2024 18th & Vine Arts Festival Recap: A Celebration of Black Excellence and Creativity
The 2024 18th & Vine Arts Festival was a monumental success, exceeding all expectations and making history once again. Held in the heart of Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, the festival was a three-day celebration of Black art, music, fashion, and culture. With over 90 Black artists showcasing their talents, hundreds of attendees from all over the country, and a lineup of incredible entertainment, the 2024 festival truly captured the spirit of Black creativity and community.
A Festival for the Ages
From the start, this year’s festival was buzzing with excitement. The streets of 18th & Vine were filled with vibrant art displays, live music, food trucks, and crowds of festival-goers eager to experience all that the event had to offer. It was clear from day one that the festival was not just an arts event—it was a movement.
Day 1: Friday, September 27 – Fashion Forward
The festival kicked off in style on Friday with a 70s-inspired Fashion Show, curated by the talented team at Next Paige Agency. The runway was lit up with bold, vibrant designs from six incredible local designers, including standout collections from Zee Wear and more. The crowd was blown away by the creativity and energy that radiated from more than 25 models who strutted down the runway.
We want to extend a special thanks to all the designers who made the fashion show a huge success, including Zee Wear, Terria James, Suzanna James, Rachel Hughes, Kenya Martin, Lisa Brown, and all the models who brought these incredible looks to life. Your work was nothing short of amazing.
Day 2: Saturday, September 28 – Musical Mastery
Saturday was all about music. From morning till night, the festival was alive with the sounds of soulful tributes to Black musical icons of the 70s. A star-studded lineup of musicians took to the stage to pay homage to legends like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and more. Each performance was a reminder of the rich legacy of Black music and its profound impact on culture.
Some standout performances included:
JaySol Music with a powerful tribute to Black Female Groups
Ayron Alexander with a stunning Stevie Wonder tribute
Lady D channeling Gladys Knight with a mix of Jazz, Old School R&B, and Blues
Andrea Tribitt’s emotional tribute to Patti LaBelle
Delynia Jannell brings the energy with her rendition of Tina Turner's classics
The crowd was fully immersed in the music, and it was a joy to see everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along to these timeless hits. We’re incredibly thankful to all the performers who gave their all on stage and helped make Saturday an unforgettable day.
Day 3: Sunday, September 29 – Family Fun & Hair Show
The final day of the festival was a family-friendly affair, featuring the Kids Zone and an incredible Hair Show that celebrated the beauty and artistry of Black hair. From intricate braids to stunning natural styles, the hair show was a visual masterpiece. Talented stylists from Kansas City and beyond showcased their skills.
The Kids Zone was filled with laughter and joy as families participated in interactive art activities, games, and face painting. It was a perfect way to wrap up a weekend that celebrated all aspects of Black creativity and community.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners
We couldn’t have pulled off this incredible event without the generous support of our sponsors. We want to give a heartfelt thank you to:
Presenting Sponsors:
Printtek
Zhou B Arts Center
UnitedHealthcare
City of Kansas City
2000 Vine
Melissa Patterson Hazley
Kansas City Parks and Rec
Heart at Work
Reece Nichols
KC Water
Soul of Santa
American Jazz Museum
Port KC
Breakthru Beverage
The Gift
Neon Jazz
Melissa Robinson
Esteem Village
Next Paige
IAFF Local 42
UMB
We Code KC
Target
Barbara Washington
The Combine
Michael Johnson
Harold Smith
Cafe Reflections
New Reflections Technical Institute
Crissy Dastrup
Missouri Jobs With Justice
A Clean Slate, LLC
Mental Health Sponsors and Tent Offerings:
Wyandot Behavioral Health Network
Tamicka Monson
University Health
UnitedHealthcare
Ascend Counseling and Wellness
A huge thank you also goes out to our partners in media, including Hot 103 Jamz for their ongoing support and coverage, and the Kansas City Defender for featuring our event in their publication.
A Big Shoutout to the Artists
The artists are the heart and soul of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival, and we are immensely proud of all 90+ artists who participated this year. Your work not only enriched the festival but also empowered our community. We are thrilled to report that the weekend was a resounding success for our artists, with many selling out their collections and making lasting connections with buyers and art enthusiasts.
From oil paintings to sculptures, jewelry, and mixed media, the range of art on display was truly breathtaking. We can’t wait to see what these talented individuals create next, and we’re honored to provide a platform for them to thrive.
Recap of the Success
Record-breaking attendance: Thousands of attendees came out to support, shop, and experience the best of Black art and culture.
Artist success: Many of our artists reported selling out their work, which is a testament to the high quality of the art and the community’s support.
Incredible performances: From music to fashion and hair artistry, the entertainment was top-notch and kept the crowd engaged throughout the weekend.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While the 2024 festival was an enormous success, we’re already planning for 2025, and it’s going to be even bigger and better! We’re committed to providing more resources, opportunities, and community support for Black artists. Early registration for next year’s festival is now open, and we encourage all artists to sign up and be part of this exciting journey.
Stay Connected!
If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future events, resources, and opportunities. We have some incredible plans in the works for Black artists in Kansas City and beyond, and you won’t want to miss out!
Check out the full gallery of photos from the festival (Click Here) and relive the magic of the 2024 18th & Vine Arts Festival!
Thank You, Kansas City!
To everyone who came out, supported, purchased art, danced, celebrated, and contributed to the success of this year’s festival—we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Together, we are building a community that uplifts Black artists and fosters a space where creativity and culture can thrive.
Here’s to more art, more community, and more success in the future! We can’t wait to see you at the 2025 18th & Vine Arts Festival!