Festival Schedule & Special Events
Saturday, June 28th
Breakfast at Black Eden Brews
Coffee Service
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Kitchen Opens
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit a local staple for a feel-good breakfast & coffee service.
Black Eden Brews Idlewild Coffee Bar
located inside Morton’s Motel
6389 Tacoma St, Idlewild, MI 49642
Cost:
Breakfast is not included with ticket admission
and must be purchased separately.
Space is Limited:
First Come, First Served.
Historic Bus Tour of Idlewild with Township Historian
General Admission Ticketholders:
9:00 AM and 10:15 AM
VIP Ticketholders:
11:30 AM
Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and departs from just outside the Festival gate.
Once known as “Black Eden,” Idlewild, Michigan, was one of the most significant African American resort communities in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Founded in 1912, Idlewild offered Black Americans a rare place of rest, recreation, and refuge during the Jim Crow era. At its peak from the 1930s to 1960s, it was a vibrant cultural hub, hosting legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Della Reese, and the Four Tops. Idlewild was a symbol of Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and joy—a place where families created memories and civil rights leaders gathered in unity.
Come enjoy a bus tour with Chris Grier, Idlewild Historian, and experience Idlewild’s rich history firsthand.
Cost:
$10 for General Admission Ticketholders
Included in VIP Ticketholder’s Experience (Registration required here).
Learn the stories behind historic sites, hear about the icons who performed here, and see the same paths that once echoed with jazz, soul, and freedom.
Space is limited.
Reserve your seat today here!
Idlewild Past, Present and Possibilities Exhibit
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Explore the legacy and future of Idlewild in an exhibit honoring its historic role as a cultural sanctuary while exploring the possibilities of keeping its spirit alive today.
No reservation required — stop by anytime during exhibit hours.
Self-paced exhibition located inside the festival grounds
Cost:
FREE to General Admission and VIP Ticketholders
Performances
(schedules subject to change)
Isaac Norris Project
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Big Daddy Fox
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Alexander Zonjic featuring Thornetta Davis
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Ohio Players
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 29th
Breakfast at Black Eden Brews
Coffee Service
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Kitchen Opens
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit a local staple for a feel-good breakfast & coffee service.
Black Eden Brews Idlewild Coffee Bar
located inside Morton’s Motel
6389 Tacoma St, Idlewild, MI 49642
Cost:
Breakfast is not included with ticket admission
and must be purchased separately.
Space is Limited: First Come, First Served.
Historic Bus Tour of Idlewild with Township Historian
General Admission Ticketholders:
9:00 AM and 10:15 AM
VIP Ticketholders:
11:30 AM
Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and departs from just outside the Festival gate.
Once known as “Black Eden,” Idlewild, Michigan, was one of the most significant African American resort communities in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Founded in 1912, Idlewild offered Black Americans a rare place of rest, recreation, and refuge during the Jim Crow era. At its peak from the 1930s to 1960s, it was a vibrant cultural hub, hosting legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Della Reese, and the Four Tops. Idlewild was a symbol of Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and joy—a place where families created memories and civil rights leaders gathered in unity.
Come enjoy a bus tour with Chris Grier, Idlewild Historian, and experience Idlewild’s rich history firsthand.
Cost:
$10 for General Admission Ticketholders
Included in VIP Ticketholder’s Experience (Registration required here).
Learn the stories behind historic sites, hear about the icons who performed here, and see the same paths that once echoed with jazz, soul, and freedom.
Space is limited.
Reserve your seat today here!
Idlewild Past, Present and Possibilities Exhibit
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Explore the legacy and future of Idlewild in an exhibit honoring its historic role as a cultural sanctuary while exploring the possibilities of keeping its spirit alive today.
No reservation required — stop by anytime during exhibit hours.
Self-paced exhibition located inside the festival grounds
Cost:
FREE to General Admission and VIP Ticketholders
Performances
(schedules subject to change)
Kris Johnson Group
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
The Ladies of ‘Straight Ahead’
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Marion Meadows
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Will Downing
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
VISIT IDLEWILD ABOUT ART!
a self-guided outdoor art & history tour
“Pulse of a Pioneer”
honoring Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
Experience a dynamic exhibition curated by Idlewilder, Nicolena Stubbs, featuring original artwork & striking pieces by muralists Demien DeYonte & Nicolena Stubbs, along with a collaborative piece created by the community.
Starting Point:
Flamingo Club
1002 E MLK Dr
Idlewild, MI 49642
Celebrate art, history, and community in an iconic space where creativity meets legacy.
Cost:
Free