10 Social Events Black Women in her 30s Should Attend in 2026
Social events are vital for building connections and community. They vary from casual gatherings like barbecues to structured events such as conferences. In-person interactions strengthen relationships through conversations and collaboration, offering networking opportunities that benefit personal and professional growth.
As a black woman in her 30s, it’s very important to have a variety of experiences and events to look forward to. There’s something for the luxury, bougie on a budget, sports and music enthusiasts. Here’s 10 events happening in 2026:
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: January 2-13, 2026
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is an annual film festival held each January in Palm Springs, California, showcasing a diverse selection of international and American films. Known for highlighting foreign-language features, debut works, and award-season contenders, the festival draws filmmakers, industry professionals, journalists, and cinephiles from around the world.
Audience and Impact PSIFF attracts a mix of industry professionals and a broad public audience. Its emphasis on international cinema has helped raise the profile of foreign-language films in the U.S. market and contributed to greater recognition of global filmmakers. The festival’s timing in January positions it as an early tastemaker for the awards season.
2. Apollo Spring Benefit
Where: Harlem, NYC
When: Spring 2026
The annual Apollo Spring Benefit is an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity, innovation, and community engagement. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, live entertainment, and a silent auction, offering attendees the chance to bid on unique items and experiences while supporting a worthwhile cause. Proceeds from the event will directly fund community art programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural access and education.
Dress code for the evening is business casual, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. We encourage everyone to come prepared to support and celebrate the talent within our community.
3. Charleston Food and Wine Festival
Where: Charleston, SC
When: March 4-8, 2026
The Charleston Food + Wine Festival celebrates the culinary heritage of Charleston, South Carolina, bringing together top chefs, winemakers, distillers, brewers, and food producers for multi-day tastings, demonstrations, dinners, and parties. The event highlights Lowcountry ingredients, Southern traditions, and modern interpretations from both local and guest chefs.
Where Events are held at multiple venues across downtown Charleston and nearby islands, including historic inns, waterfront parks, private homes, hotels, and partnering restaurants. Key neighborhoods often involved are the French Quarter, East Battery, and the Peninsula.
4. Preakness
Where: Laurel, Maryland
When: May 16, 2026
Preakness Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Preakness Day features a lively, often more intimate crowd than the Kentucky Derby, with strong regional attendance and a festive Baltimore atmosphere. Fashion, live music, and food are part of the experience, but the event tends to be less ostentatious than the Derby.
The Preakness is a major sporting and cultural event that can make or break Triple Crown aspirations and showcases top three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a crucial point in the spring racing season.
5. FIFA World Cup
Where: Dallas, Texas
When: June 30-July 6, 2026
The next World Cup will take place from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches over 39 days.
Fans from around the world are preparing for the biggest sporting event, and stadiums across North America are gearing up to host the greatest football teams. From the iconic AT&T Stadium in Texas to the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the 2026 World Cup promises to offer an unforgettable experience.
6. Family Reunion Festival Salamander
Where: Washington, DC
When: August 2026
Family Reunion Festival. Presented by renowned chef and author Kwame Onwuachi, in collaboration with Dotdash Meredith’s FOOD & WINE and Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection, this dynamic, multi-day event will once again impress. Attendees will experience thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on cooking demonstrations, uplifting recreational activities, and meaningful “family” meals shared with celebrity chefs and industry leaders.
7. Royal Ascot
Where: Berkshire England
When: June 16-20, 2026
Royal Ascot is one of the world’s most famous horse racing events. This event is held annually at Ascot Horse Race Course in Berkshire, England. It is attended by the royal family and is known for its elegance and style. It’s a perfect event for those who love horse racing and fashion .
8. U.S. Open (Tennis)
Where: Flushing Meadows (New York City, USA)
When: August 23– September 13, 2026
The U.S. Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, is held annually in New York City and it features both men's and women's singles, as well as doubles and mixed doubles events, attracting top players from around the world.
The tournament is renowned for its hard-court surface at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, providing a fast-paced and exciting environment for players and fans alike. The main stadium, Arthur Ashe Stadium, is the largest tennis-specific venue in the world, with a capacity of over 23,000 spectators.
9. Frieze Art Fair
Where: London
When: October 14-18, 2026
Frieze Art Fair London
Frieze Art Fair London is one of the premier contemporary art events in the UK, drawing galleries, collectors, curators, and art lovers from around the world. Held each October in Regent’s Park, Frieze combines gallery presentations, Special Projects, talks, film screenings, and commissions, creating a concentrated snapshot of major trends and emerging voices in contemporary art.
Frieze London is a focal point for contemporary art discourse and commerce. It offers a concentrated opportunity to see significant new works, encounter influential artists and dealers, and engage with critical conversations shaping the art world today. Whether you’re a collector, curator, student, or an enthusiastic visitor, Frieze provides a dense, inspiring experience of contemporary art in one of London’s most beautiful public spaces.
10. Detty December
Where: Accra, Ghana
When: December 2026
Detty December is a month of vibrant celebrations, cultural events, and joyful gatherings, particularly in Accra. It embodies unapologetic enjoyment during the holiday season, with cities alive with music concerts, street parties, family reunions, and corporate events. T
he festive atmosphere encourages reflection on the past year and anticipation for the new one. Music is central, with local artists releasing tracks that become seasonal anthems, attracting crowds to dance and socialize. Food also plays a significant role, highlighting traditional and modern culinary delights in local markets and eateries.
Make sure these events are on your list for 2025. Each event is fun, exciting, and deserves a new outfit. Plan out your 2025 now. Which events will you be attending in 2025?
