The Madam Walker Legacy Center announced Nov. 14 that musical icon Teddy Riley will headline the 2026 Legacy Fest.
Joined by GUY 2.0, the 2026 Legacy Fest, kicks off June 19-20 along the historic Indiana Avenue corridor. The annual two-day festival, which celebrates Black excellence through music, culture, community and legacy, is presented in partnership with The Indianapolis Foundation. Tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster beginning at noon on Nov. 21.
“Legacy Fest is our love letter to the culture,” said Kristian Little Stricklen, president of the Madam Walker Legacy Center. “Bringing icons to Indiana Avenue reminds us that Black creativity has always shaped the world, and continues to thrive here in Indianapolis. Every ticket, every partnership, every moment of this weekend pushes our mission forward.”
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Each year, Legacy Fest aims to continue a nearly century-long tradition of championing arts, culture and community in Indianapolis. In addition to the Legacy Concert, the festival includes a free community block party on June 20, with live entertainment, education and cultural enrichment in the form of performances and meaningful dialogue to uplift the mission of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, according to a press release.
In preparation for the Historic Walker Theatre’s 99th anniversary, the 2026 Legacy Fest aims to shine a light on the ‘90s. Riley joins the line-up of performing artists as a trailblazing musician who “boldly represents that era,” including co-writing and producing hits from “Remember the Time” with Michael Jackson to “Rump Shaker” with Wreckx-n-Effect, and “pioneering the iconic ‘New Jack Swing’ sound,’” according to a press release.
Madam Walker Legacy Center will also present Riley with the Icon Award during the Legacy Concert, which kicks off the weekend on June 19, to honor his musical and cultural impact.
Proceeds from Legacy Fest will support the Madam Walker Legacy Center’s cultural and educational programs, ensuring the preservation of Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy while creating pathways in arts, education, civic engagement and entrepreneurship for future generations, according to a press release.
For more information about Legacy Fest or to purchase tickets, visit madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
