PearlFest has been the highlight of our calendar, offering a free, joyous celebration at Chicago’s picturesque Oakwood/39th Street Beach. The festival blends live music, celebrity appearances, food, and activities for all ages, drawing in thousands of attendees. It stands as a global-scale festival, showcasing international music and highlighting local Chicago talent.

Our past celebrations have included an impressive roster of artists. PearlFest 2008 saw performances by George Duke & Chante Moore; PearlFest 2009 featured Dianne Reeves & Lalah Hathaway; and in 2010, we welcomed Oleta Adams & Esperanza Spalding. More recently, PearlFest 2014 showcased Rachelle Ferrell, Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, and Leela James; and in 2015, we had Oleta Adams, Diane Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Jose James. Notably, the 2013 Chaka Khan 40th Anniversary Concert at Millennium Park was a monumental event.

The 25th anniversary of PearlFest in 2019 was a landmark event in our history. GRAMMY award-winning musician Terri Lyne Carrington served as the musical producer. The festival featured an eclectic mix of artists including Robert Glasper, Avery Sunshine, Lizz Wright, and Nona Hendryx, offering a day-long celebration of music, community, and culture.

As we reminisce about these incredible moments, we continue to be inspired by the role of PearlFest in bringing together our community, celebrating cultural diversity, and supporting the arts in Chicago. The proceeds from these festivals have been pivotal in sustaining our mission of teaching the "business of art" and enriching the lives of those we serve. Plans for a 30th-anniversary celebration are still in the works and we look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition, creating more unforgettable memories and impactful experiences for our community.