More than 150,000 people will descend on Baltimore for five action-packed days of basketball, entertainment, and networking when the nation’s oldest African American athletic conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, hosts its 2026 CIAA Championship Basketball Tournament. The CIAA extends the celebration beyond the courts with a two-day FREE Fan Fest. A popular site to meet and get in the spirit, Fan Fest offers music, food, dance, and socializing.

 

Band competitions, cheer competitions, step shows, and concerts on both days are among the activities to be found at the Baltimore Convention Center. Held in conjunction with the CIAA men's and women's basketball tournament (Feb. 24th - 28th), Fan Fest appeals to a diverse demographic of alumni from the CIAA’s 12 member institutions, alumni from the nation’s HBCU’s and fans of all ages.