2026 cbuswgFest Schedule
Check back often as we continue to add entertainers, artists and speakers!
1:00 PM - Welcome
DR. ELAINE RICHARDSON
AKA DR. E
Founder and Board Chair, Education Foundation for Freedom
The 2026 Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest begins with a warm welcome from Dr. Elaine Richardson—affectionately known as Dr. E. A visionary educator, author, performer and community advocate, Dr. E created this celebration to uplift the voices, creativity and brilliance of women and girls throughout our community.
Follow us https://www.instagram.com/edforfreedom/
1:15 PM - Opening Prayer
REVEREND DR. YVETTE S. WEAVER
Associate Pastor, Second Baptist Church
Bronzeville, King-Lincoln District
Reverend Dr. Yvette S. Weaver will open the festival in prayer, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with joy, purpose, unity and celebration.
A pillar of the Bronzeville and King-Lincoln District, her ministry and community leadership reflect a deep commitment to faith, service and the empowerment of others. Through her dedicated work at Second Baptist Church and beyond, she has become a transformative force for social justice and spiritual growth, fostering an environment where every individual is encouraged to realize their divine potential and contribute to the collective flourishing of the Columbus community.
COMMUNITY LUNCH & LEARN
Community Lunch & Learn educational workshops will take place inside the Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center.
These engaging sessions will bring community members together for learning, meaningful conversation and shared discovery.
Pre-registration is now closed.
1:20 pM - DJ For The Fest
DJ I AM UNECC
Get ready to move! DJ I Am Unecc is bringing the beats, the vibe and the energy all afternoon long. From the opening moments to the final celebration, she’ll keep the festival soundtrack lively, joyful and full of music that makes you want to dance.
1:25 PM - Andrew Bell Performing Arts Dance Company
Through the power of movement, Andrew Bell Performing Arts Dance Company broadens perspectives, builds confidence and creates pathways to possibility. Their dancers bring passion, discipline and vibrant energy to the stage through performances designed to inspire audiences of every age.
1:30 PM - Mal V Moo
Mal V Moo draws audiences closer to peace, purpose and God’s presence through heartfelt Christian R&B. Through songwriting, recording and live performance, Mal V Moo blends faith, soul and personal testimony into music created to encourage, uplift and inspire.
1:40 PM - Jordan Hope
Classically trained in opera and commercial vocals, Jordan Hope is a rising recording artist with a voice built to captivate. Her versatile sound moves effortlessly through R&B, funk, rock and more, delivering a performance filled with power, range and undeniable star quality.
UNSUNG HERO AWARD PRESENTATION
& PERFORMANCE
1:50 PM - Genene Blackwell
Think of Genene Blackwell as Stevie Wonder’s grand-goddaughter! A gifted singer and musician with a joyful, soulful style, Genene brings warmth and musical magic wherever she performs. Join us as we celebrate an outstanding community hero and enjoy a special performance from this remarkable artist.
2:00 PM - COLUMBUS ADVENTIST ACADEMY CHOIR
Prepare to be uplifted by the nearly 100 voices of the Columbus Adventist Academy Choir. Featuring students from kindergarten through 10th grade, this highly acclaimed youth ensemble fills the stage with harmony, energy and inspiring music sure to brighten your spirit and make your day.
2:30 PM - Festival Host
Leah Henry
She’s back! National media personality, on-air host and multimedia producer Leah Henry returns to the Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest. Best known for her viral entertainment brand, Leah’s Lemonade, Leah brings her infectious personality, quick wit and unmistakable energy to the stage as our festival host.
2:40 PM - Quan Howell
A commanding vocalist with an extraordinary musical résumé, Quan Howell is the lead vocalist for the three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness. His credits include Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion and performances with Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ann Nesby and Rod Stewart.
Prepare for a powerful performance from
Quan Howell
3:05 PM - Pickett Sisters
It’s time to groove, move and get on your feet! The Pickett Sisters bring high-energy line dancing to the festival, creating an interactive experience that welcomes everyone to join the fun. Whether you know every step or are learning as you go, come ready to dance!
3:30 PM - Sassy Bow Flow
FEATURING ANGIE GREEN
Sassy Bow Flow delivers classical skill with contemporary flair. Violinist Angie Green has shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, August Alsina, MC Kurtis Blow and R&B singer Christopher Williams. Her dynamic performances transform the violin into a bold, expressive voice that crosses genres and captivates audiences.
3:45 PM - Yaw Grey
Rock with Yaw Grey, a Ghanaian recording artist, songwriter and performer from Accra, Ghana. His distinctive music blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B and soul into a fresh sound all his own. Expect global rhythms, vibrant energy and a performance that connects cultures through music.
4:05 PM - AWARD-WINnING
YOUNG ORATORs
MALEYA BLAKE & ALI RUSSELL
Experience the power of young voices as Maleya Blake and Ali Russell take the stage. These local and State of Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Award-winning orators use confidence, insight and compelling words to honor Dr. King’s legacy and inspire audiences to imagine what is possible.
4:15 PM - ETHIOPIAN TEWAHEDO DANCERS
The Ethiopian Tewahedo Dancers bring the vibrancy, beauty and soul of Ethiopia to the festival through movement. Their performance celebrates cultural tradition, community and the power of dance to connect generations and introduce audiences to the richness of Ethiopian heritage.
4:30 PM - WOMEN & GIRLS’ TRIVIA
HOSTED BY SAGE
& JASPER CLEMETSON
Think you know the women and girl-identified leaders who have changed history, transformed communities and shaped our world? Put your knowledge to the test with Sage and Jasper Clemetson, two young men of excellence who will lead an exciting round of trivia.
Play along, learn something new and win prizes!
4:50 PM - BALLET FOLCLÓRICO XOCHIHUa
Experience the color, movement and cultural richness of Mexico with Ballet Folclórico Xochihua. This dynamic ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mexican heritage through traditional dance, vibrant regional costumes and music that represents the beauty and diversity of Mexico’s many regions.
5:05 PM - AR!YAH
AR!YAH is a powerhouse songstress, recording artist and actress who commands the stage with impassioned vocals and a theatrical, emotional and spiritual presence. Her performances combine artistry, vulnerability and strength, creating moments that audiences do not simply hear—they feel.
5:25 PM - SPECIAL
FESTIVAL PRESENTATION
More details will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for another exciting addition to the 2026 Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest lineup!
5:50 PM - EMPOWERING YOUNG VOICES
Empowering Young Voices is a youth-focused arts and leadership program that helps young people discover the power of creative expression. Their showcase will feature visual artistry, dance, vocals and poetry—celebrating imagination, confidence and the brilliance of the next generation.
Prepare to be inspired to higher heights!
6:05 PM - FESTIVAL FINALE
(Featured Artist)
TANK & NORMAN
OF TANK AND THE BANGAS
Close out the festival with Grammy-winning, genre-defying artistry from Tank and Norman of Tank and the Bangas!
Centered around the extraordinary talent and womanhood of lead vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the group blends R&B, jazz, hip-hop, funk and spoken word into an unforgettable sound. Tank is a nationally acclaimed slam poet whose magnetic stage presence is matched by Norman’s multi-instrumental musicianship.
Expect bold creativity, powerful storytelling and a finale unlike anything else.
Outstanding Columbus Women & Girl Fest Artists Who Make Our Celebration Special
KIARA BOOKER
ARTKIARAB LLC
Owner of ArtKiaraB LLC, Kiara primarily works in acrylic, oil, and mixed media to celebrate Black women, identity, emotion, culture, and personal transformation.
This year Kiara will offer “Threads of Culture Collaborative Mural.” Participants will help paint designated portions of a pre-sketched cultural garden mural featuring flowers, butterflies, roots, and diverse figures.
Each participant will also select a colorful yarn strand and create a flower, butterfly, leaf, or cultural tag featuring their name or a word representing what connects them to their culture, family, or community. The yarn pieces will be attached around the mural to visually connect each participant’s individual contribution to the completed artwork.
MISS LADYBUG
Miss Ladybug prides herself on Changing places by Changing faces!
Visit her booth to have your face painted by one of Columbus’ most cherished artists! Miss Ladybug’s Unlimited Creativity (MLBUC) is not a one stop shop for Creativity but one for Originality.
DIAMONDGRL
Visit DiamondGrl’s booth and step into a world of creativity! This multi-talented artist brings together face painting, visual artistry, music and live performance in one unforgettable experience.
Explore her original creations, have your face painted and keep your ears open—she might even create a song about you right on the spot!
PRISCILLA WOODSON
LADY SOULSTRESS
Priscilla Woodson, also known as Lady Soulstress, is an international performing artist, singer-songwriter, certified life coach, pastor, author and mental health and wellness advocate.
As this year’s stage manager, Pastor Priscilla helps keep the celebration flowing while offering encouragement, mentorship and a good word wherever she goes. Her warmth, wisdom and uplifting spirit make her an invaluable part of the festival experience.
