The vibrant legacy of jazz legend Billie Holiday comes to life once again at the Seventh Annual Billie Holiday Festival a beloved community celebration taking place August 30th, 2025 from 11am-6pm, at the historic Robert C. Marshall Field in West Baltimore.
Hosted in the heart of the Upton community along the Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street corridor in West Baltimore where Lady Day herself once walked, the festival brings together live performances, food, local vendors, art, and family-friendly fun all to honor one of the most iconic voices in American music and Baltimore’s own cultural treasure.
This year’s festival promises to be the most memorable yet, featuring an eclectic lineup of emerging and established musical talent, cultural showcases, a youth zone, and a special tribute to Billie Holiday’s enduring impact on jazz, civil rights, and the soul of the city.
Festival Highlights Include:
- Local Artisans & Black-Owned Vendors, Family Activities, Youth Performances, Food Trucks, and Community Resources
- Live Tribute & Music Performances by:
- Host: April Watts, DJ: DJ LampDawg. Jazmin Jones (11:30am-12pm), The HIGH (12pm-1:15pm), Dream Girlz (1:20pm-1:30pm), OnKee Jazz (1:30pm-2:30pm), ROLLEX BAND (3pm-4pm), Brencore Allstar Band (4:30pm-5:30pm), and Chris Rhodes Jazz (5:45pm-6:30pm)
Admission is free and open to the public, with vendor and sponsorship opportunities still available. Those interested in participating can visit www.BillieHolidayFestival.com to learn more.
The Billie Holiday Festival is made possible through the support of local artists, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations who continue to honor Lady Day’s legacy through creativity, culture, and collective joy.
About
Founded in 2019 the Billie Holiday Festival is an annual celebration rooted in Baltimore’s proud cultural history. Named in honor of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, who spent her formative years in the city, the festival brings people together through music, art, and community empowerment.
The Upton Planning Committee is a resident-led nonprofit organization committed to the revitalization and preservation of Baltimore’s Upton neighborhood. Through community engagement, economic development, and cultural celebration, the committee works to uplift residents and honor the area’s rich history.
The Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street program supports the revitalization of one of Baltimore’s most iconic African American cultural corridors. Once known as the “Harlem of the South,” Pennsylvania Avenue was home to legendary Black theaters, businesses, and jazz clubs — including those frequented by Billie Holiday herself. Today, the Main Street program focuses on preserving this legacy while driving inclusive growth and neighborhood pride.