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The Convergence
80 Years in the Making. 250 Years in the Story. 10 Years of the Festival.

Claim Your Place in History
Connecting generations through intergenerational dialogue and shared legacy at Middle Branch Park.

We Will Not Whisper Our History
We will lift it high. Join us at the waterfront as we celebrate resilience, community, and truth-telling.
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See You at the Waterfront
Thousands strong. Baltimore skyline. Middle Branch Park. This is home.
Countdown to July 4, 2026
The 80th Anniversary Celebration
The Ancestral Convergence
Four historic moments align in 2026
The Historical Hubs
Connecting pivotal moments in American and African American history
America's 250th
Connecting Cherry Hill's pioneering families to the broader American story of freedom, self-determination, and resilience.
Black History's Century
Celebrating the evolution of the Black History movement from 1926's "Negro History Week" to 2026's global recognition.
Cherry Hill's Legacy
Honoring the pioneering families of 1945 who built a resilient community that stands strong today.
Truth-Telling Stages
Artists, historians, and tradition-keepers reclaim the power to tell their own stories
Family Workshops
Art-making and intergenerational activities celebrating our cultural heritage
Waterfront Celebration
1 PM - 10 PM at Middle Branch Park with drone show at 9:30 PM
Community Archive
Explore year-round archival exhibitions and multimedia storytelling
Festival Testimonials
What Leaders Are Saying

"You continue to love on our community and our community appreciates you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for all the leadership and all the work."
Wes Moore
Governor of Maryland
"Our arts matter. Black arts matter, and I'm so happy to be a supporter of this amazing event."
Brooke Lierman
Comptroller of Maryland

"Thank you Fanon and Navasha! I love this community."
Kwesi Mfume
United States Congressman
"The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival not only brings communities together through arts and culture; we bring people together by strengthening a community and a sense of heritage, legacy, and identity for the Cherry Hill community."
Phylicia Porter
Baltimore City Councilwoman, District 10
Media Coverage
In The News
Cherry Hill Arts Music Waterfront Festival
The 8th Annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Festival
The 8th Annual Cherry Hill Fest Returns — Here's What to Expect
Navasha Daya, Mighty Mark & Fanon Hill — Patapsco River Love at the 8th Annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
Cherry Hill Arts & Music Festival Returns in Time for the 4th of July
Hip Hop Legend Monie Love Headlines Cherry Hill Waterfront Festival
7th Annual Cherry Hill Arts Festival Set to Take Over Middle Branch Park
Youth Resiliency Institute Honors MedStar Harbor Staff After Brooklyn Homes Mass Shooting

Coming Soon
Cherry Hill Charm
The Youth Resiliency Institute & Platinum Producer and DJ Mighty Mark have partnered to release the soundtrack for the upcoming film "Cherry Hill Charm." The film tells the story of the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival at the convergence of the United States' 250th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of the movement that gave rise to Black History Month, the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Cherry Hill Homes public housing, and a decade of this Festival.
The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival celebrates the transformative power and healing potential of art and nature and the belief that every child, youth and family should have equitable access to high quality culturally responsive experiences and programming in the arts and ecology. Notably, in 2020, the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival made history as Baltimore City's first Arts & Music festival to transition to a virtual platform in response to the pandemic.
The "Cherry Hill Charm" original motion picture soundtrack showcases a blend of original musical compositions and historical audio excerpts. These excerpts include narratives from long-standing elder residents of the Cherry Hill community, offering a unique perspective focused on the heritage of one of America's most significant Black communities.
Stand Strong With Us
As a guardian of Black history and a beacon of community stewardship, the Youth Resiliency Institute invites you to claim your place in the 10th Anniversary of the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
Festival Policy
- ✓Family-friendly environment
- ✓Alcohol-free event
- ✓Free admission for all
- ✓Accessible parking available

