Festival Schedule & Special Events
Saturday, June 28th
Breakfast at Black Eden Brews
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Visit a local staple for a feel-good breakfast.
Black Eden Brews Idlewild Coffee Bar
located inside Morton’s Motel
6389 Tacoma St, Idlewild, MI 49642
Cost:
This is an affiliate event. 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 ADD ON!
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:
$15 for General Admission Ticketholders
FREE for VIP Ticketholders, Registration required here).
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 & Friends featuring Thornetta Davis
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Ohio Players
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday Night After Party ADD ON!
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
You don’t have to go home, and you CAN stay here!
Ready for dinner, dancing and drinks?!
Join us for an after party and dance the night away!
Southern Style dinner from Idlewild favorite “Just Another BBQ Joint!”
Located within festival grounds (map will be on program)
($15 Cover Collected at Door )
Cash Bar Available
No registration required.
VIP Ticketholder Dinner &
“Past, Present & Possibilities” Exclusive Presentation ADD ON!
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Exclusive Presentation featuring meaningful dialogue with community leaders exclusively for VIP Ticketholders featuring a Special Appearance by Alexander Zonjic! This ticket includes a free entry to the Saturday Night After Party (in the same building on festival ground), which includes a DJ, 1 plate of a Southern Style dinner and a cash bar with1 free drink ticket on us!
Southern Style dinner from Idlewild favorite “Just Another BBQ Joint!”
($15 donation in addition to your ticket to Lake County Merry Makers)
Cash Bar Available
This dinner is only available to VIP festival ticketholders — Don’t wait to secure your spot!
Registration Required Here
Sunday, June 29th
Breakfast at Black Eden Brews
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Visit a local staple for a feel-good break.fast & coffee service.
Black Eden Brews Idlewild Coffee Bar
located inside Morton’s Motel
6389 Tacoma St, Idlewild, MI 49642
Cost:
This is an affiliate event. 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 ADD ON!
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:
$15 for General Admission Ticketholders
FREE for VIP Ticketholders, Registration required here).
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:
This is an affiliated event and is free.