Upcoming Events

Friday, March 13th, 2 - 5 pm

Save Philly Festivals Think Tank

On March 13th, 2026, join DiasporaDNA and the Philly Festivals Network for the Save Philly Festivals Think Tank. The Think Tank will feature a dynamic presentation by the producer of the Juneteenth Parade, followed by breakout sessions, expert-led discussions, and dedicated time for Q&A.; This interactive format is designed to spark practical dialogue, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving among festival producers and cultural leaders invested in strengthening Philadelphia's festival landscape.

We are also honored to feature a keynote speaker who will help frame our conversation and inspire the work ahead. Kendra J. Ross is the Founder of STooPS—an opportunity for members of the neighborhood to discover and share resources that exist within Bed-Stuy. Her work with STooPS aligns deeply with the goals of this convening, and she will offer insights to ground and energize our dialogue.

Are you a festival, event, or cultural producer interested in attending the Think Tank? Click here to RSVP.

Join our Waitlistr and be the first to know when the Philly Festival Tour launches!

Past Events

October 24, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Philadelphia, PA

Join DiasporaDNA for the launch of the Philly Festivals Network (Planning Session), a new initiative uniting Philadelphia’s festival producers, cultural programmers, and community partners to Save Philly Festivals.

As rising costs and resource challenges impact beloved celebrations like the Midtown Village Fall Festival and Northern Liberties Night Market, this convening brings together local leaders to share stories, exchange solutions, and imagine a more sustainable future for our city’s festivals.

The half-day session includes networking, collaborative artmaking, and group discussions. Participants are invited to share reflections on film for The Montgomery Collection Archive, documenting this historic moment in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.

Save Philly Festivals. Share Your Story.

Festivals preserve cultural memory, highlight local history, and celebrate neighbor nostalgia through a creative network of talent, producers, and audiences. Together, we’re building a powerhouse platform of storytelling and support for local festivals.

RSVP through this Google Form. Location will be revealed upon RSVP.

October 5, 2025 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. Brandywine Museum of Art

Join us for an afternoon of Community Conversations: at the Brandywine Museum of Art, where we’ll come together to share perspectives, exchange stories, and connect through the themes of art and the world around us.

Dive into lively discussions with fellow attendees, exploring thought-provoking questions like, “What Black history are we witnessing daily?” in a warm, engaging environment.

Facilitated by doctoral researcher, Monica O. Montgomery, MA, this free program, produced in partnership with DiasporaDNA, invites you to reflect and engage with others. Before or after the event, we encourage you to visit the special exhibition, Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade, on the third floor for inspiration. Pre-registration is encouraged for this vibrant, participatory experience!

This program is free but pre-registration is encouraged. Click here to register.