Get ready for a celebration of Black creativity, culture and community! Black Outside Fest is taking over The Millennium this Saturday, bringing a day of shopping, skating, food, films and family-friendly fun to East Austin!
And the best part? Admission is free!
Ericka Barnes, Founder and CEO of Black Makers Market, and Kafele Wimbley, Director of Operations & Data Strategy, joined We Are Austin to share what makes this celebration special and how they’re preserving the history of Black-owned businesses in Austin.
Ericka Barnes, Founder and CEO of Black Makers Market, and Kafele Wimbley, Director of Operations & Data Strategy, joined We Are Austin to share what makes this celebration special and how they’re preserving the history of Black-owned businesses in Austin.
Watch the full video above to learn more about Black Outside Fest!
Celebrating the history of Black East Austin
Black Outside Fest is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of the businesses, culture and community that have helped shape East Austin.
“It is a heritage festival that we’re doing on the East Side to celebrate the history and legacy of Black businesses and culture and community in Austin,” Ericka shared.
Ericka Barnes, Founder and CEO of Black Makers Market, and Kafele Wimbley, Director of Operations & Data Strategy, joined We Are Austin to share what makes this celebration special and how they’re preserving the history of Black-owned businesses in Austin.
The event will feature a special Heritage Museum, showcasing historical photographs and biographical information about business owners from historically Black East Austin.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the stories of entrepreneurs who helped build the community and discover how the neighborhood has changed over time.
The event will feature a special Heritage Museum, showcasing historical photographs and biographical information about business owners from historically Black East Austin.
The festival will also feature films from local Black documentarians, highlighting the resilience of longtime community members and the stories behind their businesses.
Shop local at the Black Makers Market
Looking for unique gifts while supporting local entrepreneurs?
The festival will feature a variety of Black-owned businesses offering everything from bath and body products and skincare to seasonings, lemonade and handmade goods.
The festival will feature a variety of Black-owned businesses offering everything from bath and body products and skincare to seasonings, lemonade and handmade goods.
Visitors can also enjoy food from local favorites, including Distant Relatives and Wayne’s Caribbean Kitchen.
Black Outside Fest is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of the businesses, culture and community that have helped shape East Austin.
Kafele emphasized the importance of shopping directly from small business owners and building meaningful connections with the people behind the products.
“It’s just important that we keep these intimate relationships with the people that we shop for,” Kafele shared.
He also explained how meeting vendors and learning about the time and effort behind their handmade products has given him an even greater appreciation for local entrepreneurs.
Supporting local makers means recognizing the creativity, dedication and hard work that go into every item.
Free skating, bowling, films and more!
There’s something for the whole family at Black Outside Fest!
Guests can enjoy free skating with an RSVP, along with bowling, film screenings and other affordable activities throughout the venue.
The Black Makers Market merchandise shop will also feature T-shirts and additional historical information about the community.
Visitors can also enjoy food from local favorites, including Distant Relatives and Wayne’s Caribbean Kitchen.
Whether you’re shopping, learning about Austin’s history or spending time with family, the festival offers plenty of ways to connect and celebrate.
Supporting Black entrepreneurs all year long
Black Makers Market isn’t just a pop-up event. It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Black-owned businesses grow and succeed.
Beyond its markets and festivals, the organization provides educational resources, business development content and free or low-cost workshops for entrepreneurs.
“We provide digital resources, free and low-cost workshops for Black business owners to grow their business,” Ericka explained.
She shared that many entrepreneurs are balancing full-time jobs while working to build their own businesses. Through education and community support, Black Makers Market helps them develop the tools to grow.
For Ericka, an Austin native, the mission is also deeply personal.
“I enjoy showing my children what it can look like to be your full self in this beautiful city,” she shared.
It’s a message of empowerment, encouraging the next generation to embrace their creativity, pursue their passions and build successful futures in their hometown.
Make plans for Black Outside Fest
What: Black Outside Fest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Where: The Millennium, East Austin
Admission: Free with RSVP
Activities: Black Makers Market, free skating with RSVP, bowling, films, food vendors and the Heritage Museum
Ready to celebrate Black creativity, support local businesses and discover more about East Austin’s history?
Visit BlackMakersMarket.org to RSVP for free tickets and BlackOutsideAustin.com for festival details, participating vendors and activities.
You can also follow Black Makers Market on Instagram for updates.
Visit BlackMakersMarket.org to RSVP for free tickets and BlackOutsideAustin.com for festival details, participating vendors and activities.