The 5th Annual Michael Jackson Tribute Festival of the Arts kicks off Thursday, Aug. 28, and will go on for three days in celebration of the late King of Pop’s birthday.

The Michael Jackson Tribute Festival of the Arts

While fans all over the world celebrate Jackson’s birthday on Aug. 29, the Michael Jackson Tribute Festival of the Arts takes place in the area surrounding Jackson’s childhood home and was spearheaded by Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson. Katherine Jackson and Jackson’s children are set to attend the three-day festival in Gary, Ind.

“She [Katherine Jackson] wants to set something in place that will be something to commemorate and celebrate Michael’s legacy,” said event promoter Karvin Johnson.

What began as a block party on Jackson St, where the old Jackson family home is located, has grown into a citywide event. The festivities kick off Thursday at the local Roosevelt High School, located directly behind the Jackson home, where a student orchestra and choir will perform a Michael Jackson medley.

Local artists and performers will be featured throughout the festival, which is expected to draw around 5,000 people to the town. On Saturday, the festival will also host a car show and a dance competition judged by Jackson’s children.

The festival is meant to encourage and foster creativity, especially in children, and the kids pavilion will feature carnival games, face painting stations and a petting zoo.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.