Photo credit: ABFF
The ABFF Pop Up Tour 2026 cities dates became official on July 8 after NICE CROWD, the company behind the American Black Film Festival, announced the lineup. The tour begins in Washington, DC, from September 25 to 27. It then heads to New York City on October 10 and 11, Atlanta on October 24 and 25, and Houston on November 7 and 8. Washington, DC, and Houston join the tour for the first time this year, expanding the event beyond its successful inaugural run. Each weekend features award-winning independent films, celebrity conversations, and curated panels that celebrate the spirit of ABFF. As a result, audiences across four major U.S. cities can experience the festival without traveling to a single annual event.
Ally Financial returns as the founding national sponsor for the 2026 tour. HBO also continues its role as a national presenting sponsor. Erica Hughes, Senior Director of PR at Ally Financial, said the company supports the tour because it creates meaningful conversations about identity, community, and financial well-being. Together, the sponsors strengthen the tour’s cultural impact while investing in the communities it serves.
The full venue lineup for each city on the tour
The ABFF Pop Up Tour 2026 visits four venues across the country. The tour opens at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market in Washington, DC, from September 25 to 27. It then moves to AMC Lincoln Square in New York City on October 10 and 11. Next, audiences will gather at AMC Madison Yards in Atlanta on October 24 and 25. Finally, the tour concludes at Regal Edwards Houston Marq’E on November 7 and 8. Each venue sits in a vibrant neighborhood, making it easier for local audiences to attend and engage with the festival.
Nicole Friday, President and Co-Founder of NICE CROWD, called the expansion a natural extension of ABFF’s mission. She said the Pop Up Tour allows the organization to bring the festival experience directly to more communities. She also explained that every stop combines outstanding films, meaningful conversations, and the strong sense of community that defines ABFF. The expanded schedule reflects the organization’s commitment to serving audiences in multiple creative markets.
Why the ABFF Pop Up Tour matters for Black film and culture
Jeff Friday founded the American Black Film Festival in 1997. Since then, the festival has become one of the entertainment industry’s leading celebrations of Black film and television. Every year, it brings together filmmakers, actors, executives, brands, and audiences to celebrate creativity and innovation. The Pop Up Tour extends that mission by bringing films and discussions directly to communities throughout the year. This year’s addition of Washington, DC, and Houston reflects both the success of the inaugural tour and growing audience demand. The expansion also strengthens ABFF’s presence beyond its flagship festival.
The strong response to the 2025 tour encouraged organizers to expand quickly. Washington, DC, adds another important destination because of its rich Black cultural and creative history. Houston also gives the tour access to one of America’s fastest-growing and most diverse metropolitan areas. The city will also attract global attention during the FIFA World Cup. By adding both cities, ABFF reaches audiences during an especially active cultural season.
How to follow updates and access programming
ABFF will announce additional films, panels, and special events in the coming weeks. Fans can visit abffpopup.com to view schedules and programming updates. They can also follow @ABFF on X and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook for the latest announcements. NICE CROWD also shares updates about its events through its official website. These platforms help attendees plan their visits well before each tour stop.
Ally Financial’s continued support highlights the growing influence of ABFF within Black culture. The company says the partnership creates opportunities to connect conversations about culture and finance. That approach reflects a broader trend among major brands that want meaningful relationships with Black audiences. HBO also continues to support the tour as a national presenting sponsor. Together, these partnerships give the 2026 ABFF Pop Up Tour strong backing as it prepares for the fall season.
Source: NICE CROWD / The Lede Company press release
About the Author
