Since its inception, Dreamville Fest has stood as a beacon of Black excellence, celebrating the resilience and rich traditions of the Black community through the universal language of music. While it remains a vibrant hub for Black culture, the festival embraces inclusivity, welcoming all to experience its dynamic energy and artistry.

On Dec. 10, 2024, it was announced that this year’s Dreamville Fest would be the fifth and final festival. 

Held at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, Dreamville Fest was founded by North Carolina native J. Cole, first gracing the city in 2018. The festival is named after Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records, founded in 2007. The label, much like the festival, features a roster of rising and seasoned artists including JID, Omen, EarthGang and Ari Lennox. 

In Dreamville Fest’s Instagram post announcing the final fest, they shared, “From the very beginning, the idea behind the fest was creating a place where our fans, the Dreamville community, could spend time together, a place where they could see themselves reflected, a place to share in experiences.”

Some speculate the festival is coming to an end due to rumors of J. Cole’s retirement, with his next album perhaps symbolically titled “The Fall Off”. Additionally, in his new single “cLOUDs” released on Feb. 20, Cole raps “Gray hairs, I’m aging, quicker than I thought I’d be.” Others believe the festival’s end is simply due to a contract coming to an end. 

Regardless, the festival’s close and J. Cole’s potential retirement is a tragic loss to the rap game. Cole has introduced an undeniably unique blend of humility, raw emotion and honest storytelling to hip-hop — qualities that have become increasingly rare with the rise of drill and trap music. 

Immediately following his headlining performance at the 2019 Dreamville Festival, J. Cole sat down for an interview with TIDAL and discussed the conception of the festival.

 “So then we started looking at Raleigh and looking around like, ‘Yo its a void here. It’s a void in Carolina period for this type of thing,’” Cole said.

He was right. 

Dreamville Fest has had an incredible impact on North Carolina’s economy, specifically in Raleigh. The City of Raleigh reported that Dreamville Fest brought in $145.9 million in total economic impact, alongside the creation of about 1327 jobs in 2023. 

Although the loss of the festival will no doubt hurt Raleigh, the City of Raleigh issued the following statement to WRAL. 

“We are continuing our discussions with producers for the current Dreamville festival to bring future versions of this big-name, high energy, international event to Dix Park. … We believe Raleigh’s reputation as a music destination will continue to grow in 2026 and for years to come,” said Julia Milstead, City of Raleigh public information officer.

If you have seen me around the Technician office, I have likely been wearing my 2024 Dreamville Fest black hoodie — it was $100, you better believe I’m wearing it every day. I had the privilege of attending day one of the festival last year as a photographer. Immediately entering the festival grounds, I took in an expansive view of what felt like an aesthetically pleasing state fair. 

Holding two stages, a Ferris wheel, countless food trucks and even some brand-sponsored lounges, it’s safe to say Dreamville Fest can meet all your festival dreams. Impressively, the festival had its own app, featuring an interactive map of the grounds highlighting key spots like restrooms and medical tents. As my first festival experience, it did not disappoint. When I wasn’t taking photos, I was listening to Teezo Touchdown on a picnic blanket, or holding back tears during SZA’s nautical-inspired performance. 

The lineup for 2025 has yet to be announced, but I am predicting and praying these artists will headline the stages on April 5 and 6: Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, The Creator, Doechii and BigXthaPlug. Smaller artists I hope to make an appearance are Young Nudy, BossMan Dlow, Monaleo, Rich The Kid, PinkPantheress, JT, TiaCorine and Jay Critch.

Despite the festival’s tragic ending, Dreamville Fest will be remembered for what it is — a lively and vivid center in the heart of North Carolina, celebrating community, culture and the richness of Black identity.

For more information on attending Dreamville Fest, visit its website.