Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28
1pm to 7pm
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE
Presented by Lake County Merry Makers
THANK YOU!
The 2026 Live at Idlewild Music Festival is possible because of the Sponsors, Donors, Performers, Vendors, Volunteers, Yates Township staff, Lake County Merry Makers Team, and friends.
An extra special thank you to these companies and organizations:
DIAMOND SPONSOR
Huntington Bank
SILVER SPONSORS
Perkins Law Group
Metro Tech Collision & Auto Body
Denise Brooks Williams (WK Kellogg Foundation)
BRONZE SPONSORS
Vicksburg Chrysler
We the People of Detroit
Hollywood Casino Greektown
IN-KIND & FAMILY DONORS
- Ice Mountain Water
- Blk Fem Studio
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- FAYGO Beverages, INC
- All Seasons Porta Jons
- Phillip William Fisher Family
- The Squires Family
Join our crew! Help create the magic by volunteering.
Want to sell your goods, food, or art at Live at Idlewild 2026?
Support culture, music, and community in Historic Idlewild.
Live at Idlewild 2026!
Live at Idlewild: The Beginning
Celebrate the Rich Heritage of Idlewild
From 1912 through the mid 1960s, Idlewild was an active year round community and was visited by well known African American professionals and entertainers from all over the country. It was one of the few resorts in the nation where African Americans were allowed to vacation and purchase property before discrimination was outlawed with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Founded in 1912, Idlewild attracted the African American middle class largely composed of professional and small business owners including well known national figures like NAACP co-founder W.E.B. DuBois and self made millionaire, cosmetic entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and many more. As time went on it also became known as an entertainment mecca, attracting the most famous musicians, singers and dancers of the era including Louis Armstrong, Della Reese, Sarah Vaughan, The Four Tops and more.
Live at Idlewild reignites the inspiring history of Idlewild and provides opportunities to learn more about the past, present and possibilities of our community.