIP Table packages are as follows:


$100 for a private table for 2, private charcuterie board, drinks and $15 gift card/ per person to spend at Black Lit Bookfair or Black Lit @ Shea.


$180 for a private table for 4, private charcuterie board, drinks and $15 gift card/per person to spend at Black Lit Bookfair or Black Lit @ Shea. 



Day Two: Family Day


Register for Family Day (General Tickets) 

Noon to 4PM

The celebration continues with a family focused day of creativity and community.


Family Day will include:



Family Day is designed to bring together young readers, families and creatives in an uplifting environment centered on Black imagination, art and storytelling.


Black Futures: Youth Junk Journaling Lab (1pm-3PM)

Separate registration is required. 

Register for Black Futures Junk Journaling Lab 


Young creatives between the ages of 9 and 18 are invited to explore storytelling, self-expression, and imagination through junk journaling at Black Lit Fest Family Day. Using magazines, paper scraps, stickers, affirmations, and mixed media materials, participants will design personalized journals inspired by Black culture, creativity and future dreams.


This hands-on workshop encourages artistic freedom, reflection, and fun in a welcoming community space. No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.

Free snacks will also be available for participants.