Live Nation Urban has teamed up with celebrated vendor festival, Black on the Block, which spotlights Black-owned businesses, creatives, and professionals. With the new partnership, the festival will expand its reach to seven cities across the U.S. in 2025. Read more inside.

This exciting partnership will officially kick off on March 23 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, bringing the vibrant festival experience to new audiences and markets.

A Vision for Black Entrepreneurship and Community

Founded in June 2021 by sisters Lanie and Char Edwards in Los Angeles, Black on the Block has built a reputation for curating unique shopping experiences that highlight over 100 Black-owned businesses in industries ranging from fashion and beauty to technology and art. More than just a marketplace, the festival fosters economic empowerment by providing vendors with a platform to grow their businesses, connect with customers, and strengthen their communities.

Each festival stop will feature:

– A bustling marketplace with diverse Black-owned brands

– A lively food court showcasing Black culinary entrepreneurs

– Gaming, dance battles, and immersive activations

– Live performances from emerging and established artists

Beyond the festival, Black on the Block is committed to supporting entrepreneurs long-term. The organization launched Black on the Block Community Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which offers vendor fee grants, training programs, and funding to help small Black-owned businesses thrive.

A Game-Changing Partnership with Live Nation Urban

By collaborating with Live Nation Urban, Black on the Block is positioned to scale its impact on a national level. The partnership will help expand the festival into new cities, provide greater visibility for Black businesses, and increase economic opportunities for vendors and creatives.

Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating:

“Lanie and Char have built a phenomenal purpose-driven brand that holds a unique place in the live event ecosystem. Our goal is to pour into them and allow the world to benefit from their vision.”

For the Edwards sisters, this partnership represents a collective win for vendors, attendees, and the entire Black on the Block community.

“Together, we’re harnessing Live Nation Urban’s resources to expand into new markets, creating spaces where Black-owned businesses can thrive and Black joy can be celebrated,” said Lanie and Char Edwards.

Celebrity Support & Major Brand Collaborations

Black on the Block has cultivated a dedicated following over the past four years, with celebrities like Chance the Rapper, Tinashe, Keke Palmer, Omarion, and Romeo Miller frequently attending the event. The festival has also featured performances from Sevyn Streeter, Durand Bernarr, LaRussell, Kiana Ledé, and DVSN.

Additionally, major brands including Disney, NBC, Amazon Prime, Smirnoff, Walmart, AT&T, and Hulu have partnered with the festival to bring immersive activations to attendees.

Where to Experience Black on the Block in 2025

• Arlington, TX (March 23)
• Atlanta, GA
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA (Juneteenth Festival)
• Detroit, MI
• Washington, D.C.
• Charlotte, NC

For more details, visit their website here.