New England BIPOC Festival

An annual celebration of food, art, and joy in Portsmouth, NH.

The New England BIPOC Festival is a powerful annual celebration of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in New England. Held in Portsmouth, NH, this vibrant event uplifts joy, creativity, and resilience through food, music, art, and shared cultural experiences. Hosted by Cultivate, the festival is a joyful act of resistance and a platform for building a more equitable and connected community.

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Event Information

Stay tuned for the official date for 2026!
Strawbery Banke Museum – Portsmouth, NH

What to Expect:

  • BIPOC-led food vendors & artisan market

  • Live music, dance, and spoken word

  • Hands-on family activities and workshops

  • Community tables and organizations

  • A welcoming, affirming space for all

FAQ Highlights:

  • Admission: Free / Suggested Donation $10

  • Parking: Street parking and nearby lots

  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue

Mission

The New England BIPOC Festival exists to create space where BIPOC communities feel seen, valued, and celebrated. We aim to initiate and sustain conversations around equity, social justice, and cultural heritage, not through lectures, but through joyful, authentic expression.

History

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd, the first festival was hosted at Vida Cantina in 2021. Since then, it has grown into a beloved community tradition, now held at the historic Strawbery Banke Museum.

Why it matters

Through food, music, art, and connection, the BIPOC Fest highlights the stories and traditions that too often go untold in New England. It’s more than a festival, it’s a movement for joy, justice, and visibility.

Get Involved

Sponsors & Community Partners:

Are you a business or organization that wants to help grow this vital event? We offer visibility, social impact, and local reach.

Become a Sponsor

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Setup & breakdown

  • Stage & tech support

  • Vendor assistance

  • Hospitality tent suppor

Volunteer Sign-Up
A woman with dark hair in a bun sitting at a booth with a pink banner that reads 'Jezmina Von Thiele, Fortunes Told, Tarot, Palmistry, and more'. She is smiling, wearing colorful earrings, a gold necklace, and a white lace shawl over a blue floral dress. The table in front of her has tarot cards, a sign offering tarot and palm reading services for $30 to $10, and various decorative items.

Vendor & Performer Info

Are you a BIPOC chef, maker, or performer?
We’re always looking for passionate voices and small businesses to join the celebration.

Vendor Application Includes:

  • Food & beverage vendors

  • Artisan and craft vendors

  • Community organizations

Apply to be a Vendor

Performer Application Includes:

  • Live bands, DJs

  • Spoken word, poetry

  • Dance groups or solo artists

Apply to be a Performer

 Want to get involved? Volunteer, partner, or attend an upcoming event.

Donate
Volunteer
Sponsor