HBCU College Fair · Career Fair · Black-Owned Business Market · Marching Bands · Choirs · Cheer Squads · Food Trucks · Family Fun Activities · Wellness Zone · Master Classes · Live Music · Drumline Battle · Special Guests & More!
Back by popular demand, the Mann's HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann on May 17, 2025! Celebrate the vibrant culture and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at our FREE HBCU Festival! This community-focused event will take place on the scenic grounds of the Mann Center and is perfect for families, students, and alumni alike.
What to Expect:
- Interactive College Fair: Meet representatives from national and regional HBCUs to explore opportunities and get inspired for your future.
- Career Fair: Connect with employers from a variety of industries, discover exciting career paths, and gain valuable insights for your professional growth.
- Live Performances: Enjoy dynamic showcases by HBCU choirs, marching bands, majorettes, cheer squads, and guest artists in our TD Pavilion.
- Master Classes & Panels: Participate in engaging workshops led by renowned choral and band directors and attend insightful panel discussions on college affairs and more.
- Black-Owned Business Market: Discover and support local Black-owned businesses from our Parkside neighborhood, West Philadelphia, and beyond.
- Wellness Zone: Explore the Wellness Zone featuring free health resources, screenings, representatives, and more from Jefferson Health.
- Family Fun: Enjoy face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more! Food trucks will be on-site with delicious offerings to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Show Your Spirit:
Rep your HBCU pride by wearing your school’s apparel or your sorority and fraternity gear—let’s make this a celebration of tradition and community!
Registration:
Admission is free with advanced registration. Register now and don’t miss this exciting day of celebration, connection, and culture!
Time & Location:
The festival will take place Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11AM-5PM at the Mann Center, located at 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.
Important Info:
As part of our Summer Picnic Series, attendees are welcome to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that alcohol will not be sold or permitted, as this is a family-friendly event. Entry is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Re-entry is permitted throughout the day.
This is a free event open to the public. Entry is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Re-entry is permitted throughout the day. Backpacks are not permitted.
Artists, universities, and repertoire are subject to change without notice.
Notice of Photography: By entering the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, you agree to being filmed, photographed, or recorded as a member of the audience and the use thereof for marketing or promotional purposes in any manner or media.
College Fair
Join us in our Crescendo Tent at the Top of the Hill from 11AM to 5PM for a college fair featuring representatives from various HBCUs, including:
- Coppin State University
- Cheyney University
- Morgan State University
- Howard University
- Winston Salem State University
- Oakwood University
- Tuskegee University
- Grambling State University
- Norfolk State University
- Morris Brown College
More universities to be announced!
Career Fair
Join us for a career fair featuring employers from a variety of industries.
List of participating employers to be announced.
Performing Schools
Enjoy performances in our TD Pavilion by the following ensembles:
- The Aeolians of Oakwood University
- Cold Steel Drumline and Cool Mist Dancer of North Carolina A&T University
- Howard University Gospel Choir
- Powerhouse of Red & White of Winston Salem State University
- The Jeremy Winston Chorale