The sun is out, and the heat is on. Summer time is the best time to break out your suitcase and head to the nation's hot spots for festivals, family reunions, and fun. Start your summer off with the 2006 National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA with soul sista Angie Stone at the opening ceremony on July 14.

Here's a preview of summer events in your area:

Indiana Black Expo
Indianapolis, IN
July 13-15, 2006
Indiana Black Expo is more than just a once-a-year event, but it's the ever-popular July festival that places the organization in front of everyone's eyes. There are plenty of events to suit everyone's taste. Alongside music and entertainment, you can meet a host of employers at the WTHR TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair, or get a screening and health information at the Black & Minority Health Fair. There's plenty to keep the kids entertained at the NCAA Kids' World, an indoor area with tons of activities for the little ones. Other highlights include a talent competition, art exhibits and the 'Hip Hop to Chic' fashion show.
Event website: More on AOL CityGuide

O’Jays Celebration Weekend
Canton, OH
July 14-16, 2006
The 3-day celebration will feature a Scholarship Banquet; Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Glenmoor Country Club; a free O’Jays Concert hosted by the Canton Chamber of Commerce; a family reunion-style gathering and rededication of the O’Jays Parkway in Northeast Canton; talent showcases: events for the children including, games, rides, petting zoo, pony rides and free hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. The weekend celebration is to pay a special tribute to The O’Jays who have paved the way for many artists in the music industry.
Event website: More information

National Black Arts Festival
Atlanta, GA
July 14-23, 2006
In its 18th year, the National Black Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the art and artists of the African Diaspora. Taking place over 10 days, in venues throughout the city, the festival features a plethora of music, dance, theater, film, literature, and visual arts.
Event website: www.nbaf.org

American Black Film Festival
Miami, FL
July 19-23, 2006
Each summer more than 2,500 movie lovers unite for five inspiring days filled with premiers, workshops, panels, live entertainment, awards and prizes facilitating collaboration, education, and deal making.
Event website: www.abff.com

Harlem Book Fair
Harlem, NY
July 22, 2006
Over 50,000 people are expected to attend the 8th annual Harlem Book Fair, Saturday, July 22, on West 135th Street, between 5th and 7th Avenues, from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Publishers, writers, literacy vendors will exhibit and author panel discussions will be televised by C-Span’s Book TV.
Event website: www.harlembookfair.com

Roxbury Film Festival
July 26-30, 2006
Boston, MA
Featuring films, documentaries and short films written, produced, and directed by filmmakers of color; various Boston locations.
Event website: www.roxburyfilmfestival.org

Harlem Week
July 28 – September 3, 2006
Harlem, NY
Annual event featuring Harlem Jazz Fest, Historic Black College Fair, Junior Tennis Classic, Gymnastics Gala, Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Family Unity Day Festival, Black Film Festival, Children's Festival, fashion shows and much more in various Harlem locations.
Event website: www.harlemdiscover.com/harlemweek

Bimbé Cultural Festival
July 29-30, 2006
Durham, NC
This festival features African-American music and arts and is one of the oldest cultural festivals in the country. Its also the region's most comprehensive celebration of music, art, and dance, held at the Historic Durham Athletic Park.
Event website: www.durham-nc.com

MoCADA Film Festivals
Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts
August 2006
Brooklyn, NY
Every August, MoCADA partners with the African Film Festival to produce the Annual KIDflix Film Fest of Bed-Stuy and the Annual FAMflix Film Fest of Brownsville. The films that are selected represent a unique reflection of the challenges and triumphs that people of color all over the world are facing.
Event website: www.mocada.org

Afro Solo Festival
August 1 – September 16, 2006
San Francisco, CA
The AfroSolo Theatre Company celebrates its thirteenth annual, AfroSolo Arts Festival, a celebration of African American artists giving voice to the Black experience, August 1 through September 16, at two venues in San Francisco, CA. The title of this year's festival is United In Health: Artists, Health Workers and Community.
Event Website: www.afrosolo.org

Umoja Family Festival of African Heritage
August 4-6, 2006
Seattle, WA
The Umoja Family Festival of African Heritage is a three-day festival that includes musical entertainment of all varieties, children group performances, dance, oration, national recording artists, food, bargains, and plenty of fun.
Event website: www.seeseattle.org

African World Festival
Milwaukee, WI
August 4-6, 2006
Henry Maier Festival Park
An annual celebration of African heritage and culture. It is their mission to promote and share the culture and heritage of all people of African descent with the global community.Their festival represents and celebrates the wonders and contributions of all Africans and African descendants. The festival educates its attendees about African life and rituals through its cultural village and opening ceremony festivities.
Event website: www.africanworldfestival-milwaukee.com

Watts Summer Festival
August 11-13, 2006
Watts, CA
The Watts Summer Festival is one of the oldest African American cultural festivals in the United States. Features include an art exhibit, business exhibits, carnival, children's village, concerts, fashion show, film festival, and more.
Event website: www.wattsfestival.org

Bud Billiken Parade
August 12, 2006
Chicago, IL
One of the oldest African American parades and the largest of its type in the nation, the Bud Billiken Parade has been held on the 2nd Saturday of August since 1945. The parade begins at 39th Street and King Drive, attracts over one million spectators and 150,000 parade participants. The parade celebrates children and the return to school.
Event website: www.budbillikenparade.com

MidWest Regional Black Family Reunion
Cincinnati, OH
August 18-20, 2006
The 18th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion Celebration will be held August 18th through the 20th, at Sawyer Point. This outdoor event continues to grow and is now one of Cincinnati's largest family-focused events drawing over 100,000 patrons.
Event website: www.midwestbfrc.com

African Marketplace and Cultural Faire
August 18 – September 4, 2006
Los Angeles, CA
An annual festival attracting over 250,000 people, featuring music, food, health fair, children's activities, film festival, tennis tournament, technology village and more.
Event website: www.africanmarketplace.org

Columbus Culture Fest
Columbus, OH
August 25, 2006
The Culture Fest is free to all and everyone is encouraged to attend a day full of attraction, ethnic foods, dance and music. This day is focused on educating everyone about the many different cultures around the world.
Event website: Columbus Culture Fest

Art & Soul Festival
September 2-4, 2006
Oakland, CA
A celebration of the city's arts community featuring live performances of music and dance, visual art children's activities, and art vendors.
Event website: www.artandsouloakland.com

Black Family Reunion
Washington, D.C.
September 9-10, 2006
The Black Family Reunion is a two-day festival held each September on the National Mall in Washington, DC that celebrates the strength and values of African American families. The festival, sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., includes free concerts, arts and crafts, an international marketplace, health screenings, food and activities for kids.
Event website: www.ncnw.org

Check out more events in your area this summer with AOL CityCuide

Planning a family reunion this summer? Check out this guide.