The Concert of Colors is Detroit’s premier multicultural festival—a free, multi-day event that brings together the sounds, stories, and cultures of the world right into the heart of the city. Held every summer, it serves as a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community, showcasing music, dance, film, food, and art from across the globe.

Founded in 1993 by Ismael Ahmed and originally intended as a one-day event, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated annual tradition, now spanning several days and drawing tens of thousands of attendees. It takes place at some of Detroit’s most iconic cultural institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, and others, turning the city into a lively, interactive celebration of culture and unity.

The Concert of Colors features an impressive lineup of international artists, nationally recognized performers, and emerging local talent across a wide range of genres—from world music, jazz, soul, and hip-hop to traditional and indigenous sounds. Beyond music, the festival also offers dance workshops, poetry slams, visual arts exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and family-friendly programming, all designed to inspire cross-cultural understanding and creative dialogue.

A key component of the festival is its commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Through events like the Concert of Colors Forum on Community, Culture & Race, artists and audiences explore issues of equity, race, identity, and inclusion through the lens of artistic expression. This platform invites open conversation and encourages meaningful cultural exchange.

More than just a music festival, the Concert of Colors stands as a symbol of Detroit’s enduring cultural richness and resilience. It reflects the city’s deep roots in music and activism, its global connections, and its continuing evolution as a hub for art, innovation, and unity. For both Detroiters and visitors, the festival offers a dynamic, inclusive space to experience the power of music and culture to bring people together.