THE CULTURE'S CALENDAR
BLACK CULTURAL EVENTS IN CHICAGO
2 events curated for the standard.
Chicago is home to a deep tradition of Black organizing, music, and cultural production. The Cookout's Chicago members gather around jazz sessions, Black business conferences, and the Black Women's Expo that anchors the city's fall calendar.
NABJ Convention and Career Fair
August · 5 days
The National Association of Black Journalists was founded in 1975 by 44 men and women in Washington, DC, and has grown to become the largest organization of journalists of color in the United States. The annual NABJ Convention and Career Fair brings together thousands of working journalists, news executives, students, and recruiters for five days of professional development, panel discussions, awards programming, and recruiting activations. Major networks, newspapers, and digital media platforms send senior representatives to recruit and recognize talent. The convention is a critical fixture for Black media professionals and a powerful platform for accountability journalism within the industry.
Black Women's Expo (BWENext)
July or August · 3 days
The Black Women's Expo was founded in 1993 by Merry Green in Chicago and has become the longest-running consumer exposition dedicated to Black women in the United States. The expo brings together tens of thousands of attendees over three days for programming across entrepreneurship, beauty, health and wellness, fashion, and culture. The event includes panel discussions, vendor exhibitions, cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, and celebrity appearances. The recently expanded BWENext platform extends the expo into year-round programming and digital community for Black women in business and leadership.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT BLACK EVENTS IN THIS CITY
How many Black cultural events are in Chicago in 2026?
The Culture's Calendar tracks 2 curated Black cultural events in Chicago for 2026, spanning Conference.
When do Black events happen in Chicago?
Chicago events run across August, July. Major months for Black events in Chicago include August, July.
Where can I find more Black events in Chicago?
The Culture's Calendar by TheCookout maintains an ongoing list of curated Black cultural events across Chicago and nine other major cities. Submit additional events through our submission form.