The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF) is set to return for its 14th year, bringing a vibrant celebration of African American artistry and cultural expression to the city from August 28-30, 2025.
This annual event, recognized as the nation’s largest self-producing platform for Afro-centric theatre, will take place at two key venues: Spelman College’s LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center (350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA) and the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel (1031 Virginia Ave, Hapeville, GA).
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival: What To Know
Under the theme “Rooted in Resilience,” the 2025 festival will highlight the enduring power of Black narratives through a diverse lineup of world-class performances, staged readings, workshops, and special events.
The ABTF aims to amplify Black voices, foster creativity, and provide a platform for both emerging and established artists from across the African diaspora.
“This festival is a testament to the resilience of Black theatre and its ability to sustain cultural institutions despite challenges,” said Toni Simmons Henson, co-founder of ABTF.
This year’s festival, occurring over Labor Day weekend, will feature a dynamic schedule, including six main stage performances, a Black Business & Arts Expo with food trucks, and a Creative Arts Conference hosting staged readings, workshops, and film screenings.
Notable productions include Lyrics, an original play by Winston A. Wilson set in 1987 New York City, following young hip-hop artists navigating racism, abuse, and poverty, and Once on This Island JR., a Caribbean-flavored adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
A staged reading of Communion by P. Todd Pickens, exploring a family confronting their past, is also scheduled for August 29 at 1 p.m. at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel.
The festival’s Creative Arts Conference, held the day before the main events, offers networking opportunities, masterclasses, and panels designed to nurture the next generation of theatre professionals.
The Dr. Doris Derby Collegiate Monologue Competition will provide scholarships and mentoring for BIPOC students pursuing careers in the arts. Additionally, the ABTF Gallery Talks will offer insights into art investing and appreciation, while an international vendors market will feature fine and wearable art.
With an expected attendance of around 6,000, the festival will be hosted at the Fulton County Southwest Arts Center and the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, with parking available for $5 at Spelman and $10 at the Hilton. The event also includes nightly parties, a Comedy Awards Ceremony, and an AfterGlow celebration, creating unique networking opportunities for artists and attendees. Group rates for accommodations at the Hilton are available at $129+ for standard rooms and $159+ for suites, with reservations open until August 15.
“The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a powerhouse, weaving a unique fabric of hope in Black theatre,” said an attendee of a previous festival, reflecting on its impact. Since its inception in 2012, ABTF has hosted over 3,200 artists and presented nearly 400 events, entertaining and educating audiences worldwide. The festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all submissions are welcome, with a focus on cutting-edge, original works from marginalized storytellers
Tickets and passes are available now through the festival’s official website, atlantabtf.org, or via Vivid Seats, with limited availability.