Plan Your trip

Activities and Dress Code: All activities for the Festival corporate and business oriented in nature. The organizers therefore advice for delegates and attendees (especially international) to bring along official, semi casual,  African themed designer cloths and dinner wears for the Festival.

Materials and tools to bring along: For the Black History Festival 2025 in College Park City, attendees, exhibitors, and participants should bring essential items such as registration confirmations, business cards, and note-taking tools for networking and engagement. Exhibitors should prepare booth materials like banners, brochures, and display stands, along with technical equipment such as chargers and extension cords. Performers and media personnel should bring costumes, props, cameras, and audio-visual tools, ensuring backup batteries and storage. Comfortable attire, reusable water bottles, and interactive items like giveaways or product samples can enhance the experience, while aligning materials with the festival’s cultural and professional themes will maximize impact.

Financial Summary for Attendees and Exhibitors

oAttendees:Estimated costs range from $700 to $2,000 per person, covering registration fees ($50–$300), travel and accommodation ($300–$1,200), meals and local transport ($200–$500), Gala Night tickets ($200 to $1000) and optional purchases ($50–$500).

oExhibitors:Estimated costs range from $1,000 to $25,000 per booth, including booth fees ($1,000 plus), materials and giveaways ($150–$800), travel and accommodation ($300–$2,000), and additional utilities or staffing ($1000).

• What to expect:At the Black History Festival, you can expect a vibrant celebration of African and Caribbean cultures, featuring traditional performances, art exhibitions, and a marketplace. The event will offer engaging panels and workshops on cultural preservation, trade, and leadership, alongside networking opportunities with government officials, business leaders, and innovators. Special events include keynote addresses, gala nights, and awards ceremonies. Attendees can also look forward to educational and professional growth opportunities, with access to mentorship, trade information, and industry connections. It’s a dynamic blend of celebration, collaboration, and learning.

(Feb 26 – Mar 1), expect winter weather with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C), along with possible snow, rain, and wind. To stay warm, layer clothing with a thermal base layer, sweater, and insulated winter coat. Wear water-resistant, insulated boots and accessorize with scarves, gloves, and hats. For indoor events, opt for business casual attire and consider traditional or festive clothing for cultural events. Be prepared for varying conditions to stay comfortable throughout the festival.

Ground Transportation: To get to **BRIC House** in Brooklyn, you have several transportation options:

• Subway: The A, C, or F trains to Jay St – MetroTech (7-minute walk) or 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to Borough Hall (10-minute walk).
• Bus: Routes like the B25 and B41 stop near BRIC House.
• Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): A quick, direct option from nearby areas, typically taking 5-15 minutes depending on traffic.
• Walking: If staying nearby, you can walk from Downtown Brooklyn (10 minutes), Brooklyn Heights (15 minutes), or DUMBO (20 minutes).
• Bicycle: Citi Bikes and bike lanes provide easy access, with rides taking around 15-20 minutes.
• Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are convenient for a direct route, especially for those carrying heavy items or looking for a quicker, more private ride.

Domestic Flights:

o Maryland: Airlines such as Southwest Airlines and American Airlines offer flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to College Park City airports, including LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Southwest Airlines operates approximately 130 weekly flights on this route.

o Ohio: Airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide flights from cities such as Columbus and Cleveland to College Park City. For example, flights from Baltimore to Columbus are available, with prices starting at $35 for one-way and $132 for round trip.

o Connecticut: Avelo Airlines offers affordable flights from New Haven, Connecticut, to various destinations, including College Park City.

• International Flights:

o Africa: Major airlines like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines offer flights from various African cities to College Park City, with layovers in European or Middle Eastern hubs.

o Caribbean:  Airlines such as JetBlue and Delta Air Lines provide direct flights from multiple Caribbean destinations to College Park City. For instance, JetBlue offers flights from New York to the Caribbean starting at $44.

o Europe: Airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France operate flights from European cities to College Park City, with direct and connecting options available.

o South America: Airlines like Copa Airlines and American Airlines offer flights from South American cities to College Park City, often with layovers in Central America or the Caribbean

o For the most current flight schedules and fares, it’s advisable to consult the airlines’ official websites or reputable travel booking platforms.

New York City’s food scene is diverse and iconic, offering:

• New York-Style Pizza – Thin, foldable slices with a crisp crust.
• Bagel with Cream Cheese and Lox – A classic breakfast dish.
• New York-Style Hot Dog – A popular street food.
• New York-Style Cheesecake – Rich and creamy dessert.
• Black and White Cookie – A cake-like dessert with chocolate and vanilla glaze.
• Pretzels – Soft, salty street snacks.
• Dumplings – Popular in Chinese cuisine.
• Dim Sum – Small dishes, often served in Chinatown.
• Pastrami on Rye – A classic deli sandwich.
• Knish – A pastry filled with potatoes or meat.
• Halal Food – Popular street platters of chicken or lamb over rice.
• African Dishes at Lagos restaurant

Visa requirements for delegates coming to New York City depend on the country of origin:

• Africa: Most delegates will need a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. Some African countries are not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), so a visa is required for business, tourism, or attending events.
• Europe: Delegates from EU countries can travel without a visa under the VWP for stays of up to 90 days, but must apply for ESTA. Countries not in the VWP will need a B-1/B-2 Visa.
• South America: Citizens from countries like Chile and Argentina can use the VWP for stays up to 90 days. Delegates from other countries will need a B-1/B-2 Visa.

In all cases, delegates must complete the DS-160 form, schedule a visa interview, and provide necessary documents like an invitation letter and financial proof. It’s recommended to apply well in advance as the process may take several weeks.