CultureCon 2026 is shaping up to be a major gathering for Black and multicultural creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Organizers have expanded this year’s speaker lineup, headlined by Oscar-winning actor and director Michael B. Jordan. The flagship event takes place on October 3-4 in Brooklyn, New York, and continues to set standards for cultural innovation, creative empowerment, and career growth.
Entrepreneur Imani Ellis founded CultureCon. The event operates under the 2026 theme “Museum of Us.” The festival serves as a dynamic ecosystem designed to celebrate creative voices, bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry leaders, and provide actionable tools for sustainable career building.
A Star-Studded Upgrade: Michael B. Jordan and New Additions
The addition of Michael B. Jordan brings major Hollywood pedigree to the Brooklyn stage. Jordan arrives at CultureCon following his Academy Award win for his role in Sinners, and ahead of his highly anticipated directorial project, The Thomas Crown Affair, which he stars in, directs, and produces. Attendees will get a rare, first-hand look into his evolving trajectory as a multi-hyphenate creative reshaping the entertainment landscape.
Jordan is not the only high-profile addition joining the 2026 roster. CultureCon has also added a talented mix of actors, musicians, and storytellers to the stage:
- Aaron Pierre: The breakout star of DC Studios’ Lanterns series, bringing fresh insights on breaking into major studio franchises.
- Wale: Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist known for his lyrical depth and long-standing connection to creative culture.
- Tobe Nwigwe: Visionary artist, actor, and entrepreneur recognized for his independent creative hustle and distinct visual branding.
Star Power Meets Cultural Impact: The Full Lineup
This new talent joins an established list of culture shifters across entertainment, sports, and media. The festival’s stages will feature intimate conversations, masterclasses, and panels with world-class leaders including:
- John Legend: EGOT-winning musician and social impact entrepreneur.
- Mahershala Ali: Two-time Academy Award winner sharing gems on mastercraft and storytelling longevity.
- Colin Kaepernick: Athlete, activist, and founder bringing discussions around audio storytelling and independent narrative control.
- Daniel Kaluuya: Oscar-winning actor and director championing creative equity.
- Niecy Nash-Betts: Emmy-winning actress sharing insights on career longevity, reinvention, and personal brand building.
- Sherri Shepherd, Miles Caton, Danessa Myricks, Rajah Caruth, Scott Evans, and Olandria Carthen: Industry trailblazers spanning journalism, beauty, motorsports, and digital media.
Unpacking the Theme: “Museum of Us”
This year’s theme, “Museum of Us,” reimagines how culture is archived, celebrated, and preserved in real time. Instead of looking at history solely through traditional institutions, CultureCon 2026 focuses on living legends, creative builders, and daily innovators who define the modern cultural canon.
The event goes beyond a standard celebrity conference by embedding direct economic and career opportunities throughout the weekend. The Brooklyn footprint features several distinct zones tailored for interactive learning and professional growth:
- Creative Business Stage & Founder Summit: Dedicated to helping small business owners scale operations, secure capital, and streamline digital strategies.
- Career Lounge: A high-touch talent hub connecting attendees directly with recruiters and hiring managers from top global companies like HBO Max and Nike.
- Small Business Market: A curated marketplace highlighting innovative Black-owned brands across fashion, beauty, literature, and lifestyle.
- Braindate Experience: Peer-to-peer networking sessions designed to foster meaningful one-on-one and small group mentorship connections.
Key Sponsor Activations and Interactive Spaces
CultureCon 2026 is supported by presenting sponsor Chase Ink, along with a wide network of corporate and community partners delivering custom activations across the festival floor:
- Chase Ink Founder Studio: An interactive hub offering small business insights, inspiration from seasoned founders, and direct tools to support entrepreneurial journeys.
- HBO Max Lanterns Lounge: A space inspired by the upcoming DC Studios series, featuring device charging stations, curated community discussions, and wellness offerings including green juice bars.
- Audible Audio Labs: Key sessions including “Beyond the Playbook: Colin Kaepernick on The Perilous Fight” alongside practical workshops on building a professional audio storytelling portfolio.
- Cricket Wireless “Stand Out” Stage: Panels focused on visibility, content strategy, and breaking through digital noise on your own terms.
- Lincoln Creator Collective: A featured conversation on “Flow State: Rest as a Creative Strategy,” highlighting creators like Joshua Kissi, Brittney Janae, and Nneka Julia.
- TikTok VIP Talent Lounge: An invitation-only space pairing talent and representatives directly with platform strategists for onboarding, education, and brand development.
CultureCon Week: Important Dates and Locations
The celebration extends far beyond the main weekend festival. To maximize community engagement, the event is preceded by a week of curated pop-ups and networking opportunities across New York City:
- CultureCon Week (September 28 – October 2, 2026): Five days of exclusive brand dinners, private film screenings, panel discussions, and neighborhood activations throughout NYC.
- Official Kickoff Party (October 2, 2026): An evening celebration setting the tone for the main weekend.
- CultureCon Main Event (October 3 – October 4, 2026): The primary two-day festival hosted in Brooklyn, New York, housing mainstage keynotes, interactive summits, and the Small Business Marketplace.
How to Prepare for CultureCon 2026
Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, a founder looking for investors, or a digital creator aiming to level up your content strategy, navigating CultureCon effectively requires a game plan:
- Update Your Resume and Portfolio: With major companies actively recruiting in the Career Lounge, ensure your digital resume, LinkedIn profile, and creative reels are polished and easily shareable via QR code.
- Pre-Book Braindates: Take advantage of the Braindate networking platform early to schedule peer-to-peer connections with creators who match your industry interests.
- Support Small Business: Allocate time to explore the Small Business Market, where independent founders showcase unique products and services.
- Arrive Early for Keynotes: Mainstage sessions featuring headline speakers like Michael B. Jordan, Colin Kaepernick, and Daniel Kaluuya fill up fast. Plan your daily itinerary in advance.
As Brooklyn prepares to welcome thousands of attendees this fall, CultureCon 2026 reinforces its standing as an essential hub for creative freedom, career acceleration, and cultural unity.
