The second annual RISE Fest, presented by the Tejemos Foundation, is scheduled for Sunday, March 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Great Lawn in Pease Park. The event celebrates Austin’s Black freedom communities and is organized by Pease Park Conservancy, The Rise Project, and Outreach Productions.
Austin’s Freedom Communities were established by formerly enslaved people after Emancipation. These neighborhoods became important centers of Black culture and community. Residents built homes, churches, schools, and businesses that supported generations.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to participate in activities such as music performances, food offerings, and discussions. Highlights include a performance by the Sweet Home Baptist Church choir, a DJ set by Ajah Monet, call-and-response poetry with Zell Miller, and appearances from featured guests Ms. Vessie and Ms. Flo.
Interactive booths will be provided by organizations including Rise ATX, Betelhem Makonnen, Norris Explores, Clarksville Community Development Corporation, Third SPACES, Painting with Rhea Rose, Raising Roots Gardening, The Austin History Center, Bethany Cemetery, Black Austin Tours, and Pease Park Conservancy. There will also be shopping opportunities with Blur Boutique, So Curious, and Chak Therapy.
Pease Park Conservancy secures private funding to support park maintenance and programming beyond what city resources provide (official website). The organization promotes inclusivity by keeping the park accessible for all visitors while encouraging community engagement through various initiatives (official website). Pease Park Conservancy manages public parkland along Shoal Creek that includes trails and gathering spaces (official website). It serves as the official partner with the City of Austin for ongoing care of Pease Park (official website) and oversees 84 acres of public land in central Austin (official website). Its mission is to restore and maintain Pease Park as a dynamic natural and cultural resource for the public (official website).
